InPage

InPage is desktop publishing software for Urdu and related Perso-Arabic scripts, with a free mobile app for editing compatible files. It suits publishers preparing newspapers, magazines, and books in those languages. Its script-specific layout tools are the draw; the Windows-only desktop app rules out Mac workflows.

Overview

InPage combines language-aware typesetting with page composition and export for print and digital formats. Its maker says it has served publishing needs since its introduction in 1994. That long-running, specialist focus is valuable when Nastaliq text and related scripts are central to a publication, but it is a narrower choice than a general-purpose publishing tool.

Key features

• Perso-Arabic typography: The desktop software supports Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Pushto, and Hazaragi. Automatic kerning in Nastaliq addresses excess spacing between words, a practical benefit for producing more consistent script-specific layouts.
• Page composition: Linked and unlinked text boxes, automatic lines between text-box columns, and master pages support structured publications. InPage 4.1 adds character style sheets, multi-level bullets and numbering, spell check with autocorrection, and word completion. These tools suit recurring editorial layouts; the feature set is most compelling when the publication depends on InPage’s supported scripts.
• Import and export: InPage 4.1 imports AI and EPS files and exports pages as EPS, GIF, PNG, TIFF, or BMP at selectable resolutions from 96 to 1200 DPI. It also generates ePUB files, giving publishers options for print graphics and digital books.
• Mobile editing and Quran glossary: The free mobile app creates and edits Nastaliq and Naskh files for use with the InPage Urdu desktop application and works with the InPage keyboard. The InDesign plugin adds a Quran Glossary panel containing Indo-Pak Quranic text, with Surah and Ayah selection; that addition is relevant to Quranic publishing rather than a general layout need.
• Online conversion: InPage Tools runs in the cloud without downloads and says it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It converts INP files to PDF up to version 4.0, while EPUB and TXT conversion supports files through version 3.6. Older-file compatibility may be a constraint for newer projects, and conversion is charged by the word.

Pricing

InPage has free options alongside paid conversion and support. The desktop product is not for Mac operating systems, so its free version does not remove the main platform constraint.

• InPage Lite — free: The free version provides essential InPage features, making it a way to start with the core product before paying for support. The plan description does not establish that it includes every InPage 4.1 feature.
• InPage Tools Free Trial — free: Includes 50,000 words, with PDF conversion available to all users. It is useful for trying cloud conversion, but the word allowance makes it a limited option for larger conversion workloads.
• InPage Mobile App — free: Creates and edits Nastaliq and Naskh files. It is a free companion for mobile editing, not a substitute for the Windows desktop publishing application.
• InPage Tools conversion — ₹0.01, paid once: Billed INR 0.01/word. INP-to-PDF conversion supports versions up to 4.0; EPUB and TXT conversion supports versions up to 3.6. The per-word rate means cost scales with the amount converted.
• InPage Premium Users Club Annual Support Program — $50 a year: Billed US$ 50 per year for every user, with annual support and free upgrades and major releases. It fits users who want continuing assistance and releases; support is free only for the first three months after software sale, with annual support optional afterward.

Platforms

The desktop product is for Windows, despite the mobile app and cloud conversion tool extending beyond that platform. The payment guide says the desktop software is not for Mac operating systems, so Mac users should not choose InPage expecting a native desktop workflow. InPage Tools says it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.

Who it's for

InPage is best suited to publishers producing Urdu or other supported Perso-Arabic-script newspapers, magazines, and books, especially when Nastaliq layout and export to ePUB matter. Mobile editing can complement that workflow, and the Quran Glossary panel serves a more specific Quranic publishing use. It is a poor fit for Mac-based desktop publishing or readers who need a general-purpose layout app.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Support for seven Perso-Arabic scripts and automatic Nastaliq kerning address real language-specific layout needs.
• Pro: Master pages, linked text boxes, and export to image formats and ePUB cover both structured page composition and digital output.
• Pro: A free mobile app can create and edit files intended for the InPage Urdu desktop application.
• Con: The desktop product is Windows-only, excluding Mac desktop workflows.
• Con: Online EPUB and TXT conversion stops at INP version 3.6, while PDF conversion supports only through version 4.0.
• Con: Conversion is billed by the word, and continuing support costs US$ 50 per user per year after the initial three months of free support.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Desktop Publishing Software.

• PublishMedia may suit readers who need Linux, macOS, web, and Windows access; its free starter plan opens and views Publisher and Office files, but editing and export are unavailable.
• VivaDesigner is an option to consider for a cross-platform workflow spanning Linux, macOS, web, Windows, or self-hosting.
• Blurb BookWright may be a better fit for desktop book design, with templates, layout suggestions, and offline editing.
• Flipsnack is an alternative for web-based flipbooks, with Android and iOS apps as well as web access; its free plan caps output at five flipbooks of 15 pages each and PDF uploads at 100 MB.
• Affinity is worth considering for free vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout, and export tools on macOS and Windows.
• iStudio Publisher is a Mac-focused publishing option from a UK company dedicated to Mac publishing apps.
• Kindle Create is a free desktop book-formatting tool for readers publishing through KDP; it supports macOS and Windows.
• Laidout is a free Linux option released under GPL 3.0.

Verdict

Choose InPage if you publish in Urdu or related Perso-Arabic scripts and need Nastaliq-aware desktop layout, publishing tools, and ePUB export. Its language-specific typography and composition tools are the main reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need Mac desktop support or if your conversion work depends on INP files newer than the supported version limits.