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Top 10 Best Editorial Workflow Management Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 editorial workflow management software to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and elevate your team's output. Explore now to find the best fit.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In today's fast-paced content landscape, editorial workflow management software is essential for streamlining cross-team collaboration, accelerating production, and maintaining content quality. With diverse options ranging from multi-channel automation tools to enterprise-grade content management systems, this guide highlights the top solutions to empower teams of all sizes.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: WoodWing Studio - Streamlines multi-channel editorial workflows from content creation and collaboration to automated publishing.
  2. 2#2: Arc XP - Powers digital newsrooms with collaborative editing, planning, and publishing workflows.
  3. 3#3: Quark Publishing Platform - Automates complex editorial and production workflows for print and digital publishing.
  4. 4#4: Adobe Experience Manager - Provides enterprise-grade content management with customizable editorial review and approval workflows.
  5. 5#5: Celum - Manages creative and editorial workflows with digital asset management and automation.
  6. 6#6: Bynder - Offers digital asset management integrated with workflow tools for content teams.
  7. 7#7: GatherContent - Facilitates content collaboration and editorial planning with structured workflows.
  8. 8#8: Contently - Handles end-to-end content production workflows including talent management and approvals.
  9. 9#9: Skyword - Supports content operations with planning, creation, and optimization workflows.
  10. 10#10: CoSchedule - Provides an editorial calendar with task assignments and workflow automation for marketing teams.

We ranked tools by evaluating feature robustness (automation, approval workflows, asset management), user-friendliness, reliability, and alignment with modern editorial needs, ensuring the list reflects both technical excellence and practical value.

Comparison Table

Efficient editorial workflow management is essential for modern content teams to organize processes, while this comparison table explores top tools such as WoodWing Studio, Arc XP, Quark Publishing Platform, Adobe Experience Manager, Celum, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, strengths, and best-use scenarios to select software tailored to their team’s unique needs, from streamlined workflows to enterprise-level collaboration.

Streamlines multi-channel editorial workflows from content creation and collaboration to automated publishing.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
9.0/10
2Arc XP logo9.2/10

Powers digital newsrooms with collaborative editing, planning, and publishing workflows.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.1/10
Value
8.7/10

Automates complex editorial and production workflows for print and digital publishing.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10

Provides enterprise-grade content management with customizable editorial review and approval workflows.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
6.7/10
Value
7.1/10
5Celum logo8.4/10

Manages creative and editorial workflows with digital asset management and automation.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
6Bynder logo8.7/10

Offers digital asset management integrated with workflow tools for content teams.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10

Facilitates content collaboration and editorial planning with structured workflows.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.5/10
8Contently logo8.4/10

Handles end-to-end content production workflows including talent management and approvals.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.0/10
9Skyword logo8.1/10

Supports content operations with planning, creation, and optimization workflows.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.5/10
10CoSchedule logo8.4/10

Provides an editorial calendar with task assignments and workflow automation for marketing teams.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.9/10
Value
7.8/10
1
WoodWing Studio logo

WoodWing Studio

enterprise

Streamlines multi-channel editorial workflows from content creation and collaboration to automated publishing.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Production Pilot workflow engine with AI-driven automation for end-to-end content orchestration across print, web, and digital formats

WoodWing Studio is a comprehensive editorial workflow management platform tailored for media and publishing enterprises, enabling seamless collaboration from content planning and creation to multi-channel publishing. It automates complex workflows, integrates deeply with tools like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, and includes digital asset management (DAM) via Elvis for efficient asset handling. Designed for high-volume production, it supports teams in producing print, digital, and web content with precision and speed.

Pros

  • Robust automation and customizable workflows that scale for enterprise-level publishing
  • Seamless integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud and DAM systems like Elvis
  • Real-time collaboration and version control for distributed editorial teams

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced customization
  • High cost suitable mainly for large organizations
  • Interface can feel dated compared to newer SaaS tools

Best For

Large media companies and publishing houses handling high-volume, multi-channel content production.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically subscription-based starting at several thousand dollars per month depending on modules and users.

2
Arc XP logo

Arc XP

enterprise

Powers digital newsrooms with collaborative editing, planning, and publishing workflows.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.1/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered editorial planning and automation that dynamically assigns tasks and optimizes content pipelines

Arc XP is a robust digital publishing platform tailored for media organizations, providing end-to-end editorial workflow management from content planning and assignment to editing, approval, and multi-channel publishing. It features collaborative tools, AI-driven automation, real-time collaboration, and performance analytics to streamline newsroom operations. Designed by The Washington Post team, it supports large-scale content production with scalability and customization for enterprise needs.

