One feature where Inpage 3.20 still beats modern Western software is Kashida (stretching of connecting lines between letters). In English, justification adds spaces. In Urdu, that looks ugly. Inpage 3.20 stretches the actual strokes between letters, maintaining the flow of the script. This is the "magic" of the software.
Newer versions of Inpage introduced buggy spell checkers and complex Unicode support that often crashed when handling massive newspaper layouts. Version 3.20 is lean. It runs on as little as 64MB of RAM. It never crashes if you don't overload it with images. It is predictable.
Unlike MS Word, Inpage 3.20 is a true DTP program. You can create master pages for books. If you are publishing a 500-page Urdu novel, you set the master page once, and Inpage handles pagination automatically.
For those who learned computing in that era, opening InPage 3.20 was a sensory experience. The interface was utilitarian—a classic grey Windows toolbar with specific green iconography. But the cursor blinking on the white page offered something Microsoft Word could not: the ability to write properly. inpage 3.20
Version 3.20 introduced features that are now taken for granted but were revolutionary at the time:
The software also had a darker, utilitarian side that endeared it to the printing industry. It used a proprietary format (.inp) that was incredibly light. A 50-page newsletter was a mere kilobyte in size. In an era of floppy disks and slow dial-up internet, this efficiency was vital.
In the fast-paced world of digital publishing, software comes and goes. Adobe InDesign updates every year, QuarkXPress has faded into a niche memory, and cloud subscriptions dominate the conversation. Yet, nestled in the bustling offices of Urdu newspapers, religious publishing houses, and marketing firms across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, an old warrior refuses to retire: Inpage 3.20. One feature where Inpage 3
For those unfamiliar, Inpage is a word processor and desktop publishing (DTP) software specifically designed for right-to-left languages, most notably Urdu, Arabic, Persian (Farsi/Dari), and Pashto. While the software has seen newer versions (up to 3.61 and beyond), version 3.20 remains the gold standard—the "Windows XP" of Urdu publishing.
Why, in an era of AI and cloud-based design, does Inpage 3.20 still hold a monopoly over Nasta’liq calligraphy? This article dives deep into the history, unique features, workflow, and enduring legacy of this legendary software.
Note: This guide is for archival and educational purposes. Ensure you own a legitimate license. The software also had a darker, utilitarian side
Step 1: Insert the CD-ROM (or mount the ISO file). Open the drive and locate Setup.exe.
Step 2: Run the installer as Administrator.
Step 3: Choose "Typical Installation" when prompted.
Step 4: During font installation, select "Install Urdu Fonts."
Step 5: Restart your computer when prompted.
Even the best software has quirks. Here are the most frequent problems with Inpage 3.20 and how to fix them.