Scribus

March 2009. Reviews recommend Scribus as one of the best free desktop publishing tools. This open-source software can be used on Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, and a large community of users is available to share tips and offer support. It's full-featured enough to handle business applications such as stationery, fliers and brochures -- including color separations and color management for PDF files to send to commercial printers. Only a few templates are built in, but free third-party templates are also available. Usability gets mixed reviews, but most reviewers say that for pro-level software, Scribus is relatively easy to learn to use. If you use Windows and don't need pro software, reviews say Serif PagePlus X3 Publisher Professional (*est. $90) is even easier to use.

We found a useful comparison review of Scribus at Computer Shopper, where it's compared with PagePlus SE, which is also free. A forum discussion at Lockergnome compares Scribus with even more desktop publishing software options. The Softpedia download site provides the most critical review we found, while the brief review at PC World notes just one drawback. A 2007 review at ITReviews.com provides ample detail, noting drawbacks as well as strengths. Download.com also rates Scribus, but the review is very brief. Detailed reviews at MadPenguin.org and OSNews.com cover earlier versions and the article in Wikipedia.org provides excellent detail but -- like all Wikipedia entries -- doesn't evaluate the software. The Scribus.net site is the place to check for the latest updates.