Scribus review (2026): is it any good?
Free open-source desktop publishing and page layout program
Scribus report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for print layouts and PDFs on a computer
Scribus is a free desktop publishing program for Windows, Mac and Linux that exports print-ready PDFs with colour management. It lays out text rather than helping you write it, so long text is usually written elsewhere, and it takes time to learn.
Who Scribus is for
- Fits if you lay out a newsletter or booklet for print
- Works for people who want a free alternative to paid layout software
Who Scribus is not for
- Skip it if you want to write long text in it: it is a layout tool, not a word processor
- Not for you if you want a web or phone app, as it runs on computers only
- Tight if you are new to layout: frames and colour settings take time to learn
- Watch out: the download page lists source archives and installers, so check which fits your system
Why Scribus gets a 2.8
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree to download and run, against a category median of $9.75 a month.
- AFree plan and trialFree outright: a program anyone can download, with no paid tier or trial.
- CFeaturesPrint PDF export, colour management, scripting and vector drawing. The listing says it is a layout tool, not a word processor, so writing happens elsewhere.
- CEase of useNo store rating on record. Page layout in frames has a learning curve.
- CPlatforms and integrationsA computer program only, on Windows, Mac and Linux. No web, phone or integrations listed.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Scribus's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/scribus#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/scribus.svg" alt="Scribus: 2.8 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Scribus stands among writing tools
Scribus's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 95 of the 136 other writing tools we grade, and level with 23.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 108 of 136) and worst on features (C, above 2).
Scribus has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 137 writing tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. Scribus’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 89 of 136, level with 47
- AFree plan and trialAbove 108 of 136, level with 28
- CFeaturesAbove 2 of 136, level with 91
- CEase of useAbove 7 of 136, level with 81
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 7 of 136, level with 63
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 107 writing tools. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Scribus, or make your own?
Keep it
Scribus is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 2.8 is higher than 95 of the 136 other writing tools we grade.
What you could make
- Documents: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Scribus’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Scribus?
Scribus is a page layout program for print and PDF work, such as magazines, brochures and forms. It stores documents in an open XML format, supports CMYK and spot colors, and exports PDF/X files for commercial printers. It is free and open source.
Worth knowing
- It is a layout tool, not a word processor, so long text is usually written elsewhere and placed in frames.
- The downloads page lists source archives and installers; check it for the build for your system.
Key features
- Print-ready PDF export
- Exports PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3 and PDF/X-4 for commercial printing, plus PDFs for screen use and forms.
- Color management
- Handles RGB, CMYK, LAB, spectral and spot colors, ships with about 200 palettes and can simulate color blindness.
- Open XML file format
- Documents are stored as readable XML, so a damaged file can be inspected and repaired in a text editor.
- Python scripting
- A scripting engine based on Python automates layout tasks; PDF forms can also use JavaScript.
- Vector drawing and import
- Includes vector drawing tools and many import and export filters for graphics and document types.
Scribus pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Scribus is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Scribus | $0 | Free and open source; the stable release is 1.6.7 and a development line is also offered. |
Read from scribus.net on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Scribus before you buy.
Scribus alternatives
- Scribus vs Microsoft Word
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
- Scribus vs Typst
Free plan · from $7.99/mo
- Scribus vs Atticus
From $147 one-time
Common questions
Does Scribus have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Scribus is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Scribus have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Scribus is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is Scribus open source?
Yes. Scribus is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.