If you’re a graphic designer or layout enthusiast searching for a powerful design software that can rival Adobe InDesign’s capabilities, this article is for you. We’ll delve into the top paid and free alternatives to Adobe InDesign, exploring the industry-standards for desktop publishing. With so many options available, selecting the best tool is crucial. Established players like Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress boast professional-grade features, while open-source free alternatives like LibreOffice Suite and Scribus offer cost-effective solutions that are just as effective. Our analysis has taken into account factors such as cost, performance, ease of use, functionality, and technical features to help you make an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look at the best Adobe InDesign alternatives.
Affinity Publisher
Affinity Publisher 2 stands out as a robust Adobe InDesign alternative, boasting an intuitive interface and a wide range of features that streamline document design. The recent enhancements to its page layout designer have significantly improved the overall usability, making it an excellent choice for designers working under tight deadlines.The software also includes several time-saving tools, such as easy footnote creation and object manipulation options, which further enhance the efficiency of designers. One notable feature is StudioLink, a seamless integration with Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer that allows for effortless photo editing and vector drawing without requiring program switches.For users already familiar with InDesign, Affinity Publisher also supports importing files from this Adobe software, making the transition smooth and hassle-free. With a one-time purchase option and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and iPad, Affinity Publisher presents a cost-effective solution for desktop publishing needs.While it may not be as comprehensive as Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher 2’s user-friendly interface and efficient page layout capabilities make it an excellent alternative. Its StudioLink feature allows for integrated editing, further streamlining the design process. Although there is no iPad version available yet, users can still enjoy this software on their Windows or Mac devices.In conclusion, Affinity Publisher 2 is a top-notch InDesign alternative that provides a similar interface and handles most of the tasks that InDesign offers. It allows for impressive page layouts, color schemes, and pre-designed templates. Furthermore, it includes a 90-day free trial, which is longer than usual, and when you register for the trial key, you also receive extended trial keys for Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer.The cost to get started is a one-off payment of $69.99 on Windows or Mac devices, or $18.49 on iPad.
Viva Designer
VivaDesigner is a comprehensive typesetting and layout application that rivals Adobe InDesign in functionality. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for web and desktop projects, streamlining workflow and document management. The software offers a range of layouts and seamless file import capabilities from Microsoft Word and Excel, effectively handling tasks typically associated with InDesign. Additionally, VivaDesigner’s user-friendly interface and powerful features such as change tracking, character inspectors, and multilingual text editing enable the creation of professionally styled print documents with ease.
Its standout feature is its ability to track changes made to documents, making it particularly valuable for remote teams collaborating on the same file simultaneously. Furthermore, a free demo version is available, allowing users from Windows and Mac platforms to explore and familiarize themselves with the software before committing to a purchase. The cost ranges between $89-$399 depending on the number of users.
Xara Page & Layout Designer 11
Xara Page & Layout Designer is an innovative tool that harmoniously combines text editing and page layout capabilities found in word processors and desktop publishing software with unique features developed by Xara. This powerful application boasts a range of impressive features, including dynamic snap lines, a 3D object toolkit, professional color schemes, and built-in spell checking. Additionally, it offers robust illustration and image editing capabilities, making it an adaptable solution for desktop publishing tasks.
While it does not match the comprehensive feature set of Adobe InDesign, Xara Page & Layout Designer is still a valuable alternative for those seeking a more affordable option. Its stability, ease of use, and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice.
One drawback to consider is that it lacks certain professional features found in InDesign, which may limit its appeal to some designers. Furthermore, the software is available only for Windows platforms.
In conclusion, Xara Page & Layout Designer 11 offers excellent value at $89.99/£49.99, especially when considering the free trial period and lifetime license option for $299.
