Well, it was at the top of two lists and a Reddit thread when I searched for InDesign alternatives. It’s $70 or so, but you only pay once.
I encourage you to stay away from Canva and other “design for amateurs” web-based options.
As a designer by trade, I appreciate you wanting to learn and use real software!
May 8, 2025
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I'll second this. I've used both InDesign and Affinity Publisher. While I do prefer ID just because I've used it a lot, they are both really solid.
May 15, 2025
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I used Adobe through college for magazine and newspaper design so that's what I learned on, but it's simply too expensive. Adobe is only worth it so long as your business or school is paying for it lol.
So far, Affinity (Publisher) is the best program that feels the closest to InDesign.
If you're looking for a suite of sorts, you can get all three Affinity programs (equivalent to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) for possibly less than $200?
(I don't know that it is in USD, but it's $204 CAD).
May 8, 2025
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I’ve had a difficult time finding an affordable illustration program for a while (one that works in vectors, which my go to app “procreate” doesn’t offer). But Affinity is a great, affordable (~$30 one time payment for iPad and ~$60 for desktop) alternative to Adobe software. They also offer a publishing program and a photo editing program.
Mar 11, 2021
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You can purchase their photoshop, illustrator and indesign alternatives for $169. I know, not free, and they're desktop-only.
Adobe Express is free and similar to Canva as a layout maker.
GIMP is a free photoshop alternative, but it's desktop-only. gimp.org
Mar 7, 2025
Top Recs from @bee1000
The occupation persists, the oppression persists, the torture persists.
The occupiers are psychotic and their work is never finished.
People who’ve paid attention won’t be surprised by this photo from Gaza.
Jan 22, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
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I’m 50, I say because that makes me unusual in this context. I paid [redacted] for a ticket to the Eras Tour after listening to tswift for 3 weeks, and it was worth it. In second grade my teacher gave kids birthday spankings over her knee, and in sixth grade my teacher told my mom I hadn’t blossomed yet. I’m a good friend, mostly to people on the internet. I’m good at conversing with strangers. I’m usually the oldest person at the show but don’t feel like it. I’m good at being helpful. I’m sarcastic and funny and make myself laugh. I’m a good graphic designer and a conscientious driver. I’m a good photographer and I can successfully follow recipes. I don’t use my Peloton enough. I did a lot of caregiving for my mom for several years, and we enjoyed spending time together even if it was mostly in waiting rooms and my car. The fastest I ever ran a mile was eight minutes and six seconds. I drove the same car for 20 years and then replaced it with another one. I enjoy tipping, giving money to people on the street and Disneyland. I am a fan of baseball, Formula 1 racing and the Criterion Channel. I solve about 80% of New York Times crosswords. I take Prozac and Wellbutrin, and take Trazodone to sleep through the night. I wish I had a glassed in solarium so I could sleep in it on rainy nights. I would like to have a pet cat and a garage. I could happily live eating only cereal and fruit. I overshare on the internet and undershare elsewhere. ✌️💛
Feb 28, 2025