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Head-to-head · Desktop Publishing Software

QuarkXPress vs PageStream

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score QuarkXPress #3 in Desktop Publishing Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 5 features Visit QuarkXPress
PageStream #7 in Desktop Publishing Software 8.2/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 5 features Visit PageStream

QuarkXPress leads on 0 checks, PageStream on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreQuarkXPress · 8.9/10
  • Free trialonly PageStream
  • Most featuresPageStream · 3 of 5

QuarkXPress scores higher on our rubric for desktop publishing software: 8.9 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

QuarkXPress is the better fit for mature print and digital publishing teams. PageStream is the better fit for cross-platform traditional page layout.

  • QuarkXPress fits best

    Mature print and digital publishing teams

  • PageStream fits best

    Cross-platform traditional page layout

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Side by side

Feature QuarkXPress 8.9/10 Visit ↗ PageStream 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.2
Ranking #3 in Desktop Publishing Software #7 in Desktop Publishing Software
Best for Mature print and digital publishing teams Cross-platform traditional page layout
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not checked yet $99.95 one-time
Free plan — —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features QuarkXPress 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
  • 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
  • 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 or native mobile application
  • Pricing requires choosing between subscription and perpetual licensing
  • Real-time collaboration is listed, but collaboration workflows are not detailed
  • No verified integrations are listed
  • Preflight is not included
  • The Professional edition costs $149.95 one time
Our verdict

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 →

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 →
  1. QuarkXPressDesktop Publishing Software 8.9Paid
  2. PageStreamDesktop Publishing Software 8.214-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • 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

More comparisons

All desktop publishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update