QuarkXpress
QuarkXPress has maintained its position as a dependable platform for content design and automation, despite the competition from Adobe InDesign. Its built-in editorial systems make it a staple in advertising companies, offering a level of stability and compatibility that is hard to match. The seamless integration with Quark Publishing Platform and Docurated further enhances its content management capabilities.While QuarkXPress has its advantages, it also has some drawbacks. On the plus side, it is commonly used among professionals, offers user-friendly interfaces for beginners, and supports InDesign file formats. However, it can be expensive, requires additional plugins for full feature utilization, and lacks some key features found in Adobe InDesign.Ultimately, QuarkXPress provides a comprehensive solution for designers seeking an alternative to InDesign. Its ability to produce stunning page layouts, enhance images, and support digital publishing makes it an attractive option. The software’s cost is $474 for a lifetime license, with a 7-day free trial available.
Scribus
Scribus stands out as a robust open-source solution that rivals paid alternatives like InDesign, offering a potent combination of features and an intuitive interface. This free software boasts support for CMYK color profiles and high-quality PDF production, making it ideal for creating professional-looking materials such as leaflets, books, posters, and interactive PDFs. With a dedicated developer community ensuring regular updates and stability, Scribus also features comprehensive tools like OpenType font support and ICC color management. While it may not offer Pantone color matching or a built-in spell checker, Scribus compensates with versatile drawing tools and a wide selection of templates. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, this free software is an excellent choice for indie publishing or personal projects. Despite some limitations, Scribus serves as a reliable and capable alternative to InDesign, especially for those seeking a free DTP package.
Swift Publisher
Swift Publisher is a user-friendly page layout and desktop publishing tool exclusively available for Mac users. With over 500 professionally designed templates at its disposal, it provides an extensive range of options for print projects, from simple labels to complete brochures. Despite being slightly less well-known than other top InDesign alternatives, Swift Publisher remains a popular choice among many Mac users due to its polished features and advanced capabilities.
The software is packed with features that enable users to design complex layouts with ease. These include double-page spreads, unlimited layers, master pages, customizable grids, rich-text tools, and the ability to print in RGB or CMYK. Additionally, Swift Publisher allows for seamless exporting of files in various formats such as PNG, TIFF, JPEG, EPS, and PDF.
In terms of pros, Swift Publisher boasts an extensive collection of templates, advanced layout features, and a budget-friendly price point of $19.99. However, it also has some limitations, including limited font choices, an abundance of clipart images, and a slightly outdated interface.
One notable drawback is the requirement for a separate image editing program to achieve the desired results. Nevertheless, Swift Publisher’s 2D and 3D heading presets, 2,000 clipart images, and 100 image masks provide users with ample creative possibilities.
Our take is that Swift Publisher stands out as a budget-friendly option for those seeking an InDesign alternative. Its extensive template library, including bi-fold and tri-fold brochures, catalogues, business cards, and more, is a major advantage. After a 14-day free trial, users can purchase the lifetime license for $19.99.
LucidPress
Lucidpress is a cloud-based desktop publishing software that simplifies the process of creating templates and customizing marketing materials through its user-friendly platform. With a drag-and-drop interface, it’s an excellent choice for beginners or those looking to quickly create basic designs without requiring extensive DTP skills. The integration with various online services like Google Docs, YouTube, Dropbox, and Facebook allows for seamless importation of existing content, online publishing, embedding designs, and sharing on social media platforms. A vast collection of ready-made templates, both free and paid, enables users to get started swiftly with print or digital content.Lucidpress offers a cloud-based platform with browser access, making it accessible from anywhere. While it may not offer the same level of sophistication as other alternatives or InDesign itself, it serves its purpose as an entry point for beginners. The software provides limited free features and unlocks additional capabilities with its Pro, Team, and Business monthly subscription plans.Some pros of using Lucidpress include its user-friendly interface, integration with various online services, and vast collection of templates. However, some cons include its lack of advanced features and sophistication, limited functionality in the free version, and unsuitability for complex professional workflows. Overall, while it may not be suitable for all users, Lucidpress is a solid option for those looking to quickly create basic designs or customize marketing materials.Lucidpress costs $10 per month, with an optional free trial available. It’s worth noting that the free version functions more like a trial, unlocking additional features and capabilities with its paid subscription plans.
