Quark Software has released QuarkXPress 2015 (www.quark.com/2015), an update of the graphic design and page layout software. It adds 64-bit architecture, industry-verified PDF/X-4 output, fixed layout interactive (app-like) eBook production, as well as an array of user-requested features.

QuarkXPress is sold as a perpetual license, which means users make a single purchase and aren’t locked into an ongoing subscription. With its 64-bit architecture, QuarkXPress 2015 can now use all the RAM available on a user’s computer to deliver performance improvements across the board from file handling and layout rendering to PDF export. Quark has also added multi-threading to the QuarkXPress text engine to further increase performance.

By using PDF/X-4 output, designers can maintain transparency to enable smaller files, faster output and higher quality print output. The exported PDF/X-4 files are certified by the same technology used inside Adobe Acrobat.

QuarkXPress 2015 builds on its automation features with: automatic footnotes and endnotes; a new, faster table tool for Excel integration with table styles; and text variables for automatically populating reoccurring fields – such as running headers.

QuarkXPress 2015 combines the eflowable eBooks (ePub) with interactive apps for a new digital output format. Users can create HTML5 fixed layout eBooks without any additional software or costs.

QuarkXPress 2015 is available as a free test drive; everyone who test drives the new version will receive a free design template to help them get started. With the release of version 2015, Quark is now allowing upgrades from versions of QuarkXPress dating back to the 1990s (versions 3 – 10). To purchase QuarkXPress 2015, go to shop.quark.com. QuarkXPress offers dual activation, meaning it can be installed on up to two machines and across Mac and Windows platforms.

In addition to upgrades and new licenses, Quark now has new support options for 6 and 12 month technical support plans, plus new 12 and 24 month upgrade plans that include upgrades to new versions during the course of a user’s plan.