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Adobe InDesign alternatives

Top Graphic Design like Adobe InDesign

The most popular alternative to Adobe InDesign is Affinity, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Adobe InDesign are Scribus, CorelDRAW, Canva, and Adobe Illustrator.

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

Adobe InDesign alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
6 apps

All Adobe InDesign 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. Scribus

    Scribus is a free, open source page layout program for Windows, macOS and Linux, used to design newsletters, brochures, posters, magazines and books. It supports CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, PDF/X export for professional printing and Python scripting. Nonprofits, schools and small publishers use it to produce print-ready files without paid software.

    6 Scribus alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source page layout for Windows, macOS and Linux
    • CMYK, spot colors and PDF/X export for professional printing
    • Python scripting to automate repetitive layout tasks

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated and less intuitive than InDesign
    • Fewer templates and tutorials than commercial layout software
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    LayersPlugins & extensionsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Scribus

  3. CorelDRAW

    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a long-running vector design package for Windows and macOS, common in sign making, apparel printing, engraving and print shops. Alongside the CorelDRAW drawing and layout app, it bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing and a browser-based companion app. It is offered as a subscription or a one-time license, and a free trial is available.

    7 CorelDRAW alternatives

    Pros

    • Long-standing favorite in sign making, apparel printing and engraving
    • Bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing
    • Choice between a subscription and a one-time license

    Cons

    • Less common in agencies, which can complicate file exchange with Adobe users
    • Expensive for hobbyists and occasional users
    • Dense interface with a learning curve for newcomers
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMac
    Features
    AI image editingLayersTemplatesVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about CorelDRAW

  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

  5. Adobe Illustrator

    Adobe Illustrator is a desktop vector editor used by designers to create logos, icons, typography, illustrations and print artwork that scale to any size. It offers precise pen and shape tools, multiple artboards, many plugins and tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and other Creative Cloud apps, plus Firefly features such as text-to-vector generation. An iPad version is also available.

    11 Adobe Illustrator alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry-standard vector tools for logos, icons and print artwork
    • Tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and Creative Cloud
    • Large plugin ecosystem and Firefly text-to-vector generation

    Cons

    • Subscription-only, with no perpetual license
    • Steep learning curve, especially the pen tool
    • Can be resource-heavy on large, complex files
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Image generationLayersPlugins & extensionsVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Illustrator

  6. Microsoft Word

    4.7(3M) · App Store

    Microsoft Word is the word processor in Microsoft 365 and the reference for the .docx format used in many workplaces. It offers styles, track changes, comments, mail merge, references and real-time co-authoring through OneDrive or SharePoint, plus Copilot drafting in eligible plans. Word runs on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web, where a free version is available with a Microsoft account.

    11 Microsoft Word alternatives

    Pros

    • The reference for the .docx format used in many workplaces
    • Powerful styles, track changes, references and mail merge
    • Available on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web

    Cons

    • Full desktop features require a Microsoft 365 subscription
    • Dense interface packed with features most people never use
    • Copilot features are limited to eligible plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantGrammar and spell checkMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Microsoft Word

Adobe InDesign vs its alternatives at a glance

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

Adobe InDesign vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsLayersPlugins & extensionsTemplates
Adobe InDesignFree trialWindows, Mac
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac
ScribusFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
CorelDRAWFree trialWeb, Windows, Mac
CanvaFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Adobe IllustratorFree trialWindows, Mac, iPhone

Adobe InDesign alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Adobe InDesign?

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

Is there a free alternative to Adobe InDesign?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Affinity, Scribus, Canva, and Microsoft Word.

Is there an open source alternative to Adobe InDesign?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: Scribus.

Is Adobe InDesign free?

Adobe InDesign is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare Adobe InDesign with its alternatives

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