Publishing and designing books and document covers are not an easy feat, and they are quite expensive as well. But thanks to recent changes in technology, there are now many cheaper software packages that make it easier to make better documents by using more advanced graphics and publishing tools.

Here you’ll find the best desktop software for professional and quality publication of documents, eBooks, or any form of online content;

Top 8 Best Desktop Publishing Software

  1. Microsoft Word-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Collaboration
  2. Adobe InDesign-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Visual Design
  3. Microsoft Publisher-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Content Management
  4. QuarkXPress-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Layout Design
  5. Scribus-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Open-source Publication
  6. LucidPress-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Brand Management
  7. Adobe Creative Cloud-Best Desktop Publishing Software for 2D Animation
  8. LibreOffice Draw-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Productivity
  9. Affinity Publisher-Best Desktop Publishing Software for

1. Microsoft Word-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Collaboration

PRICING: It provides a free trial, pricing starts at a one-time payment of $159.99.

Microsoft Word is cloud-based desktop publishing software with a very intuitive interface and advanced sharing tools that make it easier to collaborate with others. Microsoft Word also has numerous integrations and advanced features such as spell and grammar checks. It is suitable for document edition and publication, and it also has a mobile application. This software provides noteworthy collaboration and publication tools for professionals.

KEY FEATURES

  • Document Generation
  • Spell Checker
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Commenting Tools

REASONS TO BUY

  • Easy integration with other publication Software
  • It provides great tools for file sharing and collaboration
  • It has excellent presentation tools
  • It is cost-effective

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It is relatively expensive compared to its competitors.

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2. Adobe InDesign-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Visual Design

PRICING: It has a free trial; pricing starts at a flat rate of $20.99/month.

Adobe InDesign is publishing software used mostly for graphics design by online publishers. It also provides collaboration tools and allows collaborators to comment on and edit an ongoing project. It has a large library of templates for designing. Adobe InDesign is the best solution for better visualization and communication.

KEY FEATURES

  • Collaboration Tools
  • Importing and exporting content
  • Editor with Drag and Drop
  • Design and Layout

REASONS TO BUY

  • It has an intuitive interface.
  • It has numerous design tools.
  • It offers a lot of advanced features.
  • Seamless integration with Adobe products.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Advanced design tools require a long learning curve.

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3. Microsoft Publisher-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Content Management

PRICING: It requires a one-time payment of $159.99.

Microsoft Publisher is desktop publishing software built primarily for publishing ebooks, content, documents, and other file formats. It provides more advanced features compared to other desktop publishing software because it was built primarily for publication. Microsoft Publisher provides one of the best text and content management tools.

KEY FEATURES

  • Layout Generation
  • Content Management
  • Image Editing
  • Document Generation

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is easy to use.
  • It undergoes frequent updates.
  • It is highly functional.
  • It provides multiple integrations with other Microsoft Office software.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It has fewer options for visualization.

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4. QuarkXPress – Best Desktop Publishing Software for Layout Design

PRICING: It has a free trial and a flat rate subscription of $249/year.

QuarkXPress is desktop publishing software used for content design and digital publication. It is easily applied in numerous fields by both individuals and small-scale corporations and large-scale corporations. It provides high-quality visuals for layouts through integration with other software.

KEY FEATURES

  • Collaboration Tools
  • Content Design
  • Design Management
  • Layout Design

REASONS TO BUY

  • An excellent tool for layout creation.
  • Customer service is readily available.
  • It has an intuitive interface compared to other graphics design software.
  • It performs automated, repetitive design tasks.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Layering tools are limited in capability.

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5. Scribus – Best Desktop Publishing Software for Open-source Publication

PRICING: It has a free version; contact the sales team for more pricing details.

Scribus is desktop publishing software that is used for creating texts and media. However, it is mainly used for publishing documents. It has an open-source and page layout publication system that is commonly used by professional writers. It is also popularly used for XML files and poster design.

KEY FEATURES

  • Book and Magazine Design Tools
  • Page layout
  • Document Publication
  • Poster Design

REASONS TO BUY

  • Easy Importation and Exportation tools
  • It has an intuitive interface.
  • It can be accessed on multiple devices and is a great option for generating professional prints.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It lacks advanced visualization tools.

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6. LucidPress – Best Desktop Publishing Software for Brand Management

PRICING: It has a free trial and version; pricing starts at $10/month.

LucidPress is desktop publishing software with a huge library of customizable brand templates for creating professional brands for publications and saving time spent on generating designs. It also offers numerous integrations which simplify the process of publication, such as web-to-print, content design, and so much more.

KEY FEATURES

  • Asset Categorization
  • Asset Library
  • Design interface with drag and drop
  • File Conversion

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is a great tool for visual brand development.
  • It has a huge library of ready-made, customizable templates.
  • It has excellent presentation and design tools.
  • It has an easy-to-use integration of drag and drop design.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • The template library requires more frequent updates.

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7. Adobe Creative Cloud – Best Desktop Publishing Software for 2D Animations

PRICING: It has a free trial. Pricing starts at a flat rate of $52.99/month.

Adobe Creative Cloud is desktop publishing software commonly used by corporations for document publication, visual effects, video editions, motion graphics, and others. It has a wide range of uses and is especially used for generating 2D animations for publications. This software provides high-quality graphics for all visual designs and publications.

KEY FEATURES

  • Collaboration Tools
  • Animations and Transitions
  • 3D Digital Asset Management.
  • Video Edition in 3D

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is an all-in-one software solution.
  • It provides contract signing options for clients.
  • It has numerous advanced features for the editor.
  • It provides better client management through a user feedback system.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Updated versions require subsequent payment.

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8. LibreOffice Draw-Best Desktop Publishing Software for Productivity

PRICING: It is free to use. Contact the LibreOffice sales team for more pricing details.

LibreOffice Draw is a cloud-based desktop publishing software that is used by businesses and individuals for the creation and editing of documents, videos, slides, and others. LibreOffice also provides lots of advanced and professional document editing features for free. It is very functional for creating professional publications and designs.

KEY FEATURES

  • Collaboration Tools
  • Presentation Tools
  • Document Generation
  • Text Edition

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is easy to use with multiple integrations.
  • It is more economical and cost-effective compared to other desktop publishing software.
  • It has a large number of advanced features, including file conversions.
  • It is the perfect start-up tool for small-scale publications.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Compared to other publication software, it has limited features.

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9. Affinity Publisher – Best Desktop Publishing Software for Magazine Design

Pricing begins at $29.79 for a one-time payment.

Affinity Publisher is desktop publication software used for graphic design and layout designs. It is widely used among professionals for publishing high-quality documents. Affinity Publishers provides great graphics, which makes it the go-to tool for poster and magazine designs.

KEY FEATURES

  • Design Management
  • Text Edition
  • Content Design
  • Image Edition

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is easy to use.
  • The automated features are time-saving.
  • It has a flexible text processor.
  • It is cost-effective.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It has limited features.

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References and Links

  • https://www.quark.com/
  • https://www.lucidpress.com/
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word
  • https://www.adobe.com/africa/products/indesign/
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/microsoft-365/publisher