Coreldraw
CorelDRAW is a go-to illustration program for graphic designers, offering a unique blend of functionalities reminiscent of Adobe’s trio: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. This vector-based application has earned its place among design enthusiasts, praised for its ease of use and extensive set of professional features that cater to various user needs. Available on both Windows and Mac systems, CorelDRAW seamlessly integrates with other Corel products, streamlining workflow and enhancing organization through its multipage view feature. Although the price point may be steeper than some alternatives, CorelDRAW presents a comprehensive design package worth considering for professionals seeking a reliable toolset. Its robust features facilitate seamless transitions between illustration and publishing endeavors. With a one-time purchase option, users can enjoy the benefits of this powerful software without committing to ongoing subscription fees.
VistaCreate
VistaCreate, formerly Crello, is an impressive alternative to Adobe InDesign, especially for those familiar with Canva’s interface. Since joining the Vista group in October 2021, the platform has been designed to cater to various content creation needs, including videos, print documents, animations, graphics, and websites. Its standout feature is its vast collection of 50,000 editable templates, crafted by professionals, making it effortless to find the perfect template and create desired content within minutes. The background removal tool further enhances the editing capabilities. While VistaCreate excels in providing an extensive range of templates, it falls short in terms of advanced design features compared to Adobe InDesign. Additionally, its integration with other design tools or cloud services is limited. Despite these limitations, VistaCreate remains an affordable solution for marketers, entrepreneurs, and bloggers requiring frequent content creation. Its free version makes it an attractive option, while the paid version costs $10 per month. Ultimately, VistaCreate is a valuable resource for those seeking a user-friendly platform with a vast library of templates, but may not be suitable for professionals demanding advanced design features.
Venngage
Venngage is a top-notch alternative to Adobe InDesign, particularly for those seeking to craft compelling infographics that inform and captivate. With an impressive library of over 100 customizable infographic templates, users can create visually striking charts and visuals that effectively communicate their message.Beyond its strength in infographic design, Venngage also offers a range of templates for presentations, reports, and social media visuals, making it an excellent choice for those looking to elevate the visual appeal of their content. The platform’s accessibility from any device with a web browser adds to its convenience, allowing users to work on their projects anywhere, anytime.While Venngage may not cater specifically to professional designers, it shines as a powerful tool for B2B communication, enabling non-designers in the business world to easily enhance the visual appeal of their reports and business offers. The user-friendly interface and customizable features make it an ideal choice for those looking to create visually engaging content without requiring extensive design experience.The pros of Venngage include its intuitive UI and free presentation templates, as well as its web-based platform that allows for seamless collaboration. However, the cons include a limited range of features, which may not be suitable for professional designers or those requiring advanced design options. Additionally, while Venngage’s customer service leaves room for improvement, its ability to conform to your style guide makes it an attractive option.In our opinion, Venngage stands out as an exceptional tool for creating visually striking infographics and enhancing B2B communication. However, if your focus lies primarily in print or web publication design or if you require advanced design options, you may find Venngage’s features somewhat limited.Cost-wise, Venngage offers a free version, with the paid version costing $16 per month.
iStudio Publisher
When it comes to desktop publishing solutions, Mac users have a fantastic alternative in iStudio Publisher. This intuitive tool is designed to provide an accessible and powerful publishing experience, making it an attractive option for professionals and beginners alike.One of the standout features of iStudio Publisher is its ability to export color-managed PDF files, which makes it an ideal choice for professional print jobs. Additionally, the software supports a range of industry-standard file formats, including EPUB, PDF, and RTF, making it versatile for digital publications and e-books.With iStudio Publisher, you can easily design a wide variety of documents, from newsletters and brochures to invitations and posters. Whether you’re just starting out or have experience with design software, the user-friendly interface and available video tutorials make it easy to get started.The pros of using iStudio Publisher include its user- friendly interface, abundant video tutorials, extensive range of export options, and free cost. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as limited availability on Mac operating systems only, a lack of certain advanced features, and not being a direct competitor with Adobe InDesign.Ultimately, while iStudio Publisher may not offer the same level of features as Adobe InDesign, it still provides a robust set of tools for creating beautiful layouts and printed materials. For those looking for an affordable and accessible desktop publishing solution on Mac, iStudio Publisher is definitely worth considering.
