Introduction

In today’s digital world, the need for high-quality, well-designed publications is ever-increasing. Desktop publishing (DTP) tools are the backbone of creating visually appealing and professional print and digital media. These tools empower users to create everything from brochures, newsletters, and flyers to books, magazines, and eBooks. With the growth of digital content consumption and the rise of self-publishing, choosing the right desktop publishing software is more important than ever.

In 2025, the best desktop publishing tools combine powerful features with intuitive design, catering to a wide range of users, from small businesses and freelancers to large publishing houses. Whether you’re designing content for print or digital platforms, selecting the right tool can greatly impact the quality, speed, and efficiency of your work.

When choosing a desktop publishing tool, factors such as ease of use, templates, integration with other software, scalability, and cost-effectiveness should be considered. To help streamline your decision-making, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 desktop publishing tools available in 2025, each offering unique features to meet various design needs.

Top 10 Desktop Publishing Tools in 2025

1. Adobe InDesign

• Short Description: Adobe InDesign is the industry standard for professional desktop publishing. It is widely used for creating brochures, magazines, books, and digital publications.
• Key Features:
  • Advanced typography tools for precise text control.
  • Interactive PDFs and eBooks for digital publishing.
  • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
  • Rich template library for quick start-ups.
  • Multi-page layout support with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Pros:
  • Powerful and feature-rich, great for complex publications.
  • Seamless integration with other Adobe products (Photoshop, Illustrator).
  • Extensive support for professional typography.
• Cons:
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Expensive subscription model.
  • Requires a relatively high-performance system.

2. QuarkXPress

• Short Description: QuarkXPress is another professional-grade desktop publishing software known for its versatility and unique features for both print and digital media.
• Key Features:
  • Advanced typesetting and text control.
  • Built-in image editing tools.
  • Full support for print and web layouts.
  • Integrated vector drawing tools for custom graphics.
  • Multi-platform publishing for print, digital, and ePub.
• Pros:
  • Long-standing reputation in the publishing industry.
  • Robust feature set suitable for all levels of design.
  • Offers perpetual license, not just subscription-based.
• Cons:
  • Interface can feel outdated compared to competitors.
  • High cost for the full version.
  • Limited third-party app integrations.

3. Scribus

• Short Description: Scribus is a free, open-source desktop publishing tool that provides professional-quality page layout and design capabilities.
• Key Features:
  • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Advanced PDF generation tools for print publishing.
  • Color management and pre-press capabilities.
  • Support for vector graphics and bitmap images.
  • Rich support for text frames, styles, and guides.
• Pros:
  • Completely free and open-source.
  • Cross-platform support.
  • Ideal for beginners and small projects.
• Cons:
  • Lacks some advanced features of paid alternatives.
  • Interface can be clunky and unintuitive.
  • Limited professional support options.

4. Microsoft Publisher

• Short Description: Microsoft Publisher is a simple desktop publishing tool ideal for casual users and small businesses. It offers templates for quick designs and a familiar interface for Microsoft users.
• Key Features:
  • Pre-designed templates for brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
  • Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office suite for ease of use.
  • Basic image editing tools.
  • Easy publishing to digital formats like PDF.
• Pros:
  • User-friendly and accessible for beginners.
  • Cost-effective for home users and small businesses.
  • Seamless integration with other Microsoft Office products.
• Cons:
  • Lacks advanced design features for professionals.
  • Limited in terms of customization options.
  • Not suitable for high-end, large-scale publishing needs.

5. Canva

• Short Description: Canva is an online, user-friendly tool that allows users to create simple and professional-looking designs without needing advanced design skills.
• Key Features:
  • Drag-and-drop design interface with templates.
  • Access to a vast library of stock images, fonts, and illustrations.
  • Collaboration features for team projects.
  • Export designs to PDF, PNG, and other formats.
  • Support for presentations, social media posts, and print media.
• Pros:
  • Very beginner-friendly.
  • Affordable pricing with a free version available.
  • Ideal for quick designs and small businesses.
• Cons:
  • Limited features compared to professional-grade tools.
  • Dependence on internet connectivity for the online version.
  • Less flexibility in design customization.

6. Lucidpress

• Short Description: Lucidpress is a web-based desktop publishing tool that focuses on collaborative design and easy-to-use templates for both print and digital media.
• Key Features:
  • Cloud-based design for easy collaboration.
  • Pre-made templates for marketing materials, brochures, and newsletters.
  • Integration with Google Workspace and other cloud platforms.
  • Drag-and-drop functionality for images, text, and graphics.
  • Real-time editing and feedback for teams.
• Pros:
  • Great for teams with collaboration features.
  • Cloud-based for flexibility and access from anywhere.
  • Affordable pricing for small businesses.
• Cons:
  • Limited offline capabilities.
  • Not as feature-rich as other premium tools.
  • Free version has restrictions on document size.

