Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

QuarkXPress VS Marq

Compare QuarkXPress VS Marq and see what are their differences

QuarkXPress logo QuarkXPress

Fully-integrated graphic design and layout software

Marq logo Marq

Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a web-based design and layout application that enables anyone to create beautiful creatives
  • QuarkXPress Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-04
  • Marq Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-25

QuarkXPress features and specs

  • Versatility
    QuarkXPress is a versatile tool that supports a variety of formats, allowing users to create layouts for print, web, and digital publishing within a single platform.
  • Advanced Typography
    It offers advanced typography tools and options, such as OpenType features, that provide detailed control over the aesthetics and readability of text.
  • High-Quality Output
    QuarkXPress offers high-quality output capabilities, making it ideal for professional design projects that require precision and quality, such as magazines and books.
  • No Subscription Model
    Unlike some competitors, QuarkXPress does not operate on a subscription model, offering a one-time purchase, which can be cost-effective over time for users.
  • Cross-Platform Integration
    The software is compatible with both macOS and Windows, making it accessible to a wider range of users and providing integration capabilities with other software.

Possible disadvantages of QuarkXPress

  • Steep Learning Curve
    QuarkXPress has a steep learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set, which might be overwhelming for beginners or users transitioning from simpler tools.
  • High Initial Cost
    The upfront cost of purchasing QuarkXPress can be high, which may be a barrier for freelancers or smaller businesses compared to subscription-based models.
  • Less Popularity
    It is less popular than some competitors, resulting in a smaller community and fewer readily available tutorials or resources online for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Lagging Features
    Some users have reported that new features in QuarkXPress can lag behind those offered by competitors, potentially affecting the ability to utilize the latest design trends.
  • Infrequent Updates
    Updates and new versions aren't as frequent, which might be a concern for users looking for the latest tools and improvements in design software.

Marq features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Lucidpress offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users without design experience to create professional-looking documents.
  • Cloud-Based
    Being a cloud-based application allows users to access their work from anywhere with an internet connection and ensures that all work is saved and backed up automatically.
  • Collaboration Features
    Lucidpress includes robust collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work on a document simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects.
  • Templates & Customization
    The platform provides a wide range of pre-designed templates and customization options, which can expedite the design process and ensure consistency.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    Lucidpress integrates well with other popular tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack, allowing for seamless workflow integration.

Possible disadvantages of Marq

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of Lucidpress comes with significant limitations, including fewer templates and lower storage limits, which may necessitate purchasing a premium plan for full functionality.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as slow loading times or occasional lag, especially when handling large files or complex designs.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, some advanced features can have a steep learning curve for new users who are not familiar with design software.
  • Cost
    The subscription costs for premium features can add up, making it a more expensive option compared to some other design tools available in the market.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While suitable for most basic design tasks, Lucidpress may lack some advanced features that professional designers require, making it less suitable for highly technical or complex projects.

Analysis of QuarkXPress

Overall verdict

  • QuarkXPress is a powerful tool for professional designers and publishers who require advanced desktop publishing capabilities. However, its suitability may depend on specific user needs and industry standards. While it offers many professional features, it also comes with a steep learning curve and a higher price point compared to some alternatives.

Why this product is good

  • QuarkXPress is considered good due to its robust features for desktop publishing. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for page layout, graphic design, typography, and digital publishing. The software is known for its precision in design and the ability to handle large and complex documents. It integrates well with various extensions and supports a wide range of file formats.

Recommended for

    QuarkXPress is recommended for professional graphic designers, desktop publishers, marketing professionals, and anyone involved in media production who needs advanced, high-quality design capabilities. It is particularly suited for those who need to create print and digital publications such as brochures, magazines, eBooks, and interactive content.

Analysis of Marq

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Marq is considered good for businesses and individuals looking for a straightforward, user-friendly design tool. It provides a balance between functionality and simplicity, making it a suitable choice for those without a strong background in design.

Why this product is good

  • Marq, formerly known as Lucidpress, is a design and brand templating platform that is popular for its ease of use and versatility. It offers a wide range of templates for creating brochures, flyers, newsletters, and other branded materials. The platform is cloud-based, making it accessible from anywhere, and offers collaboration features that facilitate teamwork.

Recommended for

    Marq is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses, marketing teams, educational institutions, and individuals who need an easy-to-use platform for creating professional-looking design materials without extensive design skills.

QuarkXPress videos

QuarkXPress 2018 for Mac - Review and Demo

More videos:

  • Review - QuarkXPress 2019 is Here!
  • Review - Switching to InDesign from QuarkXPress with Lori Miskoff on Q2ID - Full Interview
  • Review - QuarkXPress Review: QuarkXpress is Solid Publishing Software
  • Review - What's new in QuarkXPress 2018 – 5 min overview

Marq videos

How Lucidpress works (in under 2 minutes)

More videos:

  • Review - Review: Using LucidPress in the Classroom
  • Review - Introduction to Lucidpress
  • Review - Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) Review: The Best Money Can Buy?
  • Review - Garmin MARQ Captain (Gen 2) Review: Sailor’s Delight
  • Review - Garmin Marq Gen 2 // The Best Garmin Watch You Can Get

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to QuarkXPress and Marq)
Design Tools
19 19%
81% 81
Graphic Design Software
21 21%
79% 79
Image Marketplace
43 43%
57% 57
Image Editing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare QuarkXPress and Marq

QuarkXPress Reviews

10 Best Adobe Indesign Alternatives in 2025
In 2025, the market is brimming with high-quality desktop publishing tools that cater to a wide range of design needs, budgets, and skill levels. From user-friendly options like Appy Pie Design and Microsoft Publisher to professional-grade platforms like QuarkXPress and Affinity Publisher, these alternatives provide unique features that can suit both beginners and seasoned...
Source: www.appypie.com

Marq Reviews

12 Best Free PosterMyWall Alternatives and Competitors
Lucidpress (now Marq) is another online tool you can use to make brochures, flyers, newsletters, business cards, posters, magazines, and presentations on your computer when you are looking for PosterMyWall alternatives.
Source: mockey.ai
The Top 10 Alternatives to Marq in 2024
Lucidpress has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on user reviews. Users generally mention the intuitive design and ease of use. Check out more Lucidpress reviews here.
Source: piktochart.com
10 Best Adobe Indesign Alternatives in 2025
Adobe InDesign remains the industry standard for desktop publishing, but there are numerous alternatives that can suit a variety of needs and budgets. Whether you're a freelance designer seeking affordability with Affinity Publisher or Scribus, a marketing team that needs a collaborative solution like Marq (formerly Lucidpress), or a creative professional looking for...
Source: www.appypie.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing QuarkXPress and Marq, you can also consider the following products

Adobe InDesign - Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software application.

Canva - Canva is a graphic-design platform with a drag-and-drop interface to create print or visual content while providing templates, images, and fonts. Canva makes graphic design more straightforward and accessible regardless of skill level.

Microsoft Publisher - Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing solution.

PicMonkey - PicMonkey is a feature-rich online photo editor that works right in your browser; no downloads...

Scribus - Scribus is a desktop publishing (DTP) application.

Piktochart - Piktochart for Business Storytelling