The current file format, called SLA, is XML. PDF support includes transparency, encryption, and a large set of the PDF 1.5 specification including layers (OCG), as well as PDF/X-3, including interactive PDFs form fields, annotations, and bookmarks. The internal driver supports full Level 2 PostScript constructs and a large subset of Level 3 constructs. High-level printing is achieved using its own internal level 3 PostScript driver, including support for font embedding and sub-setting with TrueType, Type 1, and OpenType fonts. It has a built-in scripting engine using Python.

Professional type/image-setting features include CMYK colors and ICC color management. The long list of supported formats includes Encapsulated PostScript, SVG, Adobe Illustrator, and Xfig. Vector drawings can be imported or directly opened for editing. Scribus supports most major bitmap formats, including TIFF, JPEG, and PSD. There are native versions available for Unix, Linux, BSD, macOS, Haiku, Microsoft Windows, OS/2 (including ArcaOS and eComStation) operating systems. Scribus is written in Qt and released under the GNU General Public License. The Scribus 1.4 series are the current stable releases, and the 1.5 series where developments are made available in preparation for the next stable release series, version 1.6.

Example uses include writing newspapers, brochures, newsletters, posters, and books. Scribus can also create animated and interactive PDF presentations and forms. It is designed for layout, typesetting, and preparation of files for professional-quality image-setting equipment. Scribus ( / ˈ s k r aɪ b ə s/) is free and open-source desktop publishing (DTP) software available for most desktop operating systems.

GNU LGPL 2.1, MIT, 3-clause BSD, Public domain

Scribus books