Link copied to clipboard # Microsoft Publisher vs Scribus Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/microsoft-publisher/scribus/export.csv) Microsoft PublisherScribus[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Microsoft Publisher** [ 4.3/5(1,008) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews#reviews) **Scribus** [ 4.1/5(27) ](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Microsoft Publisher** No pricing available **Scribus** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Microsoft Publisher** 2 months Based on 28 responses **Scribus** Not enough reviews yet Return on Investment **Microsoft Publisher** 9 months Based on 26 responses **Scribus** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **Microsoft Publisher** $$$$$ **Scribus** $$$$$ Average Discount **Microsoft Publisher** 7% **Scribus** Not enough reviews yet Pros & Cons **Microsoft Publisher** [ Ease of Use (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1847285&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Layout Design (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1847184&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Design Limitations (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2496856&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Export Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2496853&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Scribus** [ Ease of Use (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1172037&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Easy Editing (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2447857&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ App Instability (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1172062&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Compatibility Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2447887&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Microsoft Publisher** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_033aa224b72b00b72e8860e4e6401efc/microsoft-excel.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Excel ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_c989113cd8c8cb88da7510f7c1edba01/microsoft-powerpoint.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft PowerPoint ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-powerpoint/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/integrations) **Scribus** Not enough data Ratings Meets Requirements **Microsoft Publisher** 8.7 8.7900 **Scribus** 8.7 8.725 Ease of Use **Microsoft Publisher** 8.8 8.8909 **Scribus** 7.8 7.825 Ease of Setup **Microsoft Publisher** 9.1 9.195 **Scribus** Not enough data Ease of Admin **Microsoft Publisher** 9.0 9.075 **Scribus** Not enough data Quality of Support **Microsoft Publisher** 8.4 8.4645 **Scribus** 7.9 7.916 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Microsoft Publisher** 8.5 8.561 **Scribus** Not enough data Product Direction (% positive) **Microsoft Publisher** 7.2 7.2891 **Scribus** 8.1 8.125 Features Desktop Publishing[Hide 8 FeaturesShow 8 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.4 93 8.8 8 Design Layout editor 8.7(won by 0.4) 81 8.3 7 Publishing formats 8.8 76 9.4(won by 0.6) 8 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Saved preferences 8.8(won by 0.2) 75 8.6 7 Templates 8.9(won by default) 82 Not enough data Infographics 8.2(won by default) 64 Not enough data Asset Library 8.0(won by default) 73 Not enough data Platform Additional Functionality Mobile Access 7.0(won by default) 47 Not enough data File Storage 8.8(won by default) 62 Not enough data Show 1 feature category with incomplete data Graphic Design[Hide 36 FeaturesShow 36 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data Not enough data Additional Functionality Data Visualization Not enough data Not enough data Mobile App Not enough data Not enough data AI Copilot Not enough data Not enough data Commenting/Notes Not enough data Not enough data Text Editing Not enough data Not enough data Custom Brushes Not enough data Not enough data Generative AI Not enough data Not enough data Watermarking Not enough data Not enough data Engagement Tracking Not enough data Not enough data Pattern, Color & Art Storage Not enough data Not enough data Version Control Not enough data Not enough data API Not enough data Not enough data Third-Party Integrations Not enough data Not enough data Collaboration Tools Not enough data Not enough data Design Templates Not enough data Not enough data Search/Filter Not enough data Not enough data Secure Data Storage Not enough data Not enough data Workflow Management Not enough data Not enough data Data Storage Management Not enough data Not enough data Interactive Content Not enough data Not enough data Drag & Drop Editor Not enough data Not enough data Video Editing Not enough data Not enough data Preview Functionality Not enough data Not enough data Multi-Language Not enough data Not enough data Image Editing Not enough data Not enough data Content Import/Export Not enough data Not enough