Microsoft prepares to march into Adobe territory with its forthcoming suite of graphics and web development software.

FrontPage used to pride itself on its almost code-free approach to Web design, but not any more. Top of the new coding features is the Split View, which combines layout and HTML views. There are also improved code formatting and Auto-complete features, providing a drop-down list of context-sensitive options as you type. Auto-complete also handles regularly reused code snippets and works with HTML, CSS, XSL, JavaScript, JScript, VBScript and ASP .NET, which are all directly editable.

With Flash media handling and integration with Acrobat.com the Acrobat platform embraces the Internet – at last

Microsoft finally recognises that web authoring needs a standards-compliant tool, albeit on its own terms.

What makes Publisher different is its automated approach to design through its colour and font schemes and huge range of publication templates. These are handled via the redesigned Task Pane, which now has a simplified Start panel offering drill-down access to project types split into print, Web and themed sets. Another ten attractive master sets increase the total to 45.

QuarkXPress defines and dominates high-end publishing in much the same way as Adobe Photoshop does photo editing.

Improved handling of templates, tracing, text and layers along with new table support, but ultimately X4 disappoints

Piranesi gets the major overhaul of interface and tools that its extraordinary creative power deserves

Piranesi gets the major overhaul of interface and tools that its extraordinary creative power deserves

Non-destructive image processing and creative filters feature in this comprehensive upgrade to the market leader.

A new interface, drawing engine and programming language, but surprisingly little new power.

Photoshop moves beyond photo editing to conquer completely new territory.

New effects enable richer design results, while a host of other improvements boost productivity.

Macromedia Contribute (March 2003, page 57) caused considerable excitement with its ability to keep site content up-to-date, under control and within budget.

Macromedia Flash (May 2002, page 60), Dreamweaver, Fireworks and FreeHand (Studio MX, November 2002, page 71), have all been given the MX treatment, and now it's Director's turn.

What makes PDF (Portable Document Format) unique is that it can provide an exact electronic replica of any document from any application on all major platforms, including all text, graphics and fonts. It’s an amazingly flexible format with a myriad of uses ranging from electronic manuals and e-books, through secure document exchange and archiving, to multimedia presentation and high-end commercial print.