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
Related Recs
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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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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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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 @motleyshrew
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After three, I say something like, "oh, wow" or if it's my partner, I jokingly say "stop it".
May 2, 2025
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh and Girl On Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves by Sophie Gilbert.
I'm really enjoying both, despite how many times Girl On Girl punches me in the gut with lines like, "Movies in the aughts hated women."
May 21, 2025
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Shows are impossible to go to, now. The entire Ticketmaster platform is filled with scalpers that TM choose to foster, rather than ensure that fans can see artists perform. (Yes, I'm salty because yet another performer's presale is on and tickets are "Verified Resale" for $500+ each.)
I just want so badly for everyone to stop spending thousands of dollars on shit seats so the industry caves in on itself and makes way for progress. Concerts are not supposed to be this way, and we aren't getting there if people keep throwing a $2000 ticket on their credit card for 300-level seats.
Don't be the frog boiling in the water, HOP OUT OF THE POT!
Apr 23, 2025