The report, which provided a detailed comparison of Flash capabilities in QuarkXPress 8 and InDesign CS4, rated Quark's desktop publishing application highest overall.

According to the IT Enquirer, the key difference lies in the two software packages' approach to Flash support.

Whereas Quark chose to integrate Flash design tools directly into QuarkXPress 8, Adobe encourages InDesign users to do most of the interactive Flash work in a separate application, such as Adobe Flash.

Erik Vlietinck of the IT Enquirer said: "QuarkXPress 8 enables layout designers to go further in offering multimedia design without having to learn Flash, while InDesign adds Flash capabilities as an afterthought and not as an extra way for its designers to offer services beyond print publication layout."

Adobe acquired Macromedia, which makes Flash, in 2005.

Also see: Quark launches multimedia bid to help creative printers

Quark makes QPS8 Adobe-friendly

Adobe unveils CS4 - its 'biggest ever software release'