The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
Scribus User Reviews
Excellent
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"Great Free Program"
Version: Scribus 1.4
Pros
Great Freedom to do what you want. Files come out looking fantastic. Great WYSIWYG pdf compression. Great ability to scale down file size without losing quality.
Cons
Lacks spell check in program. You MUST keep the pictures you integrate into the doc in the same location on your computer, other wise the program losses track of them. Somewhat inelegant when it comes to switching fonts.
Summary
Scribus has somewhat of a learning curve, and is not as smooth as pay programs, but it gets the job done, and well. I have produced numerous professional quality documents with it. I think I'd be willing to pay for this, so the fact that it is free makes it a great find.
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"Would not install"
Version: Scribus 1.4
Pros
There are no pros to software that cannot be completely installed.
Cons
Would not install without Ghostscript & link to Ghostscript was outdated, so I could not install Ghostscript unless I wanted to take the time to look for it, and I don't.
Summary
This program is not for mid-level computer users like myself, let alone the low-level users for whom I am testing publishing software.
I could not even get it installed. It would not finish installation without Ghostscript & link to Ghostscript was outdated. The "ReadMe" file--which only opens after you start the installation so you don't know until then you need Ghostscript--had such involved instructions that I didn't want to go further. I know the folks I'm testing this for wouldn't be able to handle it at all.
A pop-up saying I need Ghostscript also appeared on my desktop, but it was nearly unreadable because the window was so small and would not allow me to expand it.
I have downloaded a lot from CNET and this is by far the worst experience I've had. I might not mind going through this for a really great program, but my friends would not be able to handle it at all. -
"Deep learning Curve"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
I am usually pretty quick at learning and figuring out a new program, but this one took a lot of effort because there was not any instructions on how to get from point A to point Z. I did find some very useful instructions on youtube that were invaluable to getting this to work. I also think that it should be made clearer that you have to download GhostScripts fonts to have Scribus work. But the price was great and the effort was good for my brain function so I guess it was I would say Scribus is good if you put in the effort to learn it.
Cons
No Instructions and not easy to learn.
Summary
Once I put in the effort I do like the program.
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"Most unfriendly to seniors"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
Free, unless you realize that the manual is about $50, which is more than some for-money publishing programs.
Cons
The introdcution, which was enough to make me quit entirely.
Summary
I've used desk top programs for about 15 years, even doing a 500 page book on Publisher, but after the 98 version of MS Publisher, I was most dissatisfied and looked for something that works better with MS 7. MS is notorious, I am sad to say, for screwing up perfectly good programs with its "improvements." Anyway, downloaded Scribus, or so I thought, but could not find any way to make it work. I am not one of these youngsters who just intuitively understands these things, so I want clear instructions, which didn't exist. Oh, what is this nonsense where after you have downloaded Scribus, you are told that you must first download a font program? Duh. Shouldn't that be clear before? I give up.
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"Pretty cool for open source"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
Is easy to learn and use
Cons
Not as many bells and whistles as pay fors
Summary
Would recommend
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"Great for making e-book cover"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
Ease of use & layers.
Cons
none that I can think of.
Summary
I used Gimp to manipulate my photos and Scribus to make an e-book cover. Worked like a charm!
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"Cannot download in English"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
None that I can think of.
Cons
Will only download in Spanish.
Summary
Would prefer the Language to be English. No help on this problem has been forthcoming
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"Does what most others do with caveats"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
Creates very high quality PDF docs. Versatile and multi-featured almost on par with costly professional products. Able to customize if skilled software type.
Cons
The Scribus community is prototypical open source techie types. Not for those who aren't willing to spend time experimenting or learning.
Summary
If you are looking for something that isn't costly but allows you many of the most essential functions of the commercial products, this one is hard to beat. A person must get used to the quirks, and spend time either creating your own notations - such as how to click through to intended outcome - or be willing to sift through what is already written. But the end results are almost as good as the professional brands.
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"I would not recommend."
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.14
Pros
The download worked appropriately. But after that ....
Cons
You must be a genius or very experienced in DTP to use. Not for a beginner or someone desiring to do something rather simple. The lack of online instructions is a debacle - piecemeal help at blogs, but that's it. Another freeware trainwreck.
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"Love it. Does everything that I need, plus!"
Version: Scribus 1.3.3.9
Pros
Does exactly what its supposed to do.
Cons
None that i can think of.
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