Switch Kit › Adobe alternatives › Switching to DesignCraft
Switch Kit guide 09 · 15-page PDF
A free alternative to InDesign: switching to DesignCraft
DesignCraft is a free, open-source page-layout app from the ArtCraft team, designed to feel familiar to people who use Adobe InDesign software. This page sums up what you should know before switching; the guide takes you through a safe test with your own files.
Short answer
DesignCraft is a free, open-source page-layout app with parent pages, threaded text, styles, tables and PDF/X-4 and EPUB export. It reads and writes IDML and opens .indd files through conversion, without saving them. It is the youngest app of the suite (pre-alpha, version 0.15).
InDesign vs DesignCraft at a glance
| InDesign | DesignCraft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$22.99/month for the single app on an annual plan (US list price) | Free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| InDesign files | Native .indd | IDML read/write; .indd opened via conversion, not saved |
| Export | PDF/X, EPUB, interactive | PDF/X-4, PDF/A-2b, EPUB, editable .pptx |
| Scripts | ExtendScript, UXP | None yet |
| Maturity | Industry standard | Pre-alpha (v0.15), about 47% ready by its developers' estimate |
Prices are US or Spanish list prices checked on 31 October 2026 and vary by country. Maturity figures for ArtCraft apps are the developers' own estimates.
What to know before you switch
- Parent pages, threaded text, paragraph and character styles, tables, text wrap, baseline grid.
- Exports PDF/X-4, PDF/A-2b, EPUB and editable .pptx.
- IDML read and write; .indd opened through conversion, not saved.
- No scripts, plug-ins or AI yet.
- Developer self-assessment, October 2026: about 47% ready.
Facts checked on 31 October 2026. Prices and versions change; check the official sites.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if…
- You lay out flyers, newsletters or simple brochures.
- You can export IDML from InDesign before you leave.
- You want a free tool for occasional layout.
Better to wait if…
- You produce books or magazines to print deadlines.
- You rely on InDesign scripts or Adobe Fonts.
How to switch from InDesign to DesignCraft in five steps
- Check the fitRead what is ready and what is missing, and decide whether DesignCraft suits your work today.
- Install from the official sourceDownload DesignCraft only from the official site and verify the checksum. Keep InDesign installed for now.
- Run a five-file testOpen five real files from your own work, edit and export them, and note what changes.
- Use both for two weeksDo new, low-risk work in DesignCraft while keeping InDesign for anything urgent.
- Time your subscriptionIf you decide to leave, cancel at the cheapest moment and download everything first.
The guide expands each step with checklists, a test sheet and a two-week plan.
Other free options worth knowing
This guide focuses on one alternative, but it is not the only one. These well-known options may suit you better depending on your work. See the full comparison of free Adobe alternatives.
Scribus
Long-standing free, open-source desktop publishing app.
Affinity
Free professional design app from Canva with page layout built in.
Inside the guide
The two tools at a glance · a self-assessment (good fit or better to wait) · what feels familiar and what is still in progress · a five-file compatibility test · plug-ins, AI and workflow notes · timing your exit from your subscription without surprise fees · protecting your work before you leave · safe installation · a gentle two-week migration plan · a printable checklist.
Printable A4 PDF in English · instant download · checklists you can tick · written by Julian Beaumont, 20 years of hands-on experience with creative and digital tools.
€7PDF, VAT included
Get the guide · €7Frequently asked questions
What is a free alternative to InDesign?
DesignCraft is a new open-source option; Affinity is a more mature free one. The guide helps you test either.
Can DesignCraft open .indd files?
It opens them through conversion but cannot save them. Export IDML from InDesign for the best result.
Can it export print-ready PDFs?
Yes, PDF/X-4 and PDF/A-2b.
Does DesignCraft work on Mac and Linux?
Yes. DesignCraft has builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, from getartcraft.com or the project's GitHub.
Is DesignCraft safe to download?
Download it only from the official sources. Each release ships with SHA-256 checksums so you can verify the file; look-alike download sites exist.
Can I keep InDesign while I test DesignCraft?
Yes, and the guide recommends it. Both can be installed side by side, so you test with real files before changing anything.
Next steps
Leaving a Creative Cloud plan? Read how to cancel Adobe Creative Cloud without a surprise fee.
Want one mature free app for photo, vector and layout? See switching to Affinity.
New to ArtCraft? Start with the free overview of all thirteen apps.
