# Paul Brainerd

> American computer programmer (born 1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q7149493](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7149493)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Brainerd)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-brainerd

## Summary
Paul Brainerd (1947–2026) was an American computer programmer, engineer, and businessperson who co-founded Aldus Corporation and created the PageMaker desktop publishing software, which revolutionized publishing and is considered a landmark in the development of desktop publishing technology.

## Biography
- Born: 1947-11-17 in Medford, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in business administration from University of Oregon; Master of Science in journalism from University of Minnesota
- Known for: Co-founder of Aldus Corporation and creator of PageMaker desktop publishing software
- Employer(s): Aldus Corporation; Computer History Museum (archived materials)
- Field(s): Computer programming, software engineering, business

## Contributions
Paul Brainerd co-founded Aldus Corporation and developed PageMaker, the first widely used desktop publishing software. Released in 1985, PageMaker revolutionized publishing by allowing users to create professional-quality documents on personal computers. The software's WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface and integration with laser printers made it a industry standard. Brainerd's work on PageMaker and subsequent software products established Aldus as a leading developer in desktop publishing technology.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Paul Brainerd most famous for?
A: He is most famous for co-founding Aldus Corporation and creating PageMaker, the first widely used desktop publishing software.

### Q: When did he receive the Gutenberg Prize?
A: He received the Gutenberg Prize in 1994 for his contributions to desktop publishing.

### Q: Where was Paul Brainerd born and where did he die?
A: He was born in Medford, United States, and died in Bainbridge Island, United States.

## Why They Matter
Paul Brainerd's development of PageMaker fundamentally changed the publishing industry by democratizing professional-quality document creation. Before his software, typesetting and layout required specialized equipment and expertise. PageMaker's WYSIWYG interface and integration with laser printers allowed individuals and small businesses to produce professional documents on personal computers, making desktop publishing accessible to a broader audience. His work influenced countless designers, publishers, and businesses, and established the foundation for modern desktop publishing software.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of Aldus Corporation
- Creator of PageMaker desktop publishing software
- Received the Gutenberg Prize in 1994
- Pioneer in desktop publishing technology
- Developed software that revolutionized publishing industry

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Paul Brainerd was born on November 17, 1947, in Medford, United States. He received his Bachelor of Arts in business administration from the University of Oregon and later earned a Master of Science in journalism from the University of Minnesota.

### Career and Innovations
Brainerd began his career as a computer programmer and software engineer. He co-founded Aldus Corporation in 1984 alongside Richard G. Skrenta and John Chisholm. The company's flagship product, PageMaker, was released in 1985 and became the industry standard for desktop publishing. The software's WYSIWYG interface and compatibility with laser printers allowed users to create professional-quality documents on personal computers.

### Industry Impact
PageMaker's success made Aldus one of the most valuable software companies of its time. The software's influence extended beyond publishing to other industries that required document creation and design. Brainerd's work established fundamental principles for desktop publishing software that are still relevant today.

### Later Life and Legacy
Brainerd continued to work in the software industry after Aldus was acquired by Adobe Systems in 1994. His contributions to desktop publishing technology earned him the Gutenberg Prize in 1994, recognizing his role in revolutionizing publishing. The Computer History Museum has archived his work and materials related to his contributions to the field. Paul Brainerd passed away on February 15, 2026, in Bainbridge Island.

## References

1. [Former prize winners - Gutenberg-Gesellschaft](https://www.gutenberg-gesellschaft.de/en/gutenberg-prize/former-prize-winners)
2. [Source](http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102657986)
3. [PageMaker pioneer Paul Brainerd, 1947-2026: Aldus founder devoted his second chapter to the planet. GeekWire](https://www.geekwire.com/2026/pagemaker-pioneer-paul-brainerd-1947-2026-aldus-founder-devoted-his-second-chapter-to-the-planet/)