Many of the "free desktop publishing software" programs are really specialty utilities. They are fine for a specific job — such as labels or business cards — but they aren't your all-around page design tools. However, there are a few free programs with full desktop publishing capabilities. Updated: November 2006
Aimed at both novice and professional users, this Windows package combines ease-of-use and some professional options, such as advanced layout and typesetting, with word processing, and drawing. Current versions are not free but Serif gives away earlier editions to generate satisfied customers (who hopefully upgrade). Get free Serif drawing, image editing, and Web publishing software too. You get way more than you pay for with this option.
This Open Source software is available for several platforms, including Windows. Scribus offers CMYK support, font embedding and sub-setting, PDF creation, EPS import/export, basic drawing tools, and other professional level features. It works in a fashion similiar to Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress with text frames, floating palettes, and pull-down menus.
Not just as good as, some say it's better than Microsoft Office. Get fully-integrated word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and database tools in this Open Source software. Among the many features you'll find PDF and SWF (Flash) export, increased Microsoft Office format support, and multiple languages.
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