PageStream vs Scribus
PageStream
pagestream.orgScribus
scribus.netSide by side
| Figure | PageStream | Scribus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Desktop Publishing Software | 8.0 (#13) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Support | Free support includes an internet mailing list, private email support, FAQs and free updates. | The official Scribus site could not be accessed during research, so its support options could not be confirmed. |
| System requirements | The documentation states that PageStream 5.0 for Windows requires Windows 95 or later or NT 4.0 or later through Vista and Windows 7, with 60MB of disk space. | Homebrew's current cask supports macOS versions from Big Sur through Tahoe and Linux x86_64 AppImage packages. |
Plans
In their own words
PageStream
PageStream 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.