Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

VivaDesigner VS Scribus

Compare VivaDesigner VS Scribus and see what are their differences

VivaDesigner logo VivaDesigner

VivaDesigner is the first high end typesetting and layout program in the world for both desktop and...

Scribus logo Scribus

Scribus is a desktop publishing (DTP) application.
  • VivaDesigner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-21
  • Scribus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18

VivaDesigner features and specs

  • Cross-platform compatibility
    VivaDesigner is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to work on different platforms seamlessly.
  • Cost-effective
    Offers a one-time purchase option, which can be more economical in the long run compared to subscription-based models.
  • Professional features
    Includes extensive professional publishing features such as color management, text formatting, and template design, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.
  • Multilingual support
    Supports multiple languages, making it accessible for a global user base and enhancing collaborative work environments.
  • Integration capabilities
    Capable of integrating with other systems and databases, offering flexibility for businesses that require connectivity with existing tools.

Possible disadvantages of VivaDesigner

  • Learning curve
    The software might be complex for new users who are not familiar with desktop publishing tools, requiring time to learn and become proficient.
  • Limited community support
    Compared to more established products, VivaDesigner has a smaller user community, which can result in fewer online resources and support forums.
  • Feature limitations
    Some advanced desktop publishing features available in other high-end software might not be present, potentially limiting options for highly specialized tasks.
  • Periodic updates
    Although the software offers a comprehensive feature set, the update frequency might not match rapid industry changes, affecting the adoption of new advancements.

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.

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.

VivaDesigner videos

Corporate Publishing with VivaDesigner and VivaCloud

More videos:

  • Tutorial - VivaDesigner Tutorial - Teil 8 - Import von IDML, INDD, PDF
  • Tutorial - VivaDesigner Tutorial - Teil 1: Einfuehrung

Scribus videos

Scribus Demo | Free Desktop Publishing (Adobe Indesign Alternative)

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to VivaDesigner and Scribus)
Design Tools
17 17%
83% 83
Graphic Design Software
16 16%
84% 84
Office & Productivity
23 23%
77% 77
Image Marketplace
17 17%
83% 83

User comments

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Reviews

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

VivaDesigner Reviews

10 Best Adobe Indesign Alternatives in 2025
VivaDesigner is a desktop and online layout tool that offers professional-grade features at a fraction of the cost of Adobe InDesign. It targets both individual designers and publishing teams, providing a range of tools for multi-page layouts, typography, and collaborative editing. VivaDesigner is known for its affordability and flexibility, making it an excellent option for...
Source: www.appypie.com

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

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.

VivaDesigner mentions (0)

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

Scribus mentions (2)

What are some alternatives?

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

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

Affinity Publisher - Professional desktop publishing app

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

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

Swift Publisher - Swift Publisher is a page layout and desktop publishing app for Mac