Hi zBret! I used InDesign's data merge for awhile but found it clunky to use. So I bought FusionPro desktop when they had it on sale for $299 (it's now $599 I think- still a good price compared to some of the other programs). I looked into Printshop Mail but didn't think I needed to spend $900 for the small and infrequent VDP jobs I do, although that is starting to change. I tried a demo of Printshop Mail and liked how it ripped the static info once and the variable info on the fly so my machine can run at rated speed. I can't seem to get FusionPro to do that. It exports as a PDF and can be a problem to rip. I have gotten it to go directly to the printer once and it seemed to print fast; but the fonts were all wrong. I bought it because it was highly recommeded (and affordable for a micro shop like me). Once I figured out how to use it (you have to pay extra for training) it was easy and fun to use. It also has a very handy imposition feature. I use that A LOT, even for my static jobs!
I hope this helps!
Keith
We looked at a couple apps, but InDesign will handle pretty much everything except conditional formatting. I can't justify the cost/time associated with using another app. I'm not sure how you define big, but the largest file we've done was about 5m pages and 420m data points. That got a bit hairy for InDesign to handle, but all in all it went ok. For smaller things, it works just fine.
A 30-day Fix for Managed Chaos
As any print professional knows, printing can be managed chaos. Software that solves multiple problems and provides measurable and monetizable value has a direct impact on the bottom-line. “We reduced order entry costs by about 40%.” Significant savings in a shop that turns about 500 jobs a month. Learn how……. |