Scribus vs VivaDesigner
Scribus
scribus.netVivaDesigner
viva.systemsSide by side
| Figure | Scribus | VivaDesigner |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €299/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 10 |
| Spec score · Desktop Publishing Software | 8.4 (#7) | 8.7 (#6) |
| Integrations | GetApp user reviews mention GIMP, Adobe InDesign, Canva, Inkscape, Photoshop and Acrobat in Scribus workflows. | VivaDesigner Server can be integrated into websites and web applications, and its functions can be accessed through an API. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.1 out of 5 from 27 reviews | 4.5 out of 5 from 1 review |
| Rating on GetApp | 4.4 out of 5 from 19 reviews | 4.7 out of 5 from 3 reviews |
| Self-hosting | Because the source and build files are public and the application is desktop software, organizations can compile and run it locally. | Commercial customers and software vendors can deploy the VivaDesigner Server in their own data center under an on-premises option. |
| Support | The official Scribus site could not be accessed during research, so its support options could not be confirmed. | GetApp lists email/help-desk and phone support, with in-person, live-online, webinar and documentation training options. |
| System requirements | Homebrew's current cask supports macOS versions from Big Sur through Tahoe and Linux x86_64 AppImage packages. | Desktop requirements include a 64-bit OS, 1 GB free disk space, at least 1 GB RAM, a 1 GB video card and a 1920×1080 display. |
| Typography | Scribus provides text frames, linked text flow, kerning controls, layers and precise object positioning. | It supports all languages and writing directions, with tools for typography, structured text, styles, tables, paths and barcodes. |
| What it does | Scribus is a desktop publishing application for arranging text, images and graphics into precise print or PDF layouts. | VivaDesigner is an AI-assisted design, publishing, layout, typesetting and illustration application for desktop computers and web browsers. |
Plans
VivaDesigner
- Free EditionFree
- FREE Edition (Desktop)Free
- Free Edition Plus trialFree
- EDUCATION Edition (Desktop)$89, paid once
- PERSONAL Edition (Desktop)$139, paid once
- NPO/NGO Edition (Desktop)$159, paid once
- VIVA SaaS / IaaS€299 a month
- GOVERNMENT Edition (Desktop)$329, paid once
- COMMERCIAL Edition (Desktop)$399, paid once
- VivaDesigner Desktop licensed editionsPrice not published
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.
VivaDesigner
VivaDesigner is a desktop and web program for design, publishing, layout, typesetting and illustration. It supports projects such as books, brochures, flyers, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, business cards, resumes, logos and social media ads. Its tools cover typography, structured text, styles, tables, paths and barcodes, with support for all languages and writing directions. AI features include automatic translation in more than 30 languages and automatic image clipping. VivaDesigner imports native InDesign documents, and users can edit VivaDesigner or InDesign files in a browser. Teams can work online or offline, add text notes and track visual changes. Documents can be printed or exported to PDF, XML, PNG, JPG and other formats. The server can connect to websites and web applications through an API, or be deployed on premises; the hosted offer includes a German data center and automatic backup. The free edition can open, edit, save and print documents, but lacks hyphenation, spell check and PDF export. The SaaS / IaaS offer costs €299 a month, net plus VAT, on a one-year contract.