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Scribus

Open source desktop publishing app for print-ready layouts

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.

Cost / License
FreeOpen source(GPL-2.0-or-later)
Categories
Graphic Design
Platforms
WindowsMacLinux
Scribus screenshot
Scribus alternativesVisit website
features
3
alternatives
6
platforms
3
Updated
Oct 12, 2026

Features

Our take

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

Editorial assessment by the Alternatives.tools team, based on what the product is known for. Not a user review.

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