Is there any software that is free to download that is compatible to Windows Publisher?

Question

I'm trying to make my own engagement announcements and I need to find a program where I can upload my own pictures, pick the backgrounds and colors, etc. Just something that I can make nice photo cards with.

Answer 1

You are in luck. There is indeed an open source publishing program. It's called Scribus. Be warned though, there aren't that many templates to go with this thing.

http://www.scribus.net/

Answer 2

There are a few of the desktop publishing programs that I use:

1. Open Office 2 is the leading open-source office software suite  for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages  and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.

The graphic segments of this open office suite will best suit your needs and are easy and very user friendly to use:

DRAW - Anything from a quick sketch to a complex plan. Draw gives you the tools to communicate with graphics and diagrams. Manipulate objects, rotate in two or three dimensions; use sophisticated rendering to create photo realistic images. Smart connectors make short work of flowcharts, organization charts, network diagrams, etc. Styles - a common Open Office feature - help you control your work easily and precisely in Draw.  A Draw image is worth a thousand words!

IMPRESS -  is a truly outstanding tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will stand out with 2D and 3D clip art, font works, special effects, animation, and high-impact drawing tools. A multi-pane view puts all the tools at your fingertips, and you can 'park' your most commonly used drawing tools around your screen ready for single-click access. Share your work in many ways: not only pdf, but also html and Flash.

http://www.openoffice.org/

2. For more complex desktop publishing tasks you might be better off with the aforementioned Scribus http://www.scribus.net/,

or:

3. PagePlus SE:

Although PagePlus is a desktop publishing software program primarily targeting small businesses, people with small budgets and home users can certainly take advantage of this user-friendly software as well.  This  is also a powerful alternative to pricier desktop publishing software options (like, you know, Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress) that belongs in the hands of more professional print designers.

Logo Studio, Image Cutout Studio, HD Photo and EPS Support, New Special Effects, Duplex Printing Wizard, and a revamped user interface are the key components here. There are other less flashy enhancements as well. Although I was a bit skeptical about the Logo Studio and the Image Cutout Studio when first reading about PagePlus X3, I have to admit that they are fun, useful, and well done additions to the program after completing several fun and engaging desktop graphic projects.

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/