Microsoft Publisher vs Scribus
Microsoft Publisher
microsoft.comScribus
scribus.netSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Publisher | Scribus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Desktop Publishing Software | 6.0 (#29) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Spec score · Poster Design Software | 6.0 (#39) | 8.3 (#22) |
Plans
Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard (no Teams)Priced on request
- Microsoft 365 Business StandardPriced on request
In their own words
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Publisher has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.