Free Publishing Software

Publishing software (desktop publishing software) is a program that allows users to combine text and graphical art in order to create brochures, pamphlets, flyers, ebooks, newsletters, webpages, and other documents. Publishing software is often used by graphic designers, web designers, and writers. While many publishing programs, especially those with WYSIWYG (What You See is What You Get) layout editors, require the user to pay for these services, there are still many publishing programs that are completely free of charge for both personal and commercial purposes.

PagePlus SE

PagePlus SE is a free publishing software that allows users to take advantage of preset layouts in order to create flyers, banners, greeting cards, ebooks, invitations, cover letters, and a wide assortment of other documents. PagePlus SE is the free and limited version of PagePlus Pro. While PagePlus Pro has more features, both provide the user with everything they need to create professional documents. With the aid of a comprehensive text editor with built-in font changer, table creator, shape generator, spell checker, color designer, and a plethora of background options, PagePlus SE is beneficial to anyone who uses it.

Scribus

Scribus is a free, open source desktop publishing software that resembles MS Word but is specifically tailored for creating a wide variety of printed materials. Scribus is easy to use, compatible with a number of operating systems, and has a user interface that is both friendly and convenient. Scribus also has a supportive community in which users can share problems, experiences, and ideas. Scribus provides all of the same features as MS Word but also features publication options and allows users to change the angles in which text and tables are displayed in order to achieve a professional product.

OpenOffice

OpenOffice is a free, open source desktop publishing software package that serves as a free alternative to Microsoft Office. OpenOffice contains a separate program for each Microsoft Office product. It is as functional as Microsoft Office and even includes several features that are not found in Microsoft Office. OpenOffice includes Base, Calc, Draw, Impress, Math, and Writer. OpenOffice products can be used to perform tasks ranging from accounting to content creation. While OpenOffice is not as famous as Microsoft Office, it is by far the most popular and most powerful free desktop publishing software available.

GIMP

GIMP is a free publishing software that is designed to create images, animations, 3D art, logos, and other types of graphic designs. GIMP is the free alternative to Adobe Photoshop and the two programs share virtually every feature. GIMP is relatively easy to learn and can be used by anyone for either personal or commercial purposes. GIMP features a friendly user interface and is fully customizable. GIMP can create new documents and handle virtually any image file format. It can also modify existing files through the use of color shading, infrared lighting, special effects, etc.

SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a powerful desktop publishing software that resembles CorelDraw in both functionality and design. Unlike CorelDraw however, SmartDraw is completely free. SmartDraw includes the ability to create and organize flow charts, graphs, and timelines, design landscapes, create tree-based diagrams for ideas and geneology, create calendars, create certificates, and a wide assortment of other documents. SmartDraw is designed and fully equipped to create, modify, organize, share, and print documents of virtually any type.