Pros

  • Highly scalable for large newsrooms with advanced workflow automation
  • Integrated AI tools for content optimization and personalization
  • Comprehensive analytics and real-time collaboration features

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller publishers
  • Customization requires technical expertise

Best For

Large media companies and news organizations needing a powerful, integrated platform for complex editorial workflows.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing upon request, typically starting in the high five to six figures annually based on scale and features.

Visit Arc XParcxp.com
3
Quark Publishing Platform logo

Quark Publishing Platform

enterprise

Automates complex editorial and production workflows for print and digital publishing.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Universal Publishing Engine for automated, high-volume content composition and delivery to any output format without manual redesign

Quark Publishing Platform (QPP) is an enterprise-grade solution designed for managing complex editorial workflows in publishing, from content creation and collaboration to automated multi-channel delivery. It integrates content management, automated composition, and output to print, web, mobile, and digital formats using XML-based structures. Ideal for large-scale operations, it emphasizes workflow automation, version control, and integration with tools like QuarkXPress.

Pros

  • Powerful workflow automation and orchestration for editorial teams
  • Seamless multi-channel publishing from a single content source
  • Strong integration with DAM systems and structured XML content management

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to legacy desktop influences
  • Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for smaller teams
  • User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives

Best For

Large publishing houses and enterprises requiring robust, automated workflows for high-volume, multi-channel content production.

Pricing

Custom enterprise licensing with annual subscriptions; typically starts at $10,000+ per year depending on users, modules, and scale—quotes required.

4
Adobe Experience Manager logo

Adobe Experience Manager

enterprise

Provides enterprise-grade content management with customizable editorial review and approval workflows.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
6.7/10
Value
7.1/10
Standout Feature

Advanced workflow engine supporting complex, rule-based approval processes and real-time collaboration

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is an enterprise-grade content management system that enables teams to create, manage, and deliver personalized digital experiences across websites, mobile apps, and other channels. It supports editorial workflows through collaborative authoring tools, automated approval processes, version control, and integration with digital asset management. AEM's component-based architecture allows for efficient content reuse and multi-site management, making it ideal for complex, scalable content operations.

Pros

  • Robust workflow automation with multi-stage approvals and conditional logic
  • Seamless integration with Adobe Experience Cloud tools like Analytics and Target
  • Scalable for enterprise-level multi-channel content delivery

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
  • High implementation and licensing costs
  • Complex setup and customization process

Best For

Large enterprises needing sophisticated, omnichannel editorial workflows with deep personalization capabilities.

Pricing

Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, sites, and features.

5
Celum logo

Celum

enterprise

Manages creative and editorial workflows with digital asset management and automation.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Infinite Scale architecture for handling unlimited assets and users with consistent performance

Celum is a comprehensive digital asset management (DAM) and brand experience platform that specializes in editorial workflow management for creative and marketing teams. It streamlines content creation, collaboration, review, approval, and distribution with automated workflows, version control, and omnichannel publishing capabilities. Integrated PIM and production tools ensure brand consistency and efficient asset lifecycle handling across global teams.

Pros

  • Robust workflow automation and approvals
  • AI-powered asset search and tagging
  • Scalable for enterprise-level asset volumes

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • High enterprise pricing
  • Customization requires technical expertise

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises with complex marketing and creative teams needing integrated DAM and editorial workflows.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $20,000 annually, based on users, storage, and modules; contact sales for quotes.

Visit Celumcelum.com
6
Bynder logo

Bynder

enterprise

Offers digital asset management integrated with workflow tools for content teams.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Highly customizable Workflow Engine that automates multi-step approvals, notifications, and conditional routing for editorial content production

Bynder is a leading digital asset management (DAM) platform that streamlines editorial workflows for creative teams by centralizing asset storage, organization, and distribution. It features customizable approval processes, task automation, and collaboration tools to manage content creation from ideation to publication efficiently. With AI-powered tagging and advanced metadata management, it ensures assets are easily discoverable and compliant throughout the editorial lifecycle.

Pros

  • Powerful workflow automation for multi-stage approvals and task assignments
  • Advanced DAM capabilities with AI-driven search and metadata enrichment
  • Seamless integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, and other creative tools

Cons

  • Enterprise-level pricing can be expensive for mid-sized teams
  • Steep learning curve for configuring advanced custom workflows
  • Occasional latency when handling very large asset libraries

Best For

Large marketing, creative, and media teams in enterprises requiring robust DAM integrated with complex editorial approval processes.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically starts at $450/user/year with tiers scaling based on storage, users, and features.

