Seems like this might be a good time to remind everyone to check out the HUGELY discounted software packages available to nonprofits via TechSoup www.techsoup.org. ). Personally we used Photoshop, Illustrator, and Quark. Each have strengths and weaknesses.... if the label/graphic panel is mostly photographic I use Photoshop. If it's more text, then you are better off with Quark, Illustrator, or some "desktop publishing-type" software (publisher should work just fine). It's good advice to talk with your printer/print shop. See what software they have, and what requirements (sizes, resolutions, colors, etc) have they found work best. - David - David Lewis, Curator Aurora Regional Fire Museum www.AuroraRegionalFireMuseum.org -----Original Message----- From: Waterbury, Cristin <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Tue, Jan 12, 2010 8:30 am Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Software recommendations? I don't know if you are printing your panels in-house or not, but if you have them printed elsewhere, you might check with your printer about software and file types. We use a local printer to print and mount basic inexpensive panels for us and have always used MS Publisher, but it has proven rather problematic. Inevitably in the process of getting the files to the printer something always gets lost in the translation (usually formatting) and doesn't quite come out right on the other end. This has resulted in having to reprint panels and labels at the very last minute, sometimes in time for the exhibit opening and sometimes not. Not fun! We're hoping to be able to have different software in place before our next exhibit... budget willing. Cristin J. Waterbury Registrar/Collections Manager Wisconsin Maritime Museum www.wisconsinmaritime.org -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lenora Henson Sent: 12 January 2010 13:26 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Software recommendations? Hi Everyone - I'm looking for recommendations in terms of inexpensive (free?) design/layout software. When we develop small(er) exhibits in-house, I end up designing the exhibit panels, etc. Because the program is installed on my computer, I've always used Microsoft Publisher, but it seems like there should be "something better" out there. What are other museums using to design/layout exhibit panels? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Lenora ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- Lenora M. Henson Curator - Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site 641 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 884-0095 x14 Fax: (716) 884-0330 www.TRSite.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).