LibreOffice Suite
LibreOffice Suite is an innovative open-source alternative to Adobe InDesign, offering a seamless cloud-based experience. Since its inception in 2010, the suite has garnered a devoted user base, providing a compelling substitute for industry leaders like Microsoft Word. The comprehensive suite comprises various programs, including LibreOffice Draw, which may not be specifically designed for professionals, but excels at creating simple visuals. Its impressive array of features enables users to achieve remarkable graphic results.The pros of using LibreOffice Suite include its open-source and free nature, the wide range of programs it offers, and the fact that it includes publishing and drawing tools. However, some may argue that the suite lacks advanced features found in Adobe InDesign, and that its user interface and design may not be as polished as commercial software.In our opinion, LibreOffice Suite is an excellent choice for exploring print basics with free software. The main products include Draw for diagrams, Calc for spreadsheets, Write for word processing, and Impress for presentations. Additionally, it offers tools like Base for database creation, Math for formula editing, and chart creation features. Whether you’re working on brochures, newsletters, or posters, LibreOffice Suite’s publishing and drawing tools ensure a consistent and streamlined workflow.Cost: Free
PageStream
PageStream stands out as a dependable alternative to Adobe InDesign, catering to designers’ needs for creating diverse print materials such as business cards, newsletters, brochures, and billboards. Despite its somewhat dated interface, the app offers an impressive array of tools for crafting visually striking designs. The intuitive customization features, combined with PageStream’s robust graphics capabilities, enable designers to bring their creative vision to life by incorporating images, text, drawings, and other visuals into interactive projects.
On the plus side, PageStream boasts comprehensive design tools, excellent organizational features, and advanced printing settings that make it an ideal choice for a wide range of print projects. However, some users may be disappointed by the lack of the latest features found in Adobe InDesign or the limited support and updates that could impact long-term compatibility and performance.
Despite these limitations, PageStream remains a reliable option for designers seeking to create high-quality print materials. Its lifetime license can be purchased for $99.99 following a 14-day free trial.
Canva
Canva stands out as an excellent alternative to Adobe InDesign, particularly catering to the needs of marketers, social media specialists, and designers who require intuitive image editing capabilities. This user-friendly platform empowers individuals without design experience to create visually appealing graphics and edit images with ease.
While Canva’s limitations in file-saving options, such as not being able to save files as transparent PNGs or SVGs, may be a drawback for some, its extensive collection of customizable templates serves as inspiration and provides a quick start. These templates range from social media posts to professional prints, allowing users to create engaging content.
The drag-and-drop interface, accompanied by features like text addition, graph creation, and photo enhancement, adds to the overall design experience, making it accessible to those without extensive design knowledge.
Pros:
User-friendly interface for design novices
Extensive collection of customizable templates
Drag-and-drop interface for easy editing
Not all templates and elements are available in the free version
Cons:
Limited file-saving options
Not suitable for traditional layout design
Our take – Unlike traditional layout tools, Canva encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking through its easy editing interface. The Canva Brand Kit is a particularly useful tool for maintaining brand consistency across multiple documents. While not all elements are available for free, Canva still provides a generous selection of free resources.
Cost – Offers a free version. The paid version costs $5.99 per month.
