Design & Photo · Desktop publishing

Free alternatives to Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign by Adobe: Page layout software for magazines, books, brochures and reports. Pricing: subscription. Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.

Alternative	Type	Platforms	Best for
Scribus	Open source	Windows, macOS, Linux	Print layouts with CMYK and PDF/X export	Get it
Affinity (by Canva)Can import IDML files exported from InDesign.	Free	Windows, macOS	Professional books and magazines	Get it
Canva	Free plan	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Quick flyers, social posts and simple brochures	Get it
Adobe InDesignThe paid original	Subscription	–	Desktop publishing	Visit

The alternatives in detail

01/ Scribus

Open source

Best for: Print layouts with CMYK and PDF/X export.

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit Scribus

02/ Affinity (by Canva)

Free

Best for: Professional books and magazines.

Can import IDML files exported from InDesign.

Runs on: Windows, macOS

Visit Affinity (by Canva)

03/ Canva

Free plan

Best for: Quick flyers, social posts and simple brochures.

Runs on: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Visit Canva

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Adobe InDesign?

Yes. Scribus is a strong free option for print layouts with cmyk and pdf/x export. Other choices include Affinity (by Canva), Canva.

Which Adobe InDesign alternative is open source?

Scribus is open source.