Inpage 3.20
To understand Inpage 3.20, you must understand the technical nightmare of computing in the 1990s for non-Latin scripts. Standard English software used ASCII (7-bit) encoding, which left no room for the beautiful, cursive, context-sensitive nature of Arabic script (where a letter changes shape depending on its position in a word).
Inpage was originally developed in the 1990s by a company called Concept Software (later acquired by Pakistan-based Softech). Version 3.20 hit the market during the peak of Windows 98 and Windows 2000.
What made 3.20 revolutionary was its use of proprietary font technology (Noory Nastaleeq) and its ability to handle Kerning and Ligatures on the fly—something even Microsoft Word couldn't do properly until the late 2000s.
InPage 3.20, paper settings are primarily managed through the New Document dialog box or the Master Page for existing documents. This version is widely used for professional Urdu and Arabic desktop publishing, requiring specific layout configurations for book printing. Quick Paper Setup New File: Go to File > New.
Presets: Choose standard sizes like A4, Letter, or Legal from the dropdown.
Custom Size: Enter specific Width and Height in the input boxes for non-standard book sizes.
Orientation: Select Portrait (vertical) or Landscape (horizontal).
Margins: Set the distance from the page edge to the text area (Left, Right, Top, Bottom) to prevent text from being cut off during binding. Managing Layouts
Master Page (M): Click the "M" button at the bottom left to set consistent headers, footers, or page borders for every page in your project.
Double Page Setting: For book layouts, use the Master Page to set different margins for odd and even pages (Facing Pages).
Page Numbering: Insert automatic page numbers via the Document Preferences menu. Troubleshooting Print Errors If you see a "Paper Size Mismatch" error when printing:
InPage 3.20, a desktop publishing tool for Urdu, Arabic, and Persian, offers Unicode support, advanced ligature-based fonts like Faiz Lahori Nastaliq, and export options including PDF and ePUB. The software supports Windows 7 through 11 and requires specific configuration for phonetic keyboard layouts to enable efficient typing. For more information, visit
InPage 3.20: The Professional Standard for Urdu & Persian Desktop Publishing
For decades, InPage has been the undisputed industry standard for Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Pashto typography. With the release of InPage 3.20, the software has bridged the gap between traditional calligraphy and modern digital publishing requirements.
Whether you are a newspaper editor, a book publisher, or a graphic designer, InPage 3.20 offers a robust environment for creating high-quality multilingual layouts. Key Features of InPage 3.20
The 3.20 update brought several significant improvements over its predecessors, focusing on stability, font rendering, and compatibility. 1. TrueType Font Support (Unicode)
The most significant leap in version 3.20 is the enhanced support for Unicode. Unlike older versions that relied on proprietary encodings, 3.20 allows for better integration with other modern software. This means you can copy and paste text between InPage and web browsers or Microsoft Word more reliably. 2. Nastaliq Engine
InPage is famous for its Noori Nastaliq font. Version 3.20 features an optimized kerning engine that ensures the "dots" and "ligatures" of Urdu script are placed with the precision of a master calligrapher. It handles complex overlaps beautifully, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the script. 3. Advanced Layout Tools
InPage 3.20 isn’t just a word processor; it is a full DTP (Desktop Publishing) suite. It includes:
Automatic Page Numbering: Essential for long manuscripts and books.
Text Wrapping: Easily flow text around images or irregular shapes. Table Creation: Robust tools for data-heavy documents.
Master Pages: Set headers, footers, and margins once for the entire document. 4. Export Capabilities
Designers often need to move their work into Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDraw. InPage 3.20 allows users to export files as EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) or PDF, ensuring that the Urdu text remains crisp and vector-based for high-quality printing. Why Choose InPage 3.20 Over Modern Alternatives?
While software like Adobe InDesign has added "Middle Eastern" support, InPage remains the favorite in the Indian subcontinent and Pakistan for several reasons:
Keyboard Layouts: It offers built-in Monotype and Phonetic keyboards that are intuitive for Urdu speakers. inpage 3.20
Performance: It is lightweight and runs efficiently on older hardware.
Calligraphic Accuracy: The specific way InPage handles the cascading nature of Nastaliq is still considered superior by many traditional publishers. System Requirements
InPage 3.20 is designed to be accessible. To run it smoothly, you generally need: Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11. Processor: Pentium 4 or higher. RAM: Minimum 512 MB (1 GB recommended). Hard Disk Space: Approx. 100 MB for installation. Conclusion
InPage 3.20 remains a powerhouse for anyone serious about Urdu literature and publishing. By combining the soul of traditional calligraphy with the efficiency of modern computing, it continues to be the primary tool for keeping the beauty of the Nastaliq script alive in the digital age.
If you are looking to publish a book, a monthly magazine, or even a simple flyer in Urdu, InPage 3.20 provides the professional tools necessary to get the job done with elegance.
