Calamus SL

What Calamus SL is

Calamus SL is a frame-based publishing layout system for Windows and macOS, with text, image and vector editing inside a document. Users can work with these elements in layouts and mask frames, while optional modules add functions to its modular design. Typography tools include micro and macro typographical functions and EDDIE, an integrated text editor. Its macro recorder can capture nearly every available function and assign the recorded work to a keystroke. The Calipso module imports PostScript data from other applications as editable content; Calipso 3 PRO imports PDFs with editable text, images and vector graphics. Calamus SoftRipping uses the same routines for screen and printer or typesetter output, and supports mixed raster types on one page, including FM raster. Listed capabilities include PDF export, master pages, preflight tools and color management; the collaboration level is none. The maker advertises a 30-day free trial for the Calamus LE Lite Edition. Listed one-time prices are 50.00 EUR for Calamus LE 2015, 199.00 EUR for Calamus SL 2015 Release 4 and 999.00 EUR for the SLC 2015 Complete Edition. Downloads of the listed full releases require a matching paid matchcode. The maker's price list displays “Company closed.”

Who it suits

Calamus SL may suit publishers who need frame-based page layout with integrated text, image and vector editing. Its import modules and print-output tools are relevant to workflows involving PostScript, PDFs or typesetter output.

Limits

Calamus LE Lite Edition has a 30-day free trial, followed by a listed registration price of €50, paid once. Calamus SL 2015 Release 4 costs €199, paid once, and the SLC 2015 Complete Edition costs €999, paid once; downloads of the listed full versions require a matching paid matchcode.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.calamus.net/.
2. Choose Windows or macOS.
3. Try the Calamus LE Lite Edition for 30 days before registration.
4. Select a listed edition: Calamus LE 2015, Calamus SL 2015 Release 4, or SLC Complete Edition.
5. Use the matching paid matchcode for downloads of Calamus SL 2015 R4, SL 2006 R8, or SL 2003 R3.

Verdict

Calamus SL offers an extensive frame-based publishing workflow, including editable imports and print-output tools. The displayed company-closed notice and matchcode requirement for full releases are important considerations before pursuing it.