Creating Email Newsletter from Word

[MarkStrobel3367]

Using Word 2003, I created a flyer that I would like to use as an email newsletter. I am not sure how to do this or if it could be done. I tried converting the document to image files using free online converters. But, the resolution quality is quite diminished. Is there a way that I could create an email newsletter from a 2003 Word document? Thanks.

[Ulodesk]

Depending on what kinds of formatting you intend, Word may not be the ideal application for your purpose. The primary issue is typically page composition, which is the domain of applications such as MS Publisher and, of course, Adobe InDesign. There are surely free applications as well. Because Word doesn't operate fundamentally on the basis of page layout, dealing with multi-column layouts can be more trouble than it's worth.

[MarkStrobel3367]

Originally Posted by Ulodesk

Depending on what kinds of formatting you intend, Word may not be the ideal application for your purpose. The primary issue is typically page composition, which is the domain of applications such as MS Publisher and, of course, Adobe InDesign. There are surely free applications as well. Because Word doesn't operate fundamentally on the basis of page layout, dealing with multi-column layouts can be more trouble than it's worth.

Thank you for your feedback. Would a later version of Word work for this purpose? If so, can I purchase a later version of Word without having to purchase the entire Office?

[macropod]

Cross-posted at: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/o...f-bd5980704e91
For cross-posting etiquette, please read: http://www.excelguru.ca/content.php?184

[macropod]

I've never encountered any problems doing multi-column page layouts in Word - including for newsletters (which I've done many of, over the years). The real problem you're likely to run into, though, is that Word documents are liable to change layout slightly when viewed on different computers due to Word's use of the active printer driver to optimise the layout. Accordingly, you're always better off distributing PDFs.

Since you're using Word 2003, you'll need a 3rd-party program to create PDFs from a Word document. Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 is available as a free download (see: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/46...at-8-free.html - note the serial# mentioned there). Updates, to bring it up to 8.3.1 are available from: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/acrobat/win/8.x/

Note 1: If you install the updates, you need to install them in order (8.1.0>8.1.1, etc.) and, although three of them will prompt to reboot, you don't need to do so until all of the updates are installed. Your AV software may also mis-identify a print spooler in the last few updates as potential viruses - just tell it to accept them as legit.

Note 2: If you want to use Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 as a Print Driver, you'll need to go to Start>Devices and Printers>Adobe PDF>Right-Click>Printer Properties>Advanced, then click the 'Print Directly to Printer' radio button.

As for purchasing a later version of Word, the current version is Word 2016 and you'll need to license an edition of the Office 2016 suite to get it. For licensing & pricing options, see: https://products.office.com/en-us/products/

[Ulodesk]

Paul's advice, as usual, is on the mark. I would only suggest, regarding mutli-column layouts, that for the relative novice, keeping pictures in place in some kinds of layouts, and managing column lengths, can be frustrating when approached without an understanding of what may cause problems.

One free page-layout program is here:
http://www.serif.com/desktop-publishing-software/

This will also have it's learning curve, of course, and a page layout program is structured differently from a word-processing one. However, in my experience, Serif does a good job with tools and tutorials, and provides templates that may be useful. Devoting a couple of hours at the outset to get a grasp of the method of approach, just as with Word, will save many hours of difficulty later.

[macropod]

Originally Posted by Ulodesk

I would only suggest, regarding mutli-column layouts, that for the relative novice, keeping pictures in place in some kinds of layouts, and managing column lengths, can be frustrating when approached without an understanding of what may cause problems.

The trick there is to insert all the pics in-line to start with and only finalise the layout, including using other wrap formats, if necessary, once the text editing has finished. And, when you start the layout work, always start at the first page and work your way through to the last page; any other way is a short path to grief.

[MarkStrobel3367]

Originally Posted by Ulodesk

Paul's advice, as usual, is on the mark. I would only suggest, regarding mutli-column layouts, that for the relative novice, keeping pictures in place in some kinds of layouts, and managing column lengths, can be frustrating when approached without an understanding of what may cause problems.

One free page-layout program is here:
http://www.serif.com/desktop-publishing-software/

This will also have it's learning curve, of course, and a page layout program is structured differently from a word-processing one. However, in my experience, Serif does a good job with tools and tutorials, and provides templates that may be useful. Devoting a couple of hours at the outset to get a grasp of the method of approach, just as with Word, will save many hours of difficulty later.

Thank you so much for this info. I haven't yet downloaded the PagePlus Starter Edition. However, I plan to. Will this software allow me to design eflyers and email newsletters?