There’s no support for footnotes or endnotes, for example. However, it’s not entirely on par with Adobe InDesign.

These include a smart color picker and a really useful preflight checker. Whether you’re designing for print media or the web, you’ll find an extensive range of features to help you design what’s in your head on the screen. That easy user interface doesn’t mean the desktop publishing software lacks functionality. With a layout that’s lighter and more intuitive than InDesign, Affinity Publisher makes it easier to find the tools that you need. With a low, one-off purchase, it's one of the best Adobe InDesign alternatives for those dodging subscription plans. If Adobe’s offering isn’t chiming with you, we’ve tested, reviewed, and rated the best Indesign alternatives to help you create eye-catching designs and publications.Īffinity Publisher (opens in new tab) is an affordable substitute for designers. For those not used to working in the Adobe ecosphere, alongside tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro, it can undeniably take some getting used to. However, Adobe’s popular desktop publishing program has its critics, with users citing the Creative Cloud subscription-only tool and a cluttered interface as major issues. So, if you’re in the market for new software for designing magazines, flyers, posters, and even books, the best Adobe InDesign alternatives need to meet a high standard.

The page layout tool comes packed with templates, tools, and fonts - and an effortless user experience - that streamline the design of printed assets. After all, when it comes to the best desktop publishing software, Adobe’s offering sets the standard.

For creatives who enjoy the advanced features offered by Adobe’s top layout design app but either need industry-specific tools or to avoid subscriptions, it might seem like there are few good alternatives to Adobe Indesign.

Microsoft publisher mac alternative