Head-to-head · Desktop Publishing Software
VivaDesigner vs Microsoft Publisher
VivaDesigner leads on 2 checks, Microsoft Publisher on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreVivaDesigner · 8.6/10
- Free planonly VivaDesigner
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresVivaDesigner · 5 of 5
VivaDesigner scores higher on our rubric for desktop publishing software: 8.6 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
VivaDesigner offers free plan; Microsoft Publisher doesn't. VivaDesigner offers epub export; Microsoft Publisher doesn't.
VivaDesigner is the better fit for teams needing broad deployment and versioning. Microsoft Publisher is the better fit for windows users needing familiar publication tools.
- VivaDesigner fits best
Teams needing broad deployment and versioning
- Microsoft Publisher fits best
Windows users needing familiar publication tools
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Side by side
| Feature | VivaDesigner 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Microsoft Publisher 8.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Ranking | #5 in Desktop Publishing Software | #8 in Desktop Publishing Software |
| Best for | Teams needing broad deployment and versioning | Windows users needing familiar publication tools |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | €39/user/mo | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 30 days · card required |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Browser extension | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Support | Phone, Tickets, Docs | Phone, Docs · 24/7 |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features VivaDesigner 5/5 · Microsoft Publisher 3/5 | ||
| PDF export | ✓ | ✓ |
| EPUB export | ✓ (best) | — |
| Master pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preflight tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Color management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web browser | windows |
| Collaboration level | Versioning | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | VivaDesigner is a desktop, web-based, and server publishing application for creating books, brochures, flyers, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, business cards, resumes, and other layout documents. It is aimed at designers, publishers,… Read the review → |
Microsoft Publisher is a Windows-only desktop publishing application for creating arranged layouts with text, pictures, borders, calendars, newsletters, labels, greeting cards, and marketing materials. It is aimed at Windows users who need… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
VivaDesigner — where it wins
- Works across web, Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Exports PDF and EPUB with preflight and color management
- Supports notes and visual change tracking for collaboration
Where it doesn't
- The SaaS/IaaS plan costs €299 per month on annual billing
- Additional web users cost €39 per month each
- Free Edition Plus becomes limited after its trial
Microsoft Publisher — where it wins
- Precise layouts with templates, master pages, and reusable design elements
- PDF/XPS export includes CMYK, spot-color, and print-oriented settings
- Connects with OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only, with no listed support for other platforms
- No free plan; access is tied to Microsoft 365 Business Standard plans
- Microsoft plans to retire Publisher in October 2026
- VivaDesigner8.6/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A broad publishing suite for teams that need cross-platform layout and versioning.
Visit VivaDesignerFull verdict → - Microsoft Publisher8.1/10 · 30-day trial
A capable Windows publishing tool, but its scheduled retirement limits its long-term fit.
Visit MicrosoftFull 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