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Free Scribus alternatives

Top Graphic Design like Scribus

The most popular alternative to Scribus is Affinity, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Scribus are Inkscape, LibreOffice, and Canva.

Most alternatives to Scribus are in the Graphic Design category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Scribus alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Scribus alternatives

  1. Affinity

    Affinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.

    12 Affinity alternatives

    Pros

    • Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
    • Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
    • Professional tools without a mandatory subscription

    Cons

    • Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
    • Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
    • Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPhoto Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Affinity

  2. Inkscape

    Inkscape is a free, open source vector drawing program for Windows, macOS and Linux that uses SVG as its native format. Illustrators, hobbyists and web designers use it for logos, diagrams, icons, cutting-machine files and print layouts. It provides Bezier and calligraphy tools, path operations, text on path, many extensions and import/export for PDF, EPS and AI files.

    10 Inkscape alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Native SVG format, ideal for web graphics and cutting machines
    • Powerful path operations and a large set of extensions

    Cons

    • Can feel slow with large or complex documents
    • Interface is less polished than commercial vector editors
    • Limited CMYK support for professional print workflows
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    LayersOffline modePlugins & extensionsVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Inkscape

  3. LibreOffice

    4.5Kstars

    LibreOffice is a desktop office suite maintained by The Document Foundation, with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math. It uses the OpenDocument format natively and opens and saves Microsoft Office files. It is free for any use, works fully offline and can be extended with community extensions and templates.

    12 LibreOffice alternatives

    Pros

    • Free for any use, with no account or subscription
    • Full suite with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw and Base
    • Native OpenDocument support and fully offline use

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated next to Microsoft 365
    • Complex Office files can lose formatting
    • No real-time collaboration in the desktop apps
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Office SuitesWord ProcessorsSpreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Ad-freeMicrosoft Office file compatibilityOffline modePlugins & extensionsTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about LibreOffice

  4. Canva

    4.9(3.6M) · App Store

    Canva is an online design editor built around drag-and-drop templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, videos and documents. It targets non-designers and marketing teams, with a large stock library, brand kits, real-time collaboration and Magic Studio AI tools for creating and editing images and text. It runs in the browser and as desktop and mobile apps.

    12 Canva alternatives

    Pros

    • Huge template library makes design accessible to non-designers
    • Real-time collaboration and brand kits for marketing teams
    • Available on web, desktop and mobile, with Magic Studio AI tools

    Cons

    • Many templates, assets and AI features sit behind the Pro plan
    • Popular templates can make designs look like everyone else’s
    • Limited precision for print production or advanced vector work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPresentation Software
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Background removalBrand kitImage generationReal-time collaborationStock media libraryTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Canva

Scribus vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Scribus, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Scribus vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsLayersPlugins & extensionsTemplates
ScribusFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac
InkscapeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
LibreOfficeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
CanvaFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android

Scribus alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Scribus?

The most popular alternative to Scribus is Affinity: Free all-in-one app for vector design, photo editing and page layout. Other great alternatives are Inkscape, LibreOffice, and Canva.

Is there a free alternative to Scribus?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Affinity, Inkscape, LibreOffice, and Canva.

Is there an open source alternative to Scribus?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Inkscape and LibreOffice.

Is Scribus free?

Yes, Scribus is free to use.

Compare Scribus with its alternatives

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