Toolfork

10 tools compared

Best Marq Alternatives in 2026

Marq (Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a web-based design and layout application that enables anyone to create beautiful creatives) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 10 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our Marq profile — Canva starts at $12.99/mo if budget is the main driver.

Updated Facts from SaaSHub and each vendor's siteHow we review
#ToolPricingPlatforms
1easel.ly—
2Piktochart$14/mo
3Canva$12.99/mo—
4Adobe InDesign——
5Figma—
6PicMonkey—
7ScribusOpen source
8Microsoft Publisher—
9QuarkXPress—
10VistaCreate—

1. easel.ly

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Easel.ly is a web-based design tool well-suited for individuals and businesses looking to create infographics without requiring advanced graphic design skills. The platform features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, customizable templates, and unique vhemes that users can drop onto their canvas. Additionally, it offers an extensive graphics library containing icons and charts, as well as collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on a project simultaneously.

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2. Piktochart

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Piktochart is a design tool utilized for business storytelling, operating primarily on the Web platform. It offers a freemium pricing model with a paid tier starting at $14 per month in USD. Key features include the ability to create chloropleth maps.

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3. Canva

Canva is a graphic-design platform featuring a drag-and-drop interface with templates, images, and fonts designed to make visual content creation straightforward regardless of skill level. It offers a broad set of tools within the Design Tools category, including Document Creation with writing AI, Custom Prints with over 30 products to pick from, and Presentations featuring magic shortcuts, animations, and recording. Users can also build Websites with performance tracking, edit videos using a one-click video background remover and animations, create Social Media Content with resizing options and a content planner, and use Whiteboards for flowcharts, planning, and brainstorming.

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4. Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a professional-grade desktop publishing software application built for professional print and digital layout design. It stands out through its integration with Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator, extensive typography options for readable text layouts, and versatile output formats including PDF, EPUB, and HTML. Users also benefit from a strong community with extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums.

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5. Figma

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Figma is a cloud-based design tool built for teams needing real-time collaboration without constant file exchanges. It combines both prototyping and design features into a single tool, while offering an easy handoff process where developers can inspect elements, retrieve CSS properties, and export assets directly from design files. Teams working in diverse software environments will also benefit from its cross-platform accessibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux, alongside web access.

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6. PicMonkey

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PicMonkey is an online photo editor positioned within the Design Tools category that works directly in the browser without requiring downloads. It features a user-friendly interface suited for beginners, along with robust editing tools like layer management, blending modes, and touch-up tools. Users can access a diverse range of pre-designed templates for social media, marketing materials, and personal projects. Additionally, it supports team collaboration through shared workspaces where multiple users can work on a project simultaneously, and it offers mobile apps for editing on the go.

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7. Scribus

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Scribus is a desktop publishing application well-suited for individuals and businesses looking for a cost-effective design tool. As an open-source software, it allows users to modify the program to fit their needs while providing a comprehensive set of layout tools for creating complex documents like magazines, books, and brochures.

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8. Microsoft Publisher

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Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing solution designed for beginners who need to create professional-looking publications without requiring in-depth design skills. Key features include a straightforward, user-friendly interface, seamless integration with the Microsoft Office suite (like Word and Excel) for easy import and export of data, and a wide range of pre-designed templates that save time. It particularly excels in designing print publications such as brochures, posters, and flyers by offering precise control over layout and formatting.

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9. QuarkXPress

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QuarkXPress is designed for professionals working on print, web, and digital publishing projects who need precise control over magazines, books, and layouts. The software stands out for its advanced typography tools utilizing OpenType features, high-output quality, and cross-platform compatibility with macOS and Windows. Its notable commercial structure relies on a one-time purchase rather than a subscription model.

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10. VistaCreate

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VistaCreate is a digital platform built for users seeking an accessible design tool with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. It accommodates individuals of all skill levels through pre-designed templates for marketing materials, social media graphics, and presentations. Key capabilities include cloud-based storage, real-time collaboration for multiple users, and cross-platform access via a web application and mobile app. Users can utilize robust design features like animations, stickers, and text effects, alongside a large collection of high-quality images and vectors.

Full VistaCreate profile →
Want the full picture on Marq itself, including pricing and features? See the Marq profile →