Top 10 Microsoft Publisher Alternatives & Competitors

(996)4.3 out of 5

Microsoft Publisher is not the only option for Desktop Publishing Software. Explore other competing options and alternatives. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Microsoft Publisher include documents and templates. The best overall Microsoft Publisher alternative is Canva. Other similar apps like Microsoft Publisher are Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Marq, and Affinity Publisher. Microsoft Publisher alternatives can be found in Desktop Publishing Software but may also be in Display Ad Design Software or PDF Editors.

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Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Microsoft Publisher

Canva
Adobe InDesign
QuarkXPress
Marq
Affinity Publisher
The Print Shop
Scribus
iStudio Publisher

Top 10 Alternatives to Microsoft Publisher Recently Reviewed By G2 Community

Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how Microsoft Publisher stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Higher Education, Information Technology and Services, and Design, and find the best product for your business.

Canva

By Canva

4.7/5

(6,678)

Product Description

Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Canva is:

Easier to do business with

More usable

Better at meeting requirements

Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher:

By Adobe

Product Description

Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign is:

More expensive

Slower to reach roi

Better at meeting requirements

Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher:

By Quark

Product Description

Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress is:

Slower to reach roi

More expensive

Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher:

Desktop Publishing

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Affinity Publisher

By Serif

4.7/5

(71)

Product Description

Affinity Publisher is a professional desktop publishing application developed by Serif, designed to create a wide range of publications, including books, magazines, brochures, and marketing materials. Launched in 2019, it offers a seamless and intuitive experience for combining text, images, and graphics into polished layouts. In 2025, Affinity Publisher was integrated into a unified Affinity application, combining vector design, photo editing, and page layout functionalities into a single platform. Key Features and Functionality: - StudioLink Technology: Allows seamless integration with Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo, enabling users to access vector and raster editing tools directly within the layout environment. - Advanced Typography: Supports OpenType features, text decorations, drop caps, and text on a path, providing extensive control over text styling. - Master Pages: Facilitates consistent design across multiple pages by allowing the creation and application of master templates. - Text Flow and Wrapping: Offers linked text frames with advanced flow options and precise text wrapping controls. - Comprehensive File Support: Compatible with various file formats, including PSD, AI, PDF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, and EPS, ensuring smooth import and export processes. - Professional Output: Provides end-to-end CMYK and spot color support, along with PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, and PDF/X-4 output for professional print production. Primary Value and User Solutions: Affinity Publisher addresses the needs of designers and publishers seeking a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to traditional desktop publishing software. Its integration with Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo through StudioLink streamlines the creative workflow, eliminating the need to switch between separate applications. The software's advanced typography tools and master page functionality ensure consistency and precision in complex documents. By supporting a wide range of file formats and offering professional print output capabilities, Affinity Publisher empowers users to produce high-quality publications efficiently.

Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Affinity Publisher is:

Easier to do business with

Easier to admin

Better at support

Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher:

Desktop Publishing