Scribus is a free software, which allows you to create professionally looking documents in PDF, Postscript, and other formats. Scribus can be used by professionals and novice users alike. There is an enthusiastic and friendly community around Scribus that assists beginner and pro alike through our mailing list, IRC channel, wiki, contracted support, and the bugtracker. Scribus supports many formats like MS Word documents, PDF, OASIS (Open Document), and more.
Scribus 1.4 Main Features:
The easiest to point out aspect - the software is Free. You don't pay us a dime. Scribus is licensed under General Public License, which makes it free and legal for use in any setting including commercial and governmental organizations.
Professionals and amateurs are producing top-quality publications with Scribus, which is why the list of the Scribus success stories keeps growing year after year.
Scribus produced PDF files are RIP-ready. Scribus PDFs are being constantly tested on both cutting edge printing house equipment and low-budget printers. The Scribus Team makes it its highest priority to respond to PDF generation inquiries without delay. Scribus was the first software to support several new generations of Adobe's PDF specifications well ahead of the commercial software.
Scribus User Mailing List is very active. Many Scribus Team members and professional DTP specialists frequently answer questions posted on the list.
A wealth of documentation including How-Tos, Tutorials, and articles on just about any aspect of DTP and Scribus in several languages are present in our Wiki.
Several books in three languages have been published about Scribus, so you could probably find one that'll get you started right away.