scribus
Scribus can be used for many tasks; from brochure design to newspapers, magazines, newsletters and posters to technical documentation.
Scribus supports professional DTP features, such as CMYK color and a color management system to soft proof images for high quality color printing, flexible PDF creation options, Encapsulated PostScript import/export and creation of 4 color separations, import of EPS/PS and SVG as native vector graphics, Unicode text including right to left scripts such as Arabic and Hebrew via freetype. Graphic formats which can be placed in Scribus as images include PDF, Encapsulated Post Script (eps), TIFF, JPEG, PNG and XPixMap(xpm), and any bitmap type supported by QT4.
If you need to use the render frame install the texlive-latex-recommended package (suggested).
Latest reviews
It takes some time to switch from Indesign but working with it after the transition is a blast. A new version to fix some old bugs would be great though.
Excellent. Works as well as InDesign does, only Scribus is faster, free and cross-platform, so it's a lot better.
A very feature rich and powerful Desktop Publishing program. There is a bit of learning curve but there are lots of online tutorials to begin with. Once you get a feel then you become more productive. All the tools needed are there.
it's worth every minute to learn this tool, got great results for posters and small magazines.
a bit complicated to deal with the menus/options - but for sure - the best you can get for Linux...
Full-strength DTP. Have made new converts of very experienced users of other DTP products.
I've installed v 1.4.5 and it is pretty effective once you get to grips with it. The issue is that there are no good tutorials written for new users. Like many things linux, if you can understand the technobabble, you probably don't need to read it anyway. What is needed is a simple step-by-step guide written for normal people by normal people! I might have a go!
As others have said, the 1.4.2 is behind the current stable (1.4.4); get from ppa instead. I make multi-page newsletters, posters, etc. Not the easiest software to learn, but PRO and powerful. Best on Linux, and only real free option.
1.4.2 is way behind the latest stable release. And it will not export to PDF at all in Linux Mint 17. Install via the direct stable ppa instead (ppa:scribus/pops)