Alternative to InDesign - 3 free programs

Adobe InDesign is a powerful desktop publishing program, but also very expensive. However, there are free alternatives. We present 3 free programs that can do a lot.

Scribus - a real InDesign alternative

We start with our top recommendation: Scribus, a real alternative to Adobe InDesign. Scribus is available for both Windows and macOS.

• As an open source project, Scribus is not only free of charge, it is also constantly being developed and improved. The program is now absolutely profitable.
• Scribus is also a very powerful program. You can also write small scripts for your projects if you have a little programming knowledge.
• In terms of capabilities, Scribus InDesign is now in no way inferior: in color management, you can define spot colors and create CMYK colors.
• The user interface is clear and very flexible: You can customize displays and tools and thus optimize the workflow.
• In one point, Scribus is even ahead of the expensive Adobe InDesign: The open source program offers immediately usable templates for wrap and zigzag folds - these templates are missing in InDesign.

LucidPress - online publishing with restrictions

If you only want to design something exceptionally, LucidPress is the right choice.

• You do not download a program to your computer here, but design online.
• The simple use saves the familiarization that you usually need with extensive programs.
• The scope is limited as a free option. You can create a maximum of three pages per document. The memory is also limited to 25 MB.
• The program is definitely an option for trying out or for a one-off design of an invitation, for example. However, the greatest danger with online publishing is the theft of ideas. LucidPress is therefore less suitable for professional layout, even in the paid version.

VivaDesigner: stripped down Free Edition

Last but not least, VivaDesigner is available as a free edition, optionally for Windows, macOS and Linux. You can use the Free Edition of VivaDesigner both privately and commercially.

• The Free Edition is free, but its functions are also limited compared to the full version. However, the full version can hold its own in InDesign.
• Functionally, it has a lot to offer, over 1, 000 functions are available. The big plus, however, lies in the intuitive operation: on the one hand, every InDesign user can find his way around immediately, on the other hand, the program offers the option of restricting document editing options. This is particularly interesting for organizations that work with VivaDesigner. Then the operation becomes so simple that every DTP layman can work with the program without any problems.
• VivaDesigner is compatible with Adobe InDesign, MS-Word and MS-Excel. With the paid version, you can even write and save documents in InDesign format.

Other alternatives to InDesign

We have already presented the best three alternatives to you. If you haven't found the right program for you, we have two suggestions for you.

• Canva is actually not a desktop publisher like InDesign. If you only want to occasionally create a poster or a flyer, the tool is sufficient and is also free of charge. Choose the Pro version for significantly more functions. The use then costs around 13 euros per month.
• SpringPublisher is particularly suitable for beginners when it comes to desktop publishing. The program is easier to use than the extensive InDesign. However, some functions are missing compared to the Adobe classic. Still, SpringPublisher offers enough features to produce great results.

Do you dare to do layouts on the iPad too, try the free mobile version of Quark "Quark DesignPad". If you are not even sure which program you need for your project, read our understandable explanation: What is Adobe InDesign? Perhaps a classic image editing program is better suited for your project. You don't necessarily need the expensive Adobe product Photoshop for this either. In another practical tip you will find the best alternatives to Photoshop.