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Scribus
Scribus · founded 2001
What it is
Scribus is free, open-source desktop publishing software for professional page layout. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and includes illustration tools and a template library. Its print-oriented features include press-ready output, color separations, CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, and PDF creation. The download directory lists 32-bit and 64-bit Windows installers, Intel and arm64 DMG files for macOS, and a Linux x86_64 AppImage alongside source archives. Release files for version 1.6.4 are dated April 20, 2025. The directory also lists detached signature files for source archives and Windows packages. The project names advanced end users, education, and desktop users among its intended audiences. It identifies C++ and Python as programming languages and Qt as one of its user interfaces. The project listing describes PDF creation and print-color features but does not name third-party integrations. Support options could not be confirmed.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source desktop publishing software.
- Supports press-ready output, CMYK, and spot colors.
- Includes ICC color management and PDF creation.
- Downloads are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Includes illustration tools and a template library.
Against
- Support options could not be confirmed.
- The project listing does not name third-party integrations.
- Listed version 1.6.4 release files are dated April 20, 2025.
The verdict
Scribus combines desktop page layout with print color and PDF features across three operating systems. Its listed download options and template library may be useful for print-focused projects, though support details are unconfirmed.
Who it suits
Scribus may suit advanced desktop users, educators, and others preparing page layouts for print. Its listed platforms make it an option for users on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
Plans and prices
Free
Desktop publishing software · free version · no paid subscription shown
Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Scribus
Open-source desktop publishing software · Windows, macOS and Linux downloads
Read 11 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
On the record
- API listing
- GetApp shows the API feature with zero user ratings, and no hosted web API is identified on that listing.getapp.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Color management
- The software supports RGB, CMYK and spot colors with ICC color management and color-blindness simulation.trustradius.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Complex scripts
- The project repository lists right-to-left, bidirectional and Indic-language support, OpenType features and more than 500 languages.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Current package
- Homebrew lists Scribus 1.6.6 and provides macOS application and Linux AppImage artifacts.formulae.brew.sh · read 14 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- Yesgithub.com · read 23 Sep 2026
- Documentation and support
- The project exposes a wiki, manuals, mailing lists, forums, bug tracker and IRC channel through its repository links.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Early team size
- A 2001 project profile reported 12 active Scribus members.linux-magazine.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- The source tree contains plugin projects, scripting documentation, a bug tracker, mailing lists, forums and public SVN links.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- File import
- The development readme lists importers for Microsoft Publisher, Visio, DOCX, Open Raster, QuarkXPress, RTF, XPS, XPress Tags and other formats.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Illustration tools
- Yesgithub.com · read 23 Sep 2026
- Independent comparison
- Creative Bloq calls Scribus the best free InDesign alternative for indie publishers but says it is less powerful and feature-rich than InDesign.creativebloq.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- GetApp user reviews mention GIMP, Adobe InDesign, Canva, Inkscape, Photoshop and Acrobat in Scribus workflows.getapp.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project listing names advanced end users, education, and desktop users among its intended audiences.sourceforge.net · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The main program is GPL version 2 or later; portions also use LGPL, 3-clause BSD, MIT and public-domain terms.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: color assets and formats
- A G2 reviewer reports missing Pantone swatches, limited color profiles, no EPS opening and imperfect complex AI-file rendering.g2.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: interface
- G2 reviewers commonly describe the interface as dated, basic or clunky and ask for modernization and dark mode.g2.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: learning curve
- G2 reviewers say users must learn the correct procedures and that centralized learning material is lacking.g2.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: missing polish and templates
- Reviewers report fewer page and style customization options than commercial tools and request more built-in templates.g2.com · read 14 Oct 2026
