Head-to-head · Desktop Publishing Software
Adobe InDesign vs QuarkXPress
Adobe InDesign leads on 0 checks, QuarkXPress on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAdobe InDesign · 9.2/10
- Free trialonly Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign scores higher on our rubric for desktop publishing software: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Adobe InDesign is the better fit for professional print-production workflows. QuarkXPress is the better fit for mature print and digital publishing teams.
- Adobe InDesign fits best
Professional print-production workflows
- QuarkXPress fits best
Mature print and digital publishing teams
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Side by side
| Feature | Adobe InDesign 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | QuarkXPress 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Desktop Publishing Software | #3 in Desktop Publishing Software |
| Best for | Professional print-production workflows | Mature print and digital publishing teams |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | Not checked yet |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Cloud | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs · 24/7 | Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Adobe InDesign 0/5 · QuarkXPress 0/5 | ||
| PDF export | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| EPUB export | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Master pages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Preflight tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Color management | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Collaboration level | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Adobe InDesign is a professional desktop-publishing application for designers, prepress and production professionals, print-service providers, publishers, agencies, and corporate design teams. It supports brochures, magazines, books,… Read the review → |
QuarkXPress is desktop publishing and page-layout software for creative professionals producing print and digital content. It covers brochures, books, magazines, newspapers, interactive publications and e-books, with tools for typography,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Adobe InDesign — where it wins
- Strong multipage layout and typography tools
- Preflight checks and PDF import/export workflows
- Review links, Data Merge, and Adobe integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Available on Windows and macOS only
- Broader creative tools require a different plan
QuarkXPress — where it wins
- Supports books, magazines, newspapers, brochures and digital publications
- Exports to PDF, ePub and HTML5 from shared layouts
- Integrates with Word, Excel, Illustrator, Photoshop and IDML
Where it doesn't
- No free plan or native mobile application
- Pricing requires choosing between subscription and perpetual licensing
- Real-time collaboration is listed, but collaboration workflows are not detailed
- Adobe InDesign9.2/10 · 7-day trial
A focused choice for multipage layouts, typography, prepress, and PDF production.
Visit Adobe InDesignFull verdict → - QuarkXPress8.9/10 · Paid
A full-featured desktop publisher for teams producing print and digital content.
Visit QuarkXPressFull verdict →
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All desktop publishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





