Calamus SL vs Scribus
Calamus SL
calamus.netScribus
scribus.netSide by side
| Figure | Calamus SL | Scribus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Desktop Publishing Software | 8.1 (#9) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Print output | Calamus SoftRipping uses the same routines for screen and printer or typesetter output, and supports mixed raster types on one page, including FM raster. | It supports press-ready output, color separations, CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, and PDF creation. |
| Security | The price list says customer data is basically transferred via a secure SSL connection. | The listed release directory includes detached signature files for source archives and Windows packages. |
| Support | The maker provides manuals, a support area, a forum, and a bug report link. | The official Scribus site could not be accessed during research, so its support options could not be confirmed. |
| Typography | The maker describes micro and macro typographical functions and an integrated text editor called EDDIE. | Scribus provides text frames, linked text flow, kerning controls, layers and precise object positioning. |
Plans
Calamus SL
- Calamus LE 2015 (lite edition)€50, paid once
- Calamus SL 2015 (Release 4)€199, paid once
- Calamus SLC 2015 Complete Edition (Release 4)€999, paid once
In their own words
Scribus
Scribus is free, open-source desktop publishing software for professional page layout. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with downloads for each platform. Its print workflow supports press-ready output, color separations, CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, and PDF creation. Scribus also includes illustration tools and a template library. The Windows directory lists 32-bit and 64-bit installers; macOS downloads include Intel and arm64 DMG files; Linux provides an x86_64 AppImage and source archives. The project listing names advanced end users, education, and desktop users as intended audiences. It identifies C++ and Python as programming languages and Qt as a user interface. The release directory includes detached signature files for source archives and Windows packages. Files in the 1.6.4 directory are dated April 20, 2025. Scribus is listed at free. No named third-party integrations are identified, and support options could not be confirmed.