Laying out a brochure, newsletter or magazine without paying for InDesign? The free Scribus brings page composition tools together with PDF export for documents prepared for print or sharing.
Frames control how content sits on the page
Scribus builds a publication from separate objects placed on its pages. Text and images go into frames, which can be positioned and sized independently. Linked text frames carry copy from one area to the next, giving you control over where paragraphs continue across a page or through a multipage document.
Guides and layers help organize those objects while you work. Master pages let you set up recurring elements—such as page numbers, headers, or background details—once and apply them across a publication.
Color and export tools prepare publications for output
For print-oriented layouts, Scribus supports CMYK color and ICC color management. Its PDF export settings let you prepare a document for different output needs. The program also imports and exports EPS, and includes a vector drawing tool for creating graphic elements within a layout.
- Use OpenType fonts, including support for font features across multiple OpenType specifications.
- Import PDF or EPS assets for placement in a page design.
Templates give new layouts a starting structure
Templates are available for projects such as business cards, flyers, posters, presentations, and newsletters. Choose a starting layout, then replace its sample content and adjust the page elements to suit the publication. Scribus also has tutorials and manuals covering tasks from magazine formatting to working with Ghostscript.
Build a publication from pages and reusable elements
When the layout is ready, export it as PDF or EPS for sharing or print production.
Pros
- CMYK color support and ICC color management
- PDF and EPS import and export
- Master pages, frames, guides, and layers
- OpenType font support and vector drawing tools
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 32-bit and 64-bit
What kinds of documents can Scribus create?
It can lay out brochures, magazines, newsletters, flyers, posters, business cards, and other page-based publications.
How does text flow through a Scribus layout?
Text is placed in frames, and linked frames carry it from one area of the page or document to another.
Can Scribus export a PDF for printing?
Yes. Scribus exports PDF and includes settings for preparing documents for different output needs.