7. PagePlus

• Short Description: PagePlus, developed by Serif, is a desktop publishing software that provides affordable solutions for small businesses and personal users looking for powerful design tools.
• Key Features:
  • Full support for print and digital publishing.
  • Advanced page layout and typography tools.
  • Pre-designed templates for various publications.
  • Image editing and vector drawing capabilities.
  • Support for web publishing with HTML export.
• Pros:
  • Affordable one-time purchase with no subscription.
  • Powerful features suitable for a variety of publishing needs.
  • User-friendly interface.
• Cons:
  • Lacks advanced collaboration tools for teams.
  • Limited online resources and support compared to Adobe.
  • Not as widely adopted as Adobe or Quark.

8. Affinity Publisher

• Short Description: Affinity Publisher is a robust desktop publishing tool designed for professionals, offering advanced layout and design features at a one-time low cost.
• Key Features:
  • Advanced typography, grids, and styles for precise layout control.
  • Integration with Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo.
  • Real-time collaboration features.
  • Powerful PDF export options.
  • Extensive support for print and digital publishing.
• Pros:
  • Affordable one-time payment.
  • Great integration with other Affinity tools.
  • Powerful professional-grade features.
• Cons:
  • Lacks the full cloud integration seen in other tools.
  • Learning curve for new users.
  • Limited third-party integration.

9. Xara Designer Pro X

• Short Description: Xara Designer Pro X is a complete design tool that provides high-end publishing capabilities, combining vector graphic design, photo editing, and web publishing.
• Key Features:
  • Drag-and-drop functionality for easy design.
  • Comprehensive photo editing tools.
  • Support for web and mobile-friendly publishing.
  • Advanced page layout features with custom grids and guides.
  • Extensive support for PDF and print export options.
• Pros:
  • All-in-one tool for print and web design.
  • Easy to use, especially for beginners.
  • Affordable pricing for a feature-rich design tool.
• Cons:
  • Lacks some advanced features of professional DTP tools.
  • Limited third-party integrations.
  • Not as widely recognized as Adobe or Quark.

10. Swift Publisher

• Short Description: Swift Publisher is an easy-to-use desktop publishing software for Mac users, providing all the basic tools required for creating high-quality designs quickly.
• Key Features:
  • Over 500 templates for various design needs.
  • Supports high-resolution images for print publishing.
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for simple design work.
  • Easy PDF export options for printing and sharing.
  • Image and text editing tools for customization.
• Pros:
  • Affordable, one-time purchase.
  • Ideal for casual users and small businesses.
  • User-friendly interface.
• Cons:
  • Lacks advanced professional-grade features.
  • Limited to Mac OS only.
  • Limited customization for templates.

Comparison Table

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Standout Feature	Pricing	Rating (G2/Capterra/Trustpilot)
Adobe InDesign	Professionals	Windows, macOS	Industry-leading features	Starts at $20.99/month	4.5/5
QuarkXPress	Professionals & Corporates	Windows, macOS	Versatility for both print and digital	Starts at $99/year	4.3/5
Scribus	Beginners, Small Projects	Windows, macOS, Linux	Free & Open-source	Free	4.0/5
Microsoft Publisher	Casual Users, Small Businesses	Windows	Integration with MS Office	Starts at $35 (one-time)	3.9/5
Canva	Small Businesses, Marketers	Web-based	Quick & easy designs	Free / $12.95/month	4.7/5
Lucidpress	Teams & Marketers	Web-based	Cloud-based collaboration	Starts at $12.95/month	4.2/5
PagePlus	Small Businesses	Windows	One-time affordable pricing	Starts at $90 (one-time)	4.0/5
Affinity Publisher	Professionals	Windows, macOS	Affordable with professional features	Starts at $54.99 (one-time)	4.6/5
Xara Designer Pro X	Designers & SMEs	Windows	All-in-one design tool	Starts at $299/year	4.3/5
Swift Publisher	Mac Users, Small Projects	macOS	Simple design process	$19.99 (one-time)	4.1/5

Which Desktop Publishing Tool is Right for You?

Choosing the right desktop publishing tool depends on several factors, such as your experience level, budget, and the type of projects you’re working on.

• For professionals and large organizations: Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress are the industry standards with comprehensive features for complex projects.
• For beginners and hobbyists: Scribus, Microsoft Publisher, and Swift Publisher offer more user-friendly interfaces and cost-effective solutions for simple projects.
• For teams and collaboration: Lucidpress and Canva offer cloud-based collaboration tools, making them ideal for teams working on marketing materials or publications.
• For cost-effective professional tools: Affinity Publisher and Xara Designer Pro X offer powerful features at a one-time low price, making them great for individual professionals or small businesses.

Conclusion

Desktop publishing tools are essential for anyone looking to produce high-quality content for both print and digital media. As we move into 2025, the options available to designers are more diverse than ever, catering to all levels of expertise and project needs. Whether you’re a professional designer working on a major publishing project, a small business creating marketing materials, or a beginner just starting out, there’s a desktop publishing tool that’s right for you.