[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Content Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/content-management/) \> [Desktop Publishing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/desktop-publishing-software/) \> [Microsoft Publisher](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher/) \> Microsoft Publisher vs Affinity Publisher 

# Microsoft Publisher vs Affinity Publisher 

Last Updated: July 6th, 2026 

Our analysts compared [Microsoft Publisher](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher/) vs [Affinity Publisher](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/affinity-publisher/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Desktop Publishing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/desktop-publishing-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Desktop Publishing Software&cta=desktop-publishing-software). 

[Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) 

Remove Add to Compare 

[![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/7f43dabbd5526a44dd31130911a57322-7fe569b2a67d9810d25b3259b26b0adb/resources/original/logo.svg?1774638181)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher/)

Remove Add to Compare 

[![Affinity Publisher Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/bfcefed6ef9db2e3453b7aad610c6515-0b123bc18b252034a08b65a855d15e80/resources/normal/logo.jpg?1731366994)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/affinity-publisher/)

[ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Microsoft%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7f43dabbd5526a44dd31130911a57322-7fe569b2a67d9810d25b3259b26b0adb%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1774638181) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Microsoft%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7f43dabbd5526a44dd31130911a57322-7fe569b2a67d9810d25b3259b26b0adb%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1774638181) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Microsoft%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7f43dabbd5526a44dd31130911a57322-7fe569b2a67d9810d25b3259b26b0adb%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1774638181&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Microsoft%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7f43dabbd5526a44dd31130911a57322-7fe569b2a67d9810d25b3259b26b0adb%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1774638181&price=1) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Affinity%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fbfcefed6ef9db2e3453b7aad610c6515-0b123bc18b252034a08b65a855d15e80%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.jpg%3F1731366994) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Affinity%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fbfcefed6ef9db2e3453b7aad610c6515-0b123bc18b252034a08b65a855d15e80%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.jpg%3F1731366994) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Affinity%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fbfcefed6ef9db2e3453b7aad610c6515-0b123bc18b252034a08b65a855d15e80%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.jpg%3F1731366994&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Desktop+Publishing+Software&product%5Fname=Affinity%2BPublisher&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fbfcefed6ef9db2e3453b7aad610c6515-0b123bc18b252034a08b65a855d15e80%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.jpg%3F1731366994&price=2) 

### Products Insights 

Overall Rating Comparison 

[ Analyst Rating Microsoft Publisher - Analyst Score: 61 out of 100 61 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (1269 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

[ Analyst Rating Affinity Publisher - Analyst Score: 66 out of 100 66 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (160 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

Price Starts From 

$5/User, Monthly 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Microsoft Publisher&category=Desktop Publishing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/7f43dabbd5526a44dd31130911a57322-7fe569b2a67d9810d25b3259b26b0adb/resources/original/logo.svg?1774638181) 

$69.99 One-Time 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Affinity Publisher&category=Desktop Publishing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/bfcefed6ef9db2e3453b7aad610c6515-0b123bc18b252034a08b65a855d15e80/resources/normal/logo.jpg?1731366994) 

Pros 

What we like about Microsoft Publisher and Affinity Publisher: 

* Familiar Microsoft Office layout makes it easy for beginners to start designing right away
* Wide template library helps you create brochures, newsletters, and flyers without design skills
* Mail merge pulls data from Excel and Outlook to personalize bulk documents
* Sits inside the Office suite, so it's a budget-friendly add for current Microsoft customers

* Advanced typography with OpenType, ligatures, and stylistic sets supports professional layout work
* StudioLink lets you jump between Publisher, Photo, and Designer without exporting files
* Runs on both Windows and macOS, so mixed-OS teams can collaborate on the same files
* Comprehensive toolset covers text wrapping, custom tables, image frames, and live master pages

Cons 

What we dislike about Microsoft Publisher and Affinity Publisher: 

* Lacks the deeper design controls needed for complex or high-end layout projects
* Windows-only, which blocks collaboration with Mac and Linux users
* Experienced designers may hit walls with limited advanced typography and customization options
* Resource library and design extras feel basic next to dedicated publishing tools

* Some advanced features like scripting for automation aren't available out of the box
* Users report occasional file format compatibility hiccups when working with outside collaborators
* Interface icons and labels can look small on high-resolution displays
* Smaller user base means fewer ready-made templates compared to mainstream Office tools

### Our Review 

**Bottom line:** Microsoft Publisher and Affinity Publisher serve different buyers. Pick Publisher if you live in the Microsoft Office world and need quick flyers, newsletters, and brochures. Pick Affinity Publisher if you need pro-level layout control for books, magazines, or marketing collateral and want to skip subscription fees.

Microsoft Publisher fits small businesses, schools, and nonprofits that want a low learning curve. The drag-and-drop interface and big template library let you ship a polished brochure without prior design experience. The catch is platform reach. It's Windows-only, which leaves Mac and Linux users out of the workflow.

Affinity Publisher targets graphic designers, marketers, and publishers who need precision. You get advanced typography, master pages, baseline grids, and PDF/X export for print houses. It also runs on both Windows and macOS, so mixed-OS teams can share files without friction. Users do note occasional file format hiccups and small interface elements on high-res displays.

Pricing pulls these tools in different directions. Microsoft Publisher starts at $5 per user per month and rides along with the rest of Office. Affinity Publisher costs $69.99 one-time, so you own the software outright and skip recurring fees. Pick the model that fits your budget pattern, not just the sticker price.

Tech stack matters here too. If your data already lives in Excel and Outlook, Publisher's mail merge and Office ties save real time. If you also use Affinity Photo or Designer, StudioLink keeps you in one app while you edit images and vectors inside the layout.

Stick with Publisher for fast, simple marketing work tied to Office. Choose Affinity Publisher when you need finer typography control, cross-platform support, and a one-time license — even if it means giving up the Office mail merge convenience.

### Analyst Rating