Scribus 1.6.4

Scribus 1.6.4

The Scribus Team  ❘ Open Source
Windows Mac
out of 29 votes
Rank 10 among competitors
Latest Version
1.6.4
Safe to install

Scribus: Professional Desktop Publishing Software

Peter Salakani

Scribus is a versatile desktop publishing application suitable for creating professional layouts.
2025 Editor's Rating
VERY GOOD User Rating

Streamlined Desktop Publishing with Scribus: An In-Depth Review

As a leading open-source desktop publishing software, Scribus by The Scribus Team stands out as a versatile and accessible tool for designers, publishers, and hobbyists alike. Whether you're crafting brochures, newsletters, magazines, or posters, Scribus offers a robust platform to bring your creative ideas to life with professional quality.

Advanced Layout and Design Capabilities

One of Scribus's strongest features is its powerful layout engine. It enables users to design complex page structures with high precision. The software provides comprehensive tools for managing text, images, shapes, and colors, giving you full control over your document’s visual hierarchy and aesthetic.

Multi-Format Support and Compatibility

Scribus supports numerous file formats including PDF, SVG, EPS, and more. This wide compatibility allows for easy import/export of content from various sources. Collaboration is simplified through seamless project sharing across different operating systems, ensuring your designs maintain their integrity regardless of where they are accessed.

Rich Selection of Templates and Customization

  • Access pre-designed templates to jumpstart your projects
  • Customize templates or craft unique layouts from scratch
  • Leverage an extensive library of design elements and tools

Professional Typography Features

Scribus offers advanced typography controls that enable fine-tuning of text styles, fonts, and effects. The ability to work with a variety of font types and styles ensures that your textual content remains engaging and visually appealing, perfectly matching your project’s tone and branding.

User-Friendly Interface for Creative Excellence

With an intuitive interface designed for both beginners and experienced designers, Scribus facilitates a smooth workflow. Its customizable workspace allows users to tailor the environment to their needs, enhancing productivity while maintaining creative flexibility.

Conclusion

Scribus emerges as a comprehensive desktop publishing solution that combines advanced features with ease of use. Ideal for producing high-quality print and digital publications, it empowers users to implement their creative vision without the financial burden of proprietary software. Whether used for professional publishing or personal projects, Scribus remains a powerful choice for desktop publishing excellence.

Overview

Scribus is a Open Source software in the category System Utilities developed by The Scribus Team.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Scribus for updates 1,351 times during the last month.

The latest version of Scribus is 1.6.4, released on 04/22/2025. It was initially added to our database on 08/24/2007. The most prevalent version is 1.6.4, which is used by 30% of all installations.

Scribus runs on the following operating systems: Windows/Mac.

Users of Scribus gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Free and open-source desktop publishing software
  • Supports a wide range of file formats including PDF, PNG, SVG, and EPS
  • Advanced typographic features for precise text editing
  • Allows for creation of professional-looking documents such as brochures, flyers, and newsletters
  • Offers extensive color management options

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners due to its advanced features
  • Lacks some of the pre-designed templates and clip art found in other paid design software
  • Can be less intuitive compared to some commercial desktop publishing applications

FAQ

What is Scribus?

Scribus is an open-source desktop publishing software for creating professional-looking documents, including newsletters, brochures, posters, and magazines.

Which operating systems are supported by Scribus?

Scribus is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/Unix operating systems.

What are the system requirements for running Scribus?

Scribus requires at least 2 gigabytes of RAM and a processor with a speed of at least 1 GHz. Additional requirements vary depending on the operating system.

How does Scribus compare to commercial desktop publishing software?

Scribus offers many of the same features as commercial desktop publishing software, including support for CMYK color space and PDF/X-3 standard. However, it is available for free and is open-source software.

Can I import files from other desktop publishing software into Scribus?

Yes, Scribus supports importing files from Adobe InDesign (INDD), QuarkXPress (QXP), and other desktop publishing software in PDF or EPS format.

Can I create e-books using Scribus?

No, Scribus is designed for creating print documents only. However, PDFs created using Scribus can be read as e-books on various devices.

What kind of support is available for Scribus users?

Scribus has an active community of users and developers who offer support through online forums and wikis. There are also several books and online tutorials available for those new to the software.

Can I use Scribus for commercial purposes?

Yes, Scribus is licensed under the GNU General Public License, which means it can be used for commercial purposes.

Is it possible to automate the creation of Scribus documents?

Yes, Scribus supports scripting using Python, which allows for the automation of certain tasks and the creation of templates.

Can I create interactive documents using Scribus?

Yes, Scribus supports adding buttons, hyperlinks, and other interactive elements to PDFs created with the software.


Peter Salakani

Peter Salakani

I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.

Latest Reviews by Peter Salakani

Screenshots (Click to view larger)

Installations

1,351 users of UpdateStar had Scribus installed last month.

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