Scribus vs PageStream

SScribus8.8Visit PageStream8.2Visit

Higher score S Scribus #4 in Desktop Publishing Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Scribus

vs

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

• Scribus fits best

  Free cross-platform professional layout

• PageStream fits best

  Cross-platform traditional page layout

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Side by side

Feature	SScribus 8.8/10 Visit ↗	PageStream 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.2
Ranking	#4 in Desktop Publishing Software	#7 in Desktop Publishing Software
Best for	Free cross-platform professional layout	Cross-platform traditional page layout
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	$99.95 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	14 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Scribus 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	CMYK, spot colors, color separations, and ICC management PDF creation with professional page-layout tools RTL, bidirectional, Indic, and OpenType text support	Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux Strong typography, color, trapping, and print-production controls Organizes long documents with chapters and reusable master pages
Cons	Desktop-focused rather than browser-based Free software may suit self-directed publishing workflows best Professional features can exceed the needs of simple documents	No verified integrations are listed Preflight is not included The Professional edition costs $149.95 one time
Our verdict	Scribus is a free, open-source desktop publishing application for creating page layouts and press-ready documents. It is aimed at publishers, designers, and organizations that need professional layout controls without a paid subscription.… 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

• Scribus — where it wins

  • CMYK, spot colors, color separations, and ICC management
  • PDF creation with professional page-layout tools
  • RTL, bidirectional, Indic, and OpenType text support

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop-focused rather than browser-based
  • Free software may suit self-directed publishing workflows best
  • Professional features can exceed the needs of simple documents

• 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

• SScribus8.8/10 · Free plan

  A capable free choice for press-ready layouts across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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

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

  Visit PageStreamFull verdict →