Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Scribus VS ArcReader

Compare Scribus VS ArcReader and see what are their differences

Scribus logo Scribus

Scribus is a desktop publishing (DTP) application.

ArcReader logo ArcReader

ArcReader is a free, easy-to-use desktop mapping application that allows you to view, explore and print maps & globes. View high-quality interactive maps authored by ArcMap and published with the ArcGIS Publisher extension.
  • Scribus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18
  • ArcReader Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-19

Scribus features and specs

  • Open Source
    Scribus is free to use and open source, which means it is cost-effective for individuals and businesses. It also allows users to modify the software to fit their needs.
  • Cross-Platform
    Scribus is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility and accessibility for users across different platforms.
  • Professional Output
    Scribus supports CMYK colors, ICC color management, and PDF creation, allowing for high-quality, print-ready documents suitable for professional publishing.
  • Active Community and Support
    Scribus has an active community and extensive documentation, making it easier for new users to find guidance, tutorials, and support.
  • Wide Range of Tools
    Scribus offers a comprehensive set of layout and design tools, enabling users to create complex layouts for magazines, books, and brochures.

Possible disadvantages of Scribus

  • Learning Curve
    Scribus can be difficult to learn, especially for beginners who are not familiar with desktop publishing concepts and terminology.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of Scribus may feel outdated or non-intuitive compared to other professional graphic design software, potentially slowing down the workflow.
  • Limited Integration
    Scribus does not integrate as seamlessly with other design software in the Adobe Creative Suite, which can be a drawback for users who rely on multiple programs for their projects.
  • Performance Issues
    Users have reported performance issues, including slow rendering times and occasional crashes, especially when working on large, complex documents.
  • Feature Gaps
    While Scribus has many professional-grade features, it still lacks some advanced tools and functionalities available in more expensive commercial alternatives like Adobe InDesign.

ArcReader features and specs

  • Free to Use
    ArcReader is a free software tool provided by Esri which allows users to view, explore, and print maps created in ArcGIS.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Designed for non-GIS users, ArcReader features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and interact with maps.
  • View Published Maps
    Users can view high-quality, interactive maps that have been published by GIS professionals using ArcGIS Publisher.
  • Robust Map Interaction
    ArcReader allows users to zoom, pan, and query spatial data, providing a reasonably interactive experience without needing advanced GIS skills.
  • Offline Use
    ArcReader does not require an internet connection, which allows users to view maps in locations where internet access is unavailable.

Possible disadvantages of ArcReader

  • Limited Functionality
    ArcReader is primarily a map viewing tool and lacks advanced GIS capabilities such as map editing or spatial analysis.
  • Dependency on ArcGIS Publisher
    Maps must be published by ArcGIS Publisher for them to be viewable in ArcReader, making it dependent on other Esri products for map creation.
  • No Customization
    Users cannot create or customize their own maps; functionality is limited to viewing maps published by others.
  • Lacks Online Sharing Capabilities
    ArcReader does not offer features for sharing maps online or collaborating with other users through web-based platforms.
  • Outdated Technology
    As a more traditional desktop application, ArcReader may not integrate well with modern, web-based GIS solutions, and its features have seen limited updates compared to other Esri products.

Analysis of Scribus

Overall verdict

  • Scribus is a solid choice for users looking for a cost-effective alternative for desktop publishing tasks. While it might have a steeper learning curve compared to some commercial options, its capabilities make it an effective tool for creating publications ranging from single-page flyers to complex magazines.

Why this product is good

  • Scribus is a popular open-source desktop publishing (DTP) application that is highly regarded for several reasons. It provides a comprehensive set of features for page layout, which makes it a viable alternative to commercial software like Adobe InDesign. Users appreciate its ability to handle complex layouts, its support for a wide range of file formats, and its strong community support. As open-source software, it is free to use, which is highly attractive to individuals and organizations on a budget.

Recommended for

    Scribus is recommended for freelancers, small business owners, educators, and hobbyists who need robust desktop publishing capabilities without the expense associated with commercial software. It is also suitable for technical users who appreciate open-source solutions and are willing to invest time in learning the software to leverage its full potential.

Scribus videos

Scribus Demo | Free Desktop Publishing (Adobe Indesign Alternative)

More videos:

  • Review - Scribus review
  • Review - Scribus Lesson 1 - Getting Started and User Interface

ArcReader videos

No ArcReader videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Scribus and ArcReader)
Design Tools
91 91%
9% 9
Graphic Design Software
90 90%
10% 10
Office & Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Image Marketplace
81 81%
19% 19

User comments

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Reviews

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

Scribus Reviews

10 Best Adobe Indesign Alternatives in 2025
Scribus is the go-to option for users who need a professional-grade publishing tool without the cost. As an open-source platform, Scribus provides a high degree of flexibility and customization. Its interface and features cater to those looking for an affordable alternative with comparable capabilities to InDesign.
Source: www.appypie.com

ArcReader Reviews

We have no reviews of ArcReader yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Scribus seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Scribus mentions (2)

ArcReader mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ArcReader yet. Tracking of ArcReader recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Scribus and ArcReader, you can also consider the following products

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

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

iBooks Author - iBooks Author, free from the Mac App store, allows you to create beautiful Multi-Touch textbooks โ€” and just about any other kind of book.

QuarkXPress - Fully-integrated graphic design and layout software

Marq - Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a web-based design and layout application that enables anyone to create beautiful creatives

Wondershare PDFelement - All-in-one PDF editor