data Customizable Branding Not enough data Not enough data Content Management Not enough data Not enough data CAD Tools Not enough data Not enough data Content Library Not enough data Not enough data Custom Fonts Not enough data Not enough data 3D Digital Asset Management Not enough data Not enough data Design Management Not enough data Not enough data Presentation Tools Not enough data Not enough data Social Media Integration Not enough data Not enough data Print Management Not enough data Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![Microsoft Publisher](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566696/microsoft-publisher.svg "Microsoft Publisher")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews) Microsoft Publisher Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 26.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 26.4% [![Scribus](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_742409a1b4613f25f73d792046ca6566/scribus.png "Scribus")](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews) Scribus Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 88.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 3.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 7.7% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 47.6% 88.5% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 26.1% 3.8% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 26.4% 7.7% Reviewers' Industry [![Microsoft Publisher](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566696/microsoft-publisher.svg "Microsoft Publisher")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews) Microsoft Publisher Higher Education 9.2% Non-Profit Organization Management 6.4% Education Management 5.6% Information Technology and Services 3.5% Religious Institutions 3.3% Other 72.1% [![Scribus](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_742409a1b4613f25f73d792046ca6566/scribus.png "Scribus")](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews) Scribus Architecture & Planning 11.5% Marketing and Advertising 11.5% Design 7.7% Higher Education 7.7% Religious Institutions 7.7% Other 53.8% FAQs ## Microsoft Publisher vs Scribus FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Scribus vs Microsoft Publisher? Microsoft Publisher stands out for its higher G2 rating, larger review base, and slightly higher support score, while Scribus is recognized for being free and open source. | [Scribus](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews) | [Microsoft Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.1/5 (28 reviews) | 4.3/5 (1008 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.3 | 9.1 | | 8.0 | 8.4 | | Free Services | Ease of Use | ### How do the pricing models of Scribus and Microsoft Publisher compare? Scribus is considered the stronger value due to its free and open-source model, while Microsoft Publisher is valued for affordability within the Microsoft ecosystem. - **Scribus:** Reviewers consistently highlight that Scribus is free and open source, making it a top choice for those with limited budgets or seeking to avoid paid software. - **Microsoft Publisher:** Reviewers note that Publisher is affordable as part of the Microsoft Office suite and is less expensive than some professional alternatives, but it is not free. - **Switching reasons:** Many reviewers mention switching to Scribus specifically to avoid the cost of commercial desktop publishing software. ### What are the best alternatives to Scribus and Microsoft Publisher? The best alternatives to Scribus and Microsoft Publisher are Canva, Adobe InDesign, and Lucidpress. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Scribus](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews) | 4.1/5 (28 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open source | Free Services | | [Microsoft Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-publisher/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1008 reviews) | Small-Business | Affordable within Office suite | Ease of Use | | [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) | 4.7/5 (7655 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Templates and ease of use | | [Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-indesign/reviews) | 4.6/5 (3439 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Professional-grade design tools | ### Which Desktop Publishing features should I prioritize when comparing Scribus and Microsoft Publisher? Buyers should prioritize ease of use, template availability, PDF export capabilities, layout design tools, and cost when comparing Scribus and Microsoft Publisher. - **Ease of Use:** Scribus 7.9, Microsoft Publisher 8.8 - **Template Availability:** Scribus (Templates: 1 all-time mention), Microsoft Publisher (Templates: 4 all-time mentions) - **PDF Export/Management:** Scribus (PDF Editing: 1, PDF Management: 1 all-time mention), Microsoft Publisher (recent reviews highlight broad file format support) - **Layout Design Tools:** Scribus (Layout Design: 1 all-time mention), Microsoft Publisher (Layout