Adobe InDesign vs PageStream

Adobe InDesign9.2Visit PageStream8.2Visit

Higher score Adobe InDesign #2 in Desktop Publishing Software 9.2/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Adobe InDesign

vs

PageStream #7 in Desktop Publishing Software 8.2/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 5 features Visit PageStream

• Adobe InDesign fits best

  Professional print-production workflows

• PageStream fits best

  Cross-platform traditional page layout

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Adobe InDesign 9.2/10 Visit ↗	PageStream 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.2
Ranking	#2 in Desktop Publishing Software	#7 in Desktop Publishing Software
Best for	Professional print-production workflows	Cross-platform traditional page layout
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	—	$99.95 one-time
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	7 days	14 days
Free trial length	7 days	14 days
Deployment	Desktop, Cloud	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs · 24/7	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Adobe InDesign 0/5 · PageStream 3/5
PDF export	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
EPUB export	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Master pages	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Preflight tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Color management	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Windows, Macintosh OS X, Linux, Amiga
Collaboration level	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Strong multipage layout and typography tools Preflight checks and PDF import/export workflows Review links, Data Merge, and Adobe integrations	Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux Strong typography, color, trapping, and print-production controls Organizes long documents with chapters and reusable master pages
Cons	No free plan Available on Windows and macOS only Broader creative tools require a different plan	No verified integrations are listed Preflight is not included The Professional edition costs $149.95 one time
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 →	PageStream is a desktop publishing and page-layout application for creating newsletters, brochures, invitations, business cards, documentation, books, and other designed documents. It is aimed at beginners producing everyday publications… 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

• PageStream — where it wins

  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Strong typography, color, trapping, and print-production controls
  • Organizes long documents with chapters and reusable master pages

  Where it doesn't

  • No verified integrations are listed
  • Preflight is not included
  • The Professional edition costs $149.95 one time

• Adobe InDesign9.2/10 · 7-day trial

  A focused choice for multipage layouts, typography, prepress, and PDF production.

  Visit Adobe InDesignFull verdict →
• PageStream8.2/10 · 14-day trial

  A cross-platform layout tool with strong typography and long-document controls.

  Visit PageStreamFull verdict →