InPage 3.20 is a professional Urdu desktop publishing (DTP) software version primarily used for high-quality Nastaliq and Naskh calligraphy. It is the industry standard for creating newspapers, books, and documents in languages such as Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Pashto. Core Capabilities Quranic Publishing: The 3.20 version specifically includes the Quran Publishing System
, allowing for the precise typesetting of the Holy Quran with integrated ligatures and special symbols. WYSIWYG Interface:
Provides a "What You See Is What You Get" environment, which is essential for complex scripts like Urdu where character shapes change based on their position. Cross-Language Support:
Easily handles intermixing of English and other Perso-Arabic scripts within the same document. Export Options:
Users can export documents to various formats, though converting to PDF often requires a virtual printer like the Microsoft XPS Document Writer Technical Features File Format: extension for its native project files. Font Library:
Features a vast library of ligatures (joined characters) to maintain the authentic flow of Nastaliq calligraphy Compatibility:
Designed for Windows PCs to support right-to-left (RTL) text entry and sophisticated page layout. Common Use Cases Newspaper Design:
Almost all major Urdu newspapers utilize InPage for daily layouts. Religious Texts:
Specialized versions like InPage 3.20 are preferred for publishing religious scripts due to their accuracy in handling Arabic vowels and accents. Academic Materials: Creating Urdu textbooks and exam papers.
For more details on the specific version features, you can visit the Official InPage Features page convert .inp files to other formats or need help with a specific installation error
To generate or create a paper (such as a question paper or professional document) in InPage 3.20 Professional , follow these foundational steps: 1. Create a New Document Open InPage and go to File > New New Document
dialogue box, set your page size (e.g., A4), orientation (Portrait/Landscape), and margins. Ensure the
is set from right-to-left for Urdu, Arabic, or Persian scripts. 2. Set Up the Header (School/Institution Name) Select the Title Text Box tool from the left toolbar to create a box for your header.
Type your institution's name and address. You can center the text using the alignment options in the top ribbon.
dropdown to increase the header size (typically 20pt or larger) and choose a bold font style like Noori Nastaliq 3. Create Questions (MCQs or Subjective)
: Use the standard text tool to type the question. To align options (A, B, C, D) neatly, use
or create small separate text boxes for each option to move them into a grid format.
: You can insert stars or bullet points using shortcuts like or via the Insert > Symbol 4. Use "Master Page" for Consistency If your paper has multiple pages, click the button (bottom left) to enter Master Page
Anything you place here (like borders or page numbers) will appear automatically on every page of your document. 5. Finalizing and Exporting : Use function keys F6, F7, and F8 to zoom in and out to check the layout. Export as PDF File > Export To understand Inpage 3
or use a "Print to PDF" driver if you need to share the file digitally, as InPage files ( ) require the software to open.
For more advanced layout techniques, you can refer to comprehensive video guides on creating question papers lesson-based tutorials specifically for InPage 3 Professional draw tables for a science or math paper?
InPage 3.20 is a powerful desktop publishing (DTP) software specifically designed for languages that use the Perso-Arabic script, most notably Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Pashto. It is widely considered the industry standard for newspapers, books, and magazines in these languages due to its authentic Noori Nastaliq calligraphy style. 🚀 Key Improvements in Version 3.20
Unlike older versions (like 2.4), InPage 3.20 introduced several modern features:
Unicode Support: Allows for better compatibility with modern web browsers and other software.
Auto-Save: Prevents data loss during unexpected crashes or power outages.
Direct PDF Export: You can now export files directly to PDF without needing third-party printer drivers.
New Fonts: Includes a wider variety of decorative and professional Urdu fonts beyond standard Nastaliq.
Enhanced Layout: Improved tools for handling complex text wrapping around images. 🛠️ Core Features
WYSIWYG Interface: What You See Is What You Get; the on-screen display perfectly matches the printed output.
Ligature Library: Uses a massive database of character combinations to ensure the text looks like hand-written calligraphy.
Standard Keyboards: Supports Phonetic, Persian, and Arabic keyboard layouts.
Import/Export: Easily move text between InPage and other applications like CorelDRAW or Adobe Photoshop. 💡 Practical Tips for Users ⌨️ Choose the Right Keyboard
Most beginners find the Phonetic Keyboard easiest. It maps Urdu sounds to English keys (e.g., 'A' for Alif, 'B' for Bay). You can change this in Edit > Preferences > Keyboard Preferences. 📄 Converting to Modern Formats If you need to share your work on social media or the web:
Use the Export Page feature to save as a high-quality GIF or JPG.
Save as a PDF to ensure the recipient sees the correct fonts even if they don't have InPage installed. Fixing "Missing Font" Issues
If your text looks like boxes or random symbols, ensure you have the Noori Nastaliq font installed on your Windows system. Version 3.20 usually handles this during installation. 📥 Getting Started
You can find official versions and support directly from the developer at InPage.com.
