Scribus

Name: Scribus
Author: Scribus

Free plan Open source APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What Scribus is

Scribus is free, open-source desktop publishing software for professional page layout. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. For print work, it supports press-ready output, color separations, CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, and PDF creation. Scribus also includes illustration tools and a template library. Its 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. The project names advanced end users, education, and desktop users among its intended audiences. Its project listing identifies C++ and Python as programming languages and Qt as one of its user interfaces. The listed release directory includes detached signature files for source archives and Windows packages, and the 1.6.4 directory contains release files dated April 20, 2025. The project listing describes PDF creation and print-color features but does not name third-party integrations. Support options could not be confirmed.

Who it suits

Scribus suits desktop users, advanced end users, and education settings that need page layout and print-output tools. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What it does well

Free and open-source.
Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Supports CMYK, spot colors, and ICC color management.
Creates PDFs and press-ready output.
Includes illustration tools and a template library.

What to know first

No named third-party integrations are listed.
Support options could not be confirmed.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Scribus	Open-source desktop publishing software · Windows, macOS and Linux downloads	Free
Free	Desktop publishing software · free version · no paid subscription shown	Free

As scribus.net lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit scribus.net.
Choose the download for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
For Windows, select the 32-bit or 64-bit installer.
For macOS, select the Intel or arm64 DMG file.
For Linux, use the x86_64 AppImage or source archives.

Verdict

Scribus offers page layout, illustration, and print preparation across three desktop platforms at no cost. Its listed capabilities focus on PDF and print output; support options are unconfirmed.

Questions

Is Scribus free?

Yes. Its plan is listed as free, and the software is open-source.

Which platforms does Scribus support?

Scribus has downloads for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The directory lists Windows installers, Intel and arm64 macOS DMG files, and a Linux x86_64 AppImage.

Does Scribus support print production?

Yes. It supports press-ready output, color separations, CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, and PDF creation.

Is Scribus open-source?

Yes. Scribus is described as open-source desktop publishing software.

Who makes Scribus?

The maker is identified as Scribus, founded in 2001.

Does Scribus offer a free trial?

No free trial is listed.

Facts from Scribus's own pages

API listing: GetApp shows the API feature with zero user ratings, and no hosted web API is identified on that listing. · getapp.com, 14 Oct 2026
Color management: The software supports RGB, CMYK and spot colors with ICC color management and color-blindness simulation. · trustradius.com, 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, 14 Oct 2026
Current package: Homebrew lists Scribus 1.6.6 and provides macOS application and Linux AppImage artifacts. · formulae.brew.sh, 14 Oct 2026
Desktop app: Yes · github.com, 23 Sept 2026
Documentation and support: The project exposes a wiki, manuals, mailing lists, forums, bug tracker and IRC channel through its repository links. · github.com, 14 Oct 2026
Early team size: A 2001 project profile reported 12 active Scribus members. · linux-magazine.com, 14 Oct 2026
Extensibility: The source tree contains plugin projects, scripting documentation, a bug tracker, mailing lists, forums and public SVN links. · github.com, 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, 14 Oct 2026
Founded: 2001 · scribus.net, 23 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · github.com, 23 Sept 2026
Illustration tools: Yes · github.com, 23 Sept 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, 14 Oct 2026
Integrations: GetApp user reviews mention GIMP, Adobe InDesign, Canva, Inkscape, Photoshop and Acrobat in Scribus workflows. · getapp.com, 14 Oct 2026
Intended users: The project listing names advanced end users, education, and desktop users among its intended audiences. · sourceforge.net, 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, 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, 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, 14 Oct 2026
Limit: learning curve: G2 reviewers say users must learn the correct procedures and that centralized learning material is lacking. · g2.com, 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, 14 Oct 2026
Limit: stability: One G2 reviewer reports repeated crashes in the internal editor, while another reports multiple crashes during use. · g2.com, 14 Oct 2026
Linux downloads: The download directory lists a Linux x86_64 AppImage and source archives. · sourceforge.net, 11 Oct 2026
macOS downloads: The download directory lists Intel and arm64 DMG files. · sourceforge.net, 11 Oct 2026
Maker identity: The source copyright identifies Franz Schmid and other contributors collectively as the Scribus Team rather than a conventional software company. · github.com, 14 Oct 2026