# Top 10 Microsoft Publisher Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 998 Explore the best alternatives to Microsoft Publisher for users who need new software features or want to try different solutions. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Microsoft Publisher include templates and documents. 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](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) but may also be in [Display Ad Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/display-ad-design) or [PDF Editors](https://www.g2.com/categories/pdf-editor). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Microsoft Publisher - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - [Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-indesign/reviews) - [QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/products/quarkxpress/reviews) - [Marq](https://www.g2.com/products/charles-thayne-capital-marq/reviews) - [Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/affinity-publisher/reviews) - [The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/products/the-print-shop/reviews) - [Scribus](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews) - [iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/istudio-publisher/reviews) - [Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/swift-publisher/reviews) - [Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/products/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement/reviews) ## 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. ### 1. [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) By Canva **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 7,031 Canva is an online design and publishing platform that provides user friendly design tools for non-designers. 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: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-microsoft-publisher) **Compare Canva with other alternatives:** - [Canva vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-canva) - [Canva vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-quarkxpress) - [Canva vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-charles-thayne-capital-marq) - [Canva vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-canva) - [Canva vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-the-print-shop) - [Canva vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-scribus) - [Canva vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Canva vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-swift-publisher) - [Canva vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 2. [Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-indesign/reviews) By Adobe **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 3,396 Adobe InDesign is a versatile desktop publishing application that gives you pixel- perfect control over design and typography. 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: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-microsoft-publisher) **Compare Adobe InDesign with other alternatives:** - [Adobe InDesign vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-canva) - [Adobe InDesign vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-quarkxpress) - [Adobe InDesign vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-charles-thayne-capital-marq) - [Adobe InDesign vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-affinity-publisher) - [Adobe InDesign vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-the-print-shop) - [Adobe InDesign vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-scribus) - [Adobe InDesign vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Adobe InDesign vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-swift-publisher) - [Adobe InDesign vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 3. [QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/products/quarkxpress/reviews) By Quark **Average Rating:** 4.0/5 **Total Reviews:** 303 QuarkXPress is a design and layout tool for print and digital publishing professionals. Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-publisher-vs-quarkxpress) **Compare QuarkXPress with other alternatives:** - [QuarkXPress vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-quarkxpress) - [QuarkXPress vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-quarkxpress) - [QuarkXPress vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-quarkxpress) - [QuarkXPress vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-quarkxpress) - [QuarkXPress vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-the-print-shop) - [QuarkXPress vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-scribus) - [QuarkXPress vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-istudio-publisher) - [QuarkXPress vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-swift-publisher) - [QuarkXPress vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 4. [Marq](https://www.g2.com/products/charles-thayne-capital-marq/reviews) By Marq **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 209 Marq is a web-based layout and design tool with real-time collaboration. Work with anyone, on any browser, at any time. Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Marq is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - More usable Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-microsoft-publisher) **Compare Marq with other alternatives:** - [Marq vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-charles-thayne-capital-marq) - [Marq vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-charles-thayne-capital-marq) - [Marq vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-quarkxpress) - [Marq vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-charles-thayne-capital-marq) - [Marq vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-the-print-shop) - [Marq vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-scribus) - [Marq vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Marq vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-swift-publisher) - [Marq vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 5. [Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/affinity-publisher/reviews) By Serif **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 71 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](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-microsoft-publisher) **Compare Affinity Publisher with other alternatives:** - [Affinity Publisher vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-canva) - [Affinity Publisher vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-affinity-publisher) - [Affinity Publisher vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-quarkxpress) - [Affinity Publisher vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-charles-thayne-capital-marq) - [Affinity Publisher vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-the-print-shop) - [Affinity Publisher vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-scribus) - [Affinity Publisher vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Affinity Publisher vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-swift-publisher) - [Affinity Publisher vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 6. [The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/products/the-print-shop/reviews) By Broderbund Software **Average Rating:** 3.9/5 **Total Reviews:** 28 The Print Shop is your one-stop digital design solution, offering the widest range of design & layout tools available for the everyday user, including page layout, photo editing, graphic design and more. Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, The Print Shop is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - Easier to admin Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-publisher-vs-the-print-shop) **Compare The Print Shop with other alternatives:** - [The Print Shop vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/the-print-shop-vs-istudio-publisher) - [The Print Shop vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/swift-publisher-vs-the-print-shop) - [The Print Shop vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/the-print-shop-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 7. [Scribus](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews) By The Scribus Team **Average Rating:** 4.1/5 **Total Reviews:** 27 Scribus is an open source alternative for entry-level desktop publishing. Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Scribus is: - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-publisher-vs-scribus) **Compare Scribus with other alternatives:** - [Scribus vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-scribus) - [Scribus vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-scribus) - [Scribus vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-scribus) - [Scribus vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-scribus) - [Scribus vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-scribus) - [Scribus vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-the-print-shop) - [Scribus vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Scribus vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-swift-publisher) - [Scribus vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 8. [iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/istudio-publisher/reviews) By iStudio Software **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 20 iStudio Publisher for Mac - perfect for creating stunning documents. Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, iStudio Publisher is: - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-publisher-vs-istudio-publisher) **Compare iStudio Publisher with other alternatives:** - [iStudio Publisher vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/the-print-shop-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/swift-publisher-vs-istudio-publisher) - [iStudio Publisher vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement-vs-istudio-publisher) ### 9. [Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/swift-publisher/reviews) By BeLight Software **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 11 Desktop Publishing Software for Mac Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Swift Publisher is: - Better at support - Better at meeting requirements - More usable Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-publisher-vs-swift-publisher) **Compare Swift Publisher with other alternatives:** - [Swift Publisher vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-swift-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-swift-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-swift-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-swift-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-swift-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/swift-publisher-vs-the-print-shop) - [Swift Publisher vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-swift-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/swift-publisher-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Swift Publisher vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/swift-publisher-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ### 10. [Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/products/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement/reviews) By Wondershare **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,043 As a top-rated PDF software, PDFelement ensures high-quality PDF editing with unmatched precision. Easily modify text, images, and layouts in your PDF files, or convert PDFs to and from Word, Excel, PPT, and more while preserving formatting. Its robust security features allow you to password-protect, redact sensitive data, and sign PDFs electronically for secure collaboration. Reviewers say compared to Microsoft Publisher, Wondershare PDFelement is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - Easier to set up Categories in common with Microsoft Publisher: [Desktop Publishing](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing) **Compare:** [Microsoft Publisher vs Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-publisher-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) **Compare Wondershare PDFelement with other alternatives:** - [Wondershare PDFelement vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs Adobe InDesign](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-indesign-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/compare/quarkxpress-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs Marq](https://www.g2.com/compare/charles-thayne-capital-marq-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs Affinity Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/affinity-publisher-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/compare/the-print-shop-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs Scribus](https://www.g2.com/compare/scribus-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement-vs-istudio-publisher) - [Wondershare PDFelement vs Swift Publisher](https://www.g2.com/compare/swift-publisher-vs-wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) ## Explore Articles - [Best buy procure-to-pay solution for fast growing companies](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-buy-procure-to-pay-solution-for-fast-growing-companies) - [What is the top-rated recruitment platform for enterprises?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-top-rated-recruitment-platform-for-enterprises) - [Which is the best AI customer support agent software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-is-the-best-ai-customer-support-agent-software) - [User-friendly project management software for teams](https://www.g2.com/discussions/user-friendly-project-management-software-for-teams) - [Best cloud-based API development solutions](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-cloud-based-api-development-solutions) - [Best platform to manage customer data in IT services](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-platform-to-manage-customer-data-in-it-services) ## Spotlight Categories - [VoIP Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/voip) - [Digital Experience Platforms (DXP)](https://www.g2.com/categories/digital-experience-platforms-dxp) - [Third Party & Supplier Risk Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/third-party-supplier-risk-management)