Note on Safety: Avoid downloading "cracked" or "portable" versions from untrusted third-party sites, as these often contain malware or lack critical Unicode stability.
To create and format text in InPage 3.20, you can follow these steps: 1. Create a New Document
Open the application and go to File > New (or press Ctrl + N).
In the dialog box, set your page dimensions, orientation, and columns. Click OK to open your workspace. 2. Enter and Edit Text
Typing: Ensure the I-Beam tool (the vertical cursor icon) is selected from the left-hand toolbar. Click anywhere on the page to start typing in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, or English.
Language Toggle: Use Ctrl + Space to quickly switch between English and Urdu keyboard layouts. InPage 3
Selection: Click and drag the I-Beam tool over the text you wish to modify. 3. Formatting Features
InPage 3.20 includes advanced calligraphic and layout tools to refine your text:
Nastaliq Kerning: The software automatically adjusts word spacing to provide a professional calligraphic appearance.
Character/Word Count: You can view statistics for a selected text chain to track your progress.
Text Wrap: Use the Picture Box or Graphic Box tools to place objects; text will automatically wrap around circular or irregular shapes.
Rotation: You can rotate text boxes at any angle to fit complex design requirements. 4. Useful Shortcuts Save Document Ctrl + S Bold Text Ctrl + B Undo Action Ctrl + Z Zoom to 100% F7 Copy/Paste Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V
For more advanced layout techniques, you can explore the InPage 3 Professional guide or refer to detailed keyboard mapping on Scribd. InPage 3 Professional
InPage 3.20 is desktop publishing software optimized for Arabic-script languages like Urdu, enabling complex Noori Nastaliq calligraphy, Unicode support, and advanced object manipulation. It is widely used for newspaper and book publishing, featuring tools for high-quality printing and image handling, with documents saved in the .inp format. Read more at InPage 3 Professional.
How to Open .inp files - InPage Document File Extension Information inp files - InPage Document File Extension Information. InPage 3 Professional
InPage 3.20: The Unsung Hero of Urdu and Arabic Publishing
Tucked away in the software archives, InPage 3.20 is a gem that continues to shine brightly, especially for those who work with Urdu and Arabic languages. This software, a relic from a bygone era, still manages to captivate users with its simplicity and efficiency. Let's dive into what makes InPage 3.20 a noteworthy tool in the realm of desktop publishing.
⚠️ Windows Compatibility
InPage 3.20 was optimized for Windows XP/Vista. On Windows 10/11, you may need to run it in compatibility mode (Windows 7 or XP SP3).
⚠️ No Full Unicode Support
You cannot copy-paste InPage text into WordPad or a web browser without using conversion tools like InPage to Unicode converter.
⚠️ Outdated File Format
Saving as .inp (InPage’s native format) locks you into the InPage ecosystem – not ideal for collaboration with modern editors.
⚠️ Limited Font Variety
Only a handful of Nastaliq and Naskh fonts. You cannot easily install new TTF/OTF Urdu fonts.
Unlike Unicode-based solutions today, InPage 3.20 uses proprietary font technology (.fnt or .pfb files) to render Nastaliq beautifully. Even now, many professional Urdu newspapers and magazines rely on this same engine because of the typographic quality.
Cause: Inpage 3.20 uses OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) that breaks if you move the image file.
Solution: Always keep image files in the same folder as the .inp document. Reinsert the image via File > Import > Picture.
While earlier versions of InPage existed, version 3.20 represents a specific, beloved era in software history. Released in the early 2000s, it was the version that cemented InPage's dominance. It was the "Windows XP" of Urdu publishing: stable, widely adopted, and resilient.
InPage 3.20 solved the "Nastaliq Problem." In Urdu, context is everything. The shape of a letter changes entirely depending on whether it stands alone, sits at the start, middle, or end of a word. InPage 3.20’s engine processed these ligatures in real-time. For a user, this felt like magic. You typed a character, and the software instantly calculated the shape it needed to be, connecting it fluidly to its neighbors.
Let’s break down what you actually get inside the software.
InPage 3.20 became the invisible infrastructure of Pakistani media. Almost every newspaper, magazine, and book published in Pakistan during the 2000s was composed within its green borders.
It democratized publishing. Before InPage, publishing in Urdu required hot metal typesetting or professional calligraphers, a slow and expensive process. With InPage 3.20, a student could publish a newsletter from their bedroom. A novelist could typeset their own manuscript. Small businesses could print their own ledgers and receipts in their mother tongue.
It also became the standard for the Madrassa sector and religious scholarship. The Holy Quran and countless religious texts were digitized and distributed using this specific version, allowing for precision in the diacritical marks (Zair, Zabr, Pesh) that are critical for Quranic recitation.