Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe InDesign - Industry-standard desktop publishing software for creating professional, print-ready brochures and layouts.
- 2#2: Canva - User-friendly online design platform with extensive brochure templates for quick and easy creation.
- 3#3: Affinity Publisher - Affordable professional publishing app offering advanced layout tools rivaling InDesign for brochures.
- 4#4: Marq - Brand-focused template platform for designing and automating print-ready brochures at scale.
- 5#5: Microsoft Publisher - Desktop publishing tool integrated with Microsoft Office for straightforward brochure design.
- 6#6: CorelDRAW - Powerful vector graphics suite with precise tools for brochure illustration and layout.
- 7#7: Scribus - Free open-source desktop publishing software for high-quality brochure production.
- 8#8: Visme - Online visual design tool for creating interactive and printable brochures with animations.
- 9#9: Figma - Collaborative design platform with vector tools and templates for modern brochure prototyping.
- 10#10: Venngage - Infographic-focused creator with brochure templates emphasizing data visualization.
Tools were evaluated based on design quality, feature robustness, ease of use, and value, with a focus on delivering reliable performance for both print and digital applications to meet diverse user needs.
Comparison Table
Creating effective brochures requires the right software, and with options like Adobe InDesign, Canva, Affinity Publisher, Marq, Microsoft Publisher, and more, choosing can feel overwhelming. This comparison table evaluates key features, usability, and fit for various needs, helping readers match their goals to the perfect tool. Readers will gain clarity on which software aligns with their design skills, budget, and project requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe InDesign Industry-standard desktop publishing software for creating professional, print-ready brochures and layouts. | creative_suite | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 2 | Canva User-friendly online design platform with extensive brochure templates for quick and easy creation. | other | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Affinity Publisher Affordable professional publishing app offering advanced layout tools rivaling InDesign for brochures. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Marq Brand-focused template platform for designing and automating print-ready brochures at scale. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Microsoft Publisher Desktop publishing tool integrated with Microsoft Office for straightforward brochure design. | creative_suite | 7.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 6 | CorelDRAW Powerful vector graphics suite with precise tools for brochure illustration and layout. | creative_suite | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Scribus Free open-source desktop publishing software for high-quality brochure production. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Visme Online visual design tool for creating interactive and printable brochures with animations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Figma Collaborative design platform with vector tools and templates for modern brochure prototyping. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Venngage Infographic-focused creator with brochure templates emphasizing data visualization. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Industry-standard desktop publishing software for creating professional, print-ready brochures and layouts.
User-friendly online design platform with extensive brochure templates for quick and easy creation.
Affordable professional publishing app offering advanced layout tools rivaling InDesign for brochures.
Brand-focused template platform for designing and automating print-ready brochures at scale.
Desktop publishing tool integrated with Microsoft Office for straightforward brochure design.
Powerful vector graphics suite with precise tools for brochure illustration and layout.
Free open-source desktop publishing software for high-quality brochure production.
Online visual design tool for creating interactive and printable brochures with animations.
Collaborative design platform with vector tools and templates for modern brochure prototyping.
Infographic-focused creator with brochure templates emphasizing data visualization.
Adobe InDesign
creative_suiteIndustry-standard desktop publishing software for creating professional, print-ready brochures and layouts.
Advanced master pages and paragraph/character styles for consistent, scalable multi-page brochure designs
Adobe InDesign is the industry-standard desktop publishing software renowned for creating professional brochures, flyers, magazines, and interactive PDFs. It offers precise layout tools, advanced typography controls, and robust features for multi-page documents, making it ideal for high-quality print and digital outputs. With seamless integration into the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, it supports complex design workflows from concept to production.
Pros
- Unmatched precision in typography, grids, and layout for professional brochure design
- Powerful data merge and scripting for efficient variable-data brochures
- Superior color management, PDF export, and print-ready output
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-only model increases long-term costs
- High system resource demands on older hardware
Best For
Professional graphic designers, agencies, and print professionals seeking top-tier brochure layout and production capabilities.
Pricing
Single-app subscription at $22.99/month or $239.88/year; included in full Creative Cloud All Apps plan at $59.99/month.
Canva
otherUser-friendly online design platform with extensive brochure templates for quick and easy creation.
Magic Resize, which instantly adapts brochure designs to different sizes and formats with one click.