Design: 3 all-time mentions) - **Cost:** Scribus is free and open source, Microsoft Publisher is affordable within the Office suite but not free ### What are the pros and cons of Scribus vs Microsoft Publisher? Scribus is strongest for being free and open source, while Microsoft Publisher is strongest for ease of use and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. - **Scribus strengths:** Free Services (1 all-time mention), PDF Editing (1), Layout Design (1), Multi-platform support, Professional print-ready export, Open source extensibility - **Scribus trade-offs:** App Instability (1), Poor Interface Design (1), Compatibility Issues (1), Limited Options (1), Steeper learning curve, Fewer built-in templates - **Microsoft Publisher strengths:** Ease of Use (4 all-time mentions), Layout Design (3), Intuitive interface (2), Affordable within Office suite, Broad template selection, Integration with other Microsoft products - **Microsoft Publisher trade-offs:** Limited Features (1), Poor Usability (1), Slow Performance (1), Steep Learning Curve (1), Dated interface, Limited advanced design tools, Discontinuation concerns ### Is Scribus or Microsoft Publisher better for small businesses? Microsoft Publisher is the better fit for small businesses, as both products' largest reviewer segment is small business, but Publisher has a much larger review base and stronger ease-of-use sentiment. - **Scribus:** Largest segment is small business; reviewers highlight its value for organizations with restricted budgets and its free, open-source nature. - **Microsoft Publisher:** Largest segment is small business; reviewers consistently praise its ease of use, template variety, and integration with other Microsoft products, making it a popular choice for small business publishing needs. ### Which Desktop Publishing platform has better integrations? Microsoft Publisher and Scribus are at parity for integrations, as neither product has recent reviewer-cited third-party integration mentions above the publish floor. - **Scribus:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations above the publish floor. - **Microsoft Publisher:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations above the publish floor. ### How do Scribus and Microsoft Publisher compare on customer support? Microsoft Publisher and Scribus are at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.4 and 8.0 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference. - **Scribus:** Reviewers describe support as available through forums and community resources, with some noting slower or less centralized help. - **Microsoft Publisher:** Reviewers mention support is accessible as part of the Microsoft ecosystem, with some noting that support and updates have lagged as the product is being discontinued. ### Which is easier to implement, Scribus or Microsoft Publisher? Scribus and Microsoft Publisher are at parity on Ease of Setup, with scores of 9.3 and 9.1 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference. - **Scribus:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, with installation on multiple platforms and minimal configuration required. - **Microsoft Publisher:** Reviewers consistently report easy installation, especially for those already using Microsoft Office products. Alternatives **Microsoft Publisher Alternatives** ![Canva](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/020885d89318f0483f6222194b3ee8ff/canva.svg "Canva") [ Canva ](/products/canva/reviews) ![Adobe InDesign](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/3d7c53016c4b03a215effcee925d9426/adobe-indesign.svg "Adobe InDesign") [ Adobe InDesign ](/products/adobe-indesign/reviews) ![QuarkXPress](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e9d03741af0835f41772cea348da7ec8/quarkxpress.svg "QuarkXPress") [ Quark ](/products/quarkxpress/reviews) ![Marq](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/abb487ca5af273cbfa07ec0f39becb35/charles-thayne-capital-marq.svg "Marq") [ Marq ](/products/charles-thayne-capital-marq/reviews) **Scribus Alternatives** ![Canva](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/020885d89318f0483f6222194b3ee8ff/canva.svg "Canva") [ Canva ](/products/canva/reviews) ![Adobe InDesign](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/3d7c53016c4b03a215effcee925d9426/adobe-indesign.svg "Adobe InDesign") [ Adobe InDesign ](/products/adobe-indesign/reviews) ![QuarkXPress](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e9d03741af0835f41772cea348da7ec8/quarkxpress.svg "QuarkXPress") [ Quark ](/products/quarkxpress/reviews) ![Marq](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/abb487ca5af273cbfa07ec0f39becb35/charles-thayne-capital-marq.svg "Marq") [ Marq ](/products/charles-thayne-capital-marq/reviews) ## Microsoft Publisher vs Scribus - Microsoft Publisher and Scribus both meet the requirements of our reviewers at a comparable rate. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Microsoft Publisher is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Scribus over Microsoft Publisher.