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: August 2008
1. Scribus Desktop Publishing
Scribus - Screenshot from scribus.net
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 similar to Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress with text frames, floating palettes, and pull-down menus -- and without the hefty price tag. WebWorkerDaily recommends Scribus "for logos, booklets, brochures, or just very eye-popping pages."
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, OS2
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, OS2
2. OpenOffice.org
OpenOffice.org
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. If your desktop publishing needs are basic but you also want a full suite of office tools, try OpenOffice. For more complex desktop publishing tasks you might be better off with Scribus or one of the print creativity titles for the Mac.
Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac, FreeBSD
Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac, FreeBSD
