According to Workman, you cannot access and customize a file, created in a newer version of a graphic design software, with an older version. If you don’t upgrade by the time you receive the May package, then you will not be able to use the marketing campaigns in that, and all future, packages.

Most members use Microsoft Publisher to customize and prepare NAPMA marketing materials (and their own) because it is inexpensive, compared to professional-grade programs, such as Adobe InDesign. Publisher is also easy-to-learn and easy-to-use, since it was developed for small businesses, schools and homes.

Publisher 2003 is the newest version and the one NAPMA members should purchase. A new license of the software is only $169; the upgrade from a previous version is just $99.

Although very few NAPMA members use Adobe InDesign for Macintosh themselves, some members utilize the services of freelance graphic designers, design firms and advertising agencies. Members in this category should be sure that they or those that help them customize NAPMA marketing materials have the CS2 version/upgrade of InDesign. The list price of the CS2 version of InDesign is $699; the upgrade is listed at $169.

Every month, the Media Master CD-ROM includes all NAPMA marketing materials, as Publisher files for PCs, InDesign files for Macs, and PDFs that can be viewed on either PCs or Macs.