Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Affinity Publisher in 2025

The landscape of desktop publishing is changing rapidly, and 2025 brings a wealth of powerful open-source alternatives to Affinity Publisher. Whether you’re a professional designer or a hobbyist looking for free tools, this article explores in detail the top 10 open-source desktop publishing solutions, comparing them on key data points:

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1. Scribus

Description: Scribus is a powerful, professional-grade open-source desktop publishing application designed for page layout, typesetting, and creating documents for print and digital media.
Website: Scribus
Data Points:
Features: Supports CMYK color, spot colors, ICC color management, vector drawing tools, advanced typography controls, PDF creation, and Python scripting.
File Formats: Handles various import and export formats including SVG, EPS, and PDF.
Use Cases: Ideal for creating brochures, newsletters, magazines, books, and posters, ranging from simple advertisements to complex book layouts.
User Interface: Known for its powerful functionalities, though the interface may require a learning curve for beginners.
Community & Development: Actively developed with regular updates and supported by a strong community.

2. LibreOffice Draw

Description: LibreOffice Draw is part of the LibreOffice suite, primarily serving as a vector graphics editor but also capable of basic desktop publishing tasks.
Website: LibreOffice
Data Points:
Features: Offers vector drawing, shape manipulation, layering, and text handling suitable for simple layouts, flyers, and posters.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other LibreOffice tools like Writer and Calc.
File Compatibility: Supports a wide range of file formats for robust document interoperability.
User Friendliness: More accessible for beginners compared to other tools, with an emphasis on ease of use.
Limitations: Not as feature-rich as Scribus for complex publications.

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3. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: While primarily an image editor, GIMP's layering and text tools make it possible to create page layouts for simple publications.
Website: GIMP
Data Points:
Features: Customizable interface with robust image editing capabilities, offering layering, masking, and comprehensive text tools.
Image Editing: Highly capable raster image editor for detailed image modifications necessary for design.
File Formats: Supports a broad range of file formats, beneficial for integrating images in DTP projects.
Plugins: Extensive library of plugins to extend functionality.
DTP limitations: Not inherently designed for DTP, lacking advanced typography and layout features.

4. Inkscape

Description: Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor ideal for creating vector graphics and simpler layouts for desktop publishing.
Website: Inkscape
Data Points:
Features: Comprehensive vector drawing tools, text handling, layering, and object manipulation.
Scalable Graphics: Perfect for creating logos, illustrations, which need to be scalable without quality loss.
File Compatibility: Supports various vector formats, including SVG for broad interoperability.
User Interface: Complex for new users, yet highly functional for experienced users.
DTP limitations: Does not support advanced page layout capabilities necessary for long, complex publications.

5. Marq (formerly Lucidpress)

Description: Marq is a web-based design tool with a strong focus on collaborative design, offering a free-tier version with significant functionality.
Website: Marq
Data Points:
Features: Drag-and-drop interface, collaboration tools, and numerous templates for various documents.
Collaboration: Real-time collaboration enabling multiple users to work simultaneously.
Accessibility: Browser-based, convenient for remote teams.
Free Tier Limitations: Limited features in the free version.
Ideal Use: Perfect for teams creating marketing materials and publications together, despite not being fully open-source.

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For additional robust open-source alternatives, you may not find specific design-focused tools, but platforms like GIMP and Inkscape combined with other open-source software can cover various aspects of desktop publishing, offering flexibility and a wide range of functionalities to empower your design projects.

This list provides a comprehensive look at the open-source alternatives to Affinity Publisher in 2025, highlighting how each tool can meet different desktop publishing needs. The choice depends on the specific requirements of the project, the user's familiarity with the software, and the desired level of functionality.

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FAQ

1. What is Scribus and how can it be used for desktop publishing?

Scribus is a powerful, professional-grade open-source desktop publishing application designed for page layout, typesetting, and creating documents for print and digital media. Learn more about Scribus

2. Can I use LibreOffice Draw for desktop publishing tasks?

Yes, LibreOffice Draw is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that’s part of the LibreOffice suite and can be used for basic desktop publishing tasks. Explore LibreOffice Draw

3. Is GIMP suitable for creating page layouts for simple publications?

GIMP, while primarily an image editor, provides layering and text tools that make it possible to create page layouts for simple publications. Check out GIMP

4. What makes Inkscape a good choice for creating vector graphics for desktop publishing?

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that offers comprehensive vector drawing tools, essential for creating scalable graphics like logos and illustrations. Discover Inkscape

5. Can Marq be considered a viable option for desktop publishing?

Marq (formerly Lucidpress) offers a free tier with significant functionality and is excellent for collaborative design, though it's not fully open-source. Learn more about Marq

6. What types of documents can be created using Scribus?

Scribus is suitable for creating brochures, newsletters, magazines, books, posters, and more, from simple advertisements to complex book layouts.

7. How does LibreOffice Draw integrate with other tools in the LibreOffice suite?

LibreOffice Draw is tightly integrated with other LibreOffice tools like Writer and Calc, making it easy to import and export documents. Read about LibreOffice Draw

8. What are the limitations of using GIMP for desktop publishing?

While GIMP is not designed as dedicated desktop publishing software, it lacks advanced typography and layout capabilities compared to specialized programs.

9. How does Inkscape handle file compatibility for desktop publishing?

Inkscape supports multiple vector formats, particularly SVG, which enhances interoperability with other design tools. Explore Inkscape

10. What kind of collaboration features does Marq offer for desktop publishing?

Marq includes real-time collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on a document simultaneously, ideal for team-based projects. Learn about Marq

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.