PDFelement
PDFelement, developed by Wondershare, stands out as a robust PDF editing solution that rivals Adobe InDesign in terms of functionality. Its user-centric approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of use without sacrificing power. The software excels in various areas, including PDF editing, file conversion, and document organization. Its optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities are particularly impressive, allowing for accurate text extraction from scanned documents. Additionally, the ability to add comments and annotations enables seamless collaboration. Furthermore, advanced security features and cloud storage options provide a comprehensive solution for creating, editing, and securing PDF files.The pros of PDFelement include its user-friendly interface and emphasis on simplicity, powerful OCR capabilities, and comprehensive tools for PDF editing and conversion. On the other hand, some limitations include limited formatting options compared to InDesign and certain advanced features that require a subscription or perpetual license. While it may not offer the same level of design precision as InDesign, PDFelement’s ease of use and toolset make up for these drawbacks.Our take is that while PDFelement has its limitations, it makes up for them with its ease of use and comprehensive feature set. Consider that certain advanced features may require a subscription or perpetual license when deciding whether to opt for this solution.Cost: PDFelement offers a free plan, and paid subscriptions start at $79.99 per year.
Microsoft Office Publisher
Microsoft Office Publisher is an intuitive alternative to Adobe InDesign, boasting a user-friendly interface and a wealth of practical features. As someone who prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, I appreciate how Publisher effortlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, streamlining the creative process. The extensive library of top-rated templates offers hassle-free customization and professional layouts, making it an excellent choice for design newcomers or small businesses seeking marketing materials. While it may not match InDesign’s advanced features, Publisher excels in its simplicity and straightforwardness, allowing users to produce polished documents without requiring extensive technical expertise. The program’s pros far outweigh the cons, including a seamless user interface, comprehensive PDF editing tools, and powerful OCR capabilities for accurate text extraction. However, some advanced features do require a subscription or perpetual license, which may deter some users. Nonetheless, Publisher remains an attractive option for those seeking a reliable design solution that’s easy to use and accessible.
Serif Pageplus
Serif PagePlus stands out as an excellent desktop publishing alternative to Adobe InDesign, perfectly suited for individuals and small businesses seeking an efficient and user-friendly experience. Despite its long-standing presence in the market, the software has managed to maintain a modern and fresh appearance, accompanied by an impressive array of features. The straightforward interface ensures seamless navigation, making it effortless to locate specific tools and functions within the menu.One of PagePlus’ notable strengths lies in its comprehensive library of high-quality templates, conveniently categorized by document types for rapid accessibility. Moreover, the software boasts exceptional graphic design tools, allowing users to create stunning layouts with intuitive shape-drawing controls. The Dynamic Guides function further simplifies object alignment, eliminating the need for manual guides.While PagePlus is an incredibly powerful tool capable of delivering outstanding results, some users may find it feature-rich and overwhelming, more akin to a drawing application. Additionally, the software’s limited availability on platforms other than Windows might be a drawback for certain users.
Spring Publisher
Spring Publisher is a powerful tool for creating and printing professional-grade documents. Its user-friendly interface allows for seamless integration of images, text, logos, and vector shapes to produce visually stunning layouts with minimal effort. The software excels in generating high-resolution artwork and streamlining the printing process. A standout feature is its vast collection of pre-designed templates catering to various messages, further enhanced by access to online template stores.Customizing images is also a breeze, thanks to the range of available effects. Additionally, adjusting the canvas size and background color is a straightforward process. While Spring Publisher may lack advanced features compared to Adobe InDesign, it more than makes up for this with its ease of use and extensive template options. However, users should be aware that it has limited compatibility with other file formats and is primarily available on Windows platforms.In our opinion, despite these limitations, Spring Publisher remains a top choice for creating high-quality documents. Its unique blend of user-friendliness, customization capabilities, and pre-designed templates make it an excellent option for those seeking to produce professional-grade materials.