Canva is a cloud-based graphic design platform that simplifies brochure creation through thousands of customizable templates, drag-and-drop editing, and a vast library of stock images, icons, fonts, and animations. It enables users to design print-ready or digital brochures collaboratively in real-time, with options for folding previews and high-quality exports like PDF for printing. Ideal for non-designers, it combines ease with professional results, supporting teams and solo creators alike.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface accessible to beginners
- Extensive library of brochure-specific templates and assets
- Real-time collaboration and easy sharing/export options
Cons
- Advanced features and premium assets locked behind paywall
- Limited vector editing compared to professional tools like Adobe Illustrator
- Free plan has storage limits and watermarks on some elements
Best For
Small businesses, marketers, and non-designers needing quick, professional brochures without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $12.99/month or $119.99/year; Teams and Enterprise plans available.
Affinity Publisher
creative_suiteAffordable professional publishing app offering advanced layout tools rivaling InDesign for brochures.
StudioLink technology, which embeds full Affinity Designer and Photo editing capabilities directly into Publisher for seamless brochure workflows.
Affinity Publisher is a professional desktop publishing software ideal for creating brochures, flyers, magazines, and multi-page layouts with precise control over typography, images, and vector graphics. It supports advanced features like master pages, text wrapping, linked assets, and data merge for efficient brochure production. As part of the affordable Affinity suite, it offers seamless integration with Affinity Designer and Photo, providing a subscription-free alternative to Adobe InDesign.
Pros
- Perpetual license with no recurring fees, excellent long-term value
- Professional-grade layout tools including master pages, pinned objects, and precise text flow perfect for brochures
- StudioLink integration for instant access to Designer and Photo tools without file switching
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to drag-and-drop brochure makers like Canva
- Fewer pre-made brochure templates than consumer-focused apps
- Lacks real-time cloud collaboration and mobile editing options
Best For
Professional graphic designers and small studios needing powerful, affordable desktop publishing for custom brochure designs without subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for Publisher alone or $169.99 for the full Affinity V2 Universal License (all apps, all platforms).
Marq
specializedBrand-focused template platform for designing and automating print-ready brochures at scale.
Automated brand controls that lock templates and assets to prevent brand guideline violations
Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a cloud-based design platform specializing in creating professional brochures, flyers, and marketing collateral with a vast library of customizable templates. It excels in enabling teams to maintain brand consistency through locked assets, style guides, and automated approvals. The tool supports real-time collaboration, dynamic data merging, and easy distribution via shareable links or print-ready PDFs.
Pros
- Extensive template library tailored for brochures and print materials
- Powerful brand management tools ensure consistency across teams
- Seamless collaboration and dynamic content automation for scalable production
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit solo users or very small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced automation features
- Limited offline capabilities and export options in lower plans
Best For
Marketing and creative teams in mid-sized to enterprise organizations who need to produce branded brochures efficiently while enforcing consistency.
Pricing
Free plan available (limited); Pro at $12/user/month, Team at $24/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Microsoft Publisher
creative_suiteDesktop publishing tool integrated with Microsoft Office for straightforward brochure design.
Step-by-step brochure wizards with automated layout suggestions and design checkers
Microsoft Publisher is a desktop publishing application from Microsoft, specialized in creating brochures, flyers, newsletters, and other print marketing materials with a focus on ease for non-designers. It provides hundreds of customizable templates, layout guides, and integration with Word and Excel for data-driven designs like mail-merged brochures. While reliable for professional print outputs, it lacks modern cloud collaboration and is Windows-exclusive, making it feel dated against web-based competitors.
Pros
- Extensive library of brochure-specific templates and wizards
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office for data import and mail merge
- High-quality print-ready exports with color calibration tools
Cons
- Windows-only, no Mac or web version
- Outdated interface lacking real-time collaboration
- Requires full Office subscription for best value, not standalone cheap
Best For
Office users and small businesses needing reliable, template-driven brochure design for print without advanced graphic needs.
Pricing
Included in Microsoft 365 Personal ($69.99/year) or Family ($99.99/year); one-time Office 2021 Home & Student ($149.99).
CorelDRAW
creative_suitePowerful vector graphics suite with precise tools for brochure illustration and layout.
Multipage document layout with brochure wizards for efficient folded designs
CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics editor within the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, excels in designing brochures with precise layout tools, vector illustrations, and photo editing capabilities. It supports multipage documents ideal for folded brochures, offering templates, wizards, and print-ready PDF exports. While versatile for various print and digital marketing materials, it caters to users needing high-end customization beyond basic tools.
Pros
- Advanced vector and layout tools for professional brochure designs
- Multipage support and brochure-specific templates/wizards
- Seamless integration of bitmap editing and print-ready outputs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with pro software
- Resource-heavy, requiring powerful hardware
- Limited real-time collaboration compared to cloud-based alternatives
Best For
Professional graphic designers and print shops creating complex, high-quality brochures and marketing materials.
Pricing
Subscription from $269/year ($22.42/month) or perpetual license at $549.
Scribus
otherFree open-source desktop publishing software for high-quality brochure production.
Native PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, and PDF/X-4 export for commercial printing standards
Scribus is a free, open-source desktop publishing (DTP) software designed for creating professional layouts including brochures, flyers, newsletters, and books. It offers robust tools for vector graphics, image manipulation, multi-page documents, and precise control over print-ready outputs like CMYK colors and bleeds. While powerful for technical users, its traditional interface caters more to print professionals than casual designers.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Professional print features including CMYK, ICC profiles, and PDF/X export
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Dated, clunky interface that feels outdated
- Steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with DTP software
- Limited built-in templates and asset libraries compared to modern alternatives
Best For
Budget-conscious print designers and small publishers needing advanced layout control for professional brochures.
Pricing
Free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Visme
specializedOnline visual design tool for creating interactive and printable brochures with animations.
Embedded interactive data widgets and animations that transform static brochures into dynamic, engaging experiences
Visme is a versatile online design platform that enables users to create professional brochures, presentations, infographics, and reports using a drag-and-drop editor and thousands of customizable templates. It excels in brochure creation with features like responsive layouts, high-quality assets, animations, and data visualization tools for both print and digital formats. Users can collaborate in real-time, embed interactive elements, and export in multiple formats including PDF and HTML5.
Pros
- Extensive library of brochure templates and assets
- Interactive animations and data visualization for engaging designs
- Real-time collaboration and versatile export options
Cons
- Free plan limited by watermarks and storage
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features
- Can feel overwhelming for simple static brochure needs
Best For
Marketing teams and small businesses seeking versatile, interactive brochure designs alongside other visual content.
Pricing
Free plan available; Personal starts at $12.25/mo (annual), Business at $24.75/mo (annual), Enterprise custom.
Figma
creative_suiteCollaborative design platform with vector tools and templates for modern brochure prototyping.
Real-time multiplayer editing, allowing multiple users to work on brochure designs simultaneously
Figma is a cloud-based collaborative design platform primarily known for UI/UX design but versatile for creating brochures with its vector tools, layout features, and export capabilities. It supports high-fidelity designs, prototyping for digital brochures, and PDF exports for print, all accessible via browser without software installation. While not a dedicated print tool, its real-time collaboration and component libraries make it efficient for brochure workflows.
Pros
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration ideal for team brochure projects
- Extensive template library and plugins for quick brochure layouts
- Free starter plan with generous features for individuals
Cons
- Lacks advanced print-specific tools like bleeds and imposition found in InDesign
- Performance can lag with very complex, multi-page brochure files
- Learning curve for auto-layout and variants in structured print designs
Best For
Collaborative design teams and freelancers creating digital or simple print brochures who value browser-based access and real-time feedback.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Professional at $12/user/month (unlimited files, version history); Organization at $45/user/month.
Venngage
specializedInfographic-focused creator with brochure templates emphasizing data visualization.
Seamless integration of interactive charts, graphs, and data import tools directly into brochure designs
Venngage is an online design platform focused on creating data-driven visuals like infographics, reports, presentations, and brochures using a drag-and-drop editor. It provides thousands of customizable templates specifically for brochures, allowing users to incorporate charts, icons, images, and imported data seamlessly. The tool excels in transforming complex data into engaging brochure formats without requiring advanced design skills.
Pros
- Extensive library of brochure templates and data visualization tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with real-time collaboration
- Strong branding and customization options for professional outputs
Cons
- Free plan limited by watermarks and export restrictions
- Steeper learning curve for advanced data features
- Pricing can add up for teams needing premium assets
Best For
Marketers and small businesses creating data-rich brochures and visual reports.
Pricing
Free plan with limits; Premium at $19/user/month (annual); Business plans from $49/user/month.
Conclusion
Crafting exceptional brochures depends on diverse needs, and the top tools deliver in kind—from industry professionals to casual creators. Adobe InDesign leads as the top choice, boasting industry-standard capabilities for polished, print-ready layouts. Canva and Affinity Publisher stand out as strong alternatives, with Canva offering user-friendly templates for quick creation and Affinity Publisher providing advanced tools at an accessible price.
Elevate your brochure design—begin with Adobe InDesign for professional excellence, or explore Canva or Affinity Publisher based on your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
