If people tell you that using Microsoft Publisher is a waste of time, and that you could make newsletters or brochures in Microsoft Word just as easily—those people don't know Publisher.

Word and Publisher both have their place in a modern computing world, but sometimes there is confusion between the similarities and benefits of the programs.

Microsoft Word

Word is a multi purpose word-processing package designed to write everything from short letters to thousand page business reports.

Using Word you can create polished documents that include features such as footnotes, bookmarks, indexes, table of contents, advanced layout and formatting control with tabs, tables and styles, and the inclusion of pictures and clip art.

Many people are self taught with Word, as it is generally a very intuitive program to use. Point, Click and Type tends to be an operation most people can readily grasp.

Microsoft Publisher

Publisher is also a word-processing package of sorts, but it is optimised for ‘desk-top publishing’.

You can achieve pinpoint layouts with ruler guides, story boxes and picture controls.

You can change the entire theme of publications with just 1 or 2 mouse clicks.

A single publication can change from single sided pages to double-sided  books in seconds. Websites are a breeze too, with the ability to import catalogue information from a spreadsheet into Publisher.

There is no winner

Neither program is better than the other. It’s a matter of using the right tool for the task at hand.