PDFrizator
PDFrizator is a user-friendly desktop publishing tool that offers a cost-effective alternative to Adobe InDesign. Its unique feature set allows users to create engaging PDF presentations with the added dimension of background music, setting it apart from other tools in its class. The intuitive interface makes it easy for users to access all the essential features without feeling overwhelmed.
One of PDFrizator’s greatest strengths is its ability to incorporate background music, adding an extra layer of interest to your layouts. This feature, combined with its user-friendly design, makes it an attractive option for those looking to create visually appealing presentations without breaking the bank.
While PDFrizator has many advantages, including its support for multiple image formats and multilingual capabilities, it does have some limitations. For example, it may not offer as much advanced editing capability as some users would like. Additionally, file conversion options are somewhat limited, which may be a drawback for those who need to convert files frequently.
Despite these limitations, PDFrizator is still a valuable tool for anyone looking to create professional-looking presentations without the hefty price tag of Adobe InDesign. And at no cost, it’s an option that’s hard to ignore.
Conga Composer
Conga Composer is a cloud-based document management system that offers a range of functionalities for creating B2B documentation, including documents, presentations, and more. As part of the Salesforce Suite, it supports various formats such as PDF, Excel, HTML, and PowerPoint, making it an all-in-one tool for business purposes.The platform enables efficient management of employee contracts, automates billing, order management, and promotions, handles digital commerce aspects, and allows for creation, alteration, and sharing of documents. With its bulk automation capabilities, Conga Composer simplifies workflows by automating document processing tasks.While it lacks advanced design features, the software offers multiple e-sign tools, supporting seamless document signing. Additionally, its support for multiple document formats makes it a valuable tool for businesses.However, the platform’s poorly designed layout and lack of guidance and documentation may hinder user experience. Our take is that Conga Composer is an all-in-one software that combines word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database tools, making it useful for business purposes.The cost of using Conga Composer is a 30-day free trial, followed by a subscription-based model at $20 per month.
KOFAX Power PDF
Kofax is a reliable alternative to Adobe PDF software, excelling in creating, editing, and converting files. A notable advantage is its ability to monitor and control access to sensitive content, ensuring confidentiality. Furthermore, seamless integration with Microsoft productivity tools enables effortless conversion of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents to PDF, streamlining online publishing processes.
While Kofax may not be the go-to choice for designers, it provides a perfect fit for administrative users seeking features like merging, editing, and signing PDFs. One of its notable strengths is real-time collaboration capabilities. However, limitations in its feature set are worth considering. Additionally, its support for multiple file formats is impressive.
On the downside, Kofax’s license can become invalid if you switch computers, which might cause inconvenience. Nevertheless, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and utilize. Our verdict: While not perfect, Kofax is a suitable option for those seeking administrative PDF-related functions, offering a 15-day free trial followed by an annual subscription of $129.99.
DesignCap
DesignCap is a web-based design solution that caters to marketers, freelancers, and designers alike, with its intuitive drag-and-drop system and diverse range of templates and customization options. This seamless workflow enables users to quickly create professional designs without requiring any prior design skills.The sign-up process is swift, and users can start working with the app in mere seconds. While DesignCap excels at designing and publishing documents, it falls short in terms of video or animation capabilities. The limited choice of fonts may also be a drawback for some. However, the app’s web-based drag-and-drop UI makes it easy to navigate and use.One of DesignCap’s greatest strengths is its wide range of templates, which can be used to create versatile infographics, graphs, and charts that are perfect for various platforms like Instagram stories or YouTube channel art. While the free version has limited features, the paid version offers more capabilities at a reasonable $5.99 per month.
End Note
In recent years, the landscape of graphic design and content creation has undergone a significant transformation, with numerous free alternatives emerging to rival Adobe’s offerings. One such platform is Canva, renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive design capabilities. Meanwhile, GIMP boasts an impressive array of editing tools, while Inkscape stands out for its collaborative features, catering to the diverse needs of designers, photographers, and creative professionals seeking innovative solutions.