Visit Bynderbynder.com
7
GatherContent logo

GatherContent

specialized

Facilitates content collaboration and editorial planning with structured workflows.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Content blueprints that allow reusable, structured templates to enforce editorial standards across projects

GatherContent is a cloud-based editorial workflow management platform that helps teams plan, create, review, and publish content efficiently. It uses customizable templates and structured blueprints to standardize content briefs, assign tasks, track approvals, and manage versions in real-time collaboration. Ideal for content-heavy organizations, it integrates with CMS like WordPress, Contentful, and tools like Google Docs to streamline publishing workflows.

Pros

  • Highly customizable content blueprints and templates for consistent workflows
  • Robust collaboration with real-time comments, tasks, and approvals
  • Seamless integrations with CMS platforms and productivity tools

Cons

  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
  • Steeper learning curve for complex template setups
  • Limited built-in analytics and reporting compared to competitors

Best For

Marketing agencies and content teams managing structured, collaborative editorial processes for websites and campaigns.

Pricing

Starts at $149/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $699/month (Business); 14-day free trial available.

Visit GatherContentgathercontent.com
8
Contently logo

Contently

specialized

Handles end-to-end content production workflows including talent management and approvals.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Proprietary Talent Network with AI-matched, vetted creators for rapid, high-quality content scaling

Contently is a content marketing platform designed to streamline editorial workflows by connecting brands with a vast network of vetted freelance creators, enabling efficient content planning, production, and optimization. It provides tools for creating detailed content briefs, managing assignments and approvals, collaborative editing, and performance analytics to track ROI. While strong in talent sourcing and scalable production, it excels for teams outsourcing content creation rather than purely in-house editorial management.

Pros

  • Extensive network of over 140,000 vetted freelancers for quick talent sourcing
  • Robust workflow tools including briefs, assignments, reviews, and approvals
  • Integrated analytics for content performance and ROI measurement

Cons

  • Enterprise-level pricing that's prohibitive for small teams or startups
  • Steeper learning curve for non-enterprise users
  • Less flexibility for highly customized in-house editorial processes

Best For

Mid-to-large marketing teams at enterprises seeking to scale high-volume content production through freelance talent.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually based on usage and talent needs; no public self-serve plans.

Visit Contentlycontently.com
9
Skyword logo

Skyword

specialized

Supports content operations with planning, creation, and optimization workflows.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Skyword Studio: A visual, collaborative workspace for end-to-end content creation and workflow management with built-in AI recommendations.

Skyword is a robust content operations platform designed to manage editorial workflows for marketing and content teams, enabling collaborative creation, review, approval, and distribution of content assets. It integrates AI-driven optimization, performance analytics, and a centralized asset library to streamline the entire content lifecycle. Ideal for enterprises, it supports complex workflows while ensuring brand compliance and scalability across global teams.

Pros

  • Advanced workflow automation with customizable approval processes
  • Strong collaboration tools including real-time editing and feedback
  • Integrated AI insights for content optimization and performance tracking

Cons

  • High enterprise-level pricing with custom quotes only
  • Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
  • Less suitable for small teams or simple editorial needs

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, high-volume content marketing operations requiring robust collaboration and analytics.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually, based on team size and features.

Visit Skywordskyword.com
10
CoSchedule logo

CoSchedule

specialized

Provides an editorial calendar with task assignments and workflow automation for marketing teams.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.9/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

The interactive Visual Marketing Calendar for real-time, multi-channel content planning and team collaboration

CoSchedule is an all-in-one marketing calendar and workflow management platform tailored for editorial teams to plan, collaborate, and publish content across multiple channels. It features a visual drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling social media, emails, blogs, and more, with built-in task assignments, deadlines, approvals, and automation to streamline editorial processes. The tool integrates seamlessly with WordPress, social platforms, and RSS feeds, enabling efficient content production and distribution.

Pros

  • Intuitive visual calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling
  • Robust workflow tools including task assignments, approvals, and automation
  • Seamless integrations with social media, WordPress, and email platforms

Cons

  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
  • Advanced reporting features are somewhat limited
  • Occasional performance lags with heavy usage

Best For

Small to mid-sized marketing and editorial teams needing a centralized calendar for content planning and collaboration.

Pricing

Starts at $29/month (Basic, 1 user), $89/month (Pro, 3 users), $179/month (Advanced, 6 users); Enterprise custom pricing.

Visit CoSchedulecoschedule.com

Conclusion

The top 10 tools offer distinct strengths, with WoodWing Studio leading as the best choice for streamlining multi-channel workflows, content creation, and automated publishing. Arc XP excels in powering digital newsrooms with collaborative tools, while Quark Publishing Platform stands out for automating complex print and digital production workflows—each a strong option for specific needs.

WoodWing Studio logo
Our Top Pick
WoodWing Studio

Explore WoodWing Studio to revolutionize your editorial process, or consider Arc XP or Quark if your focus lies in newsroom collaboration or complex publishing workflows—finding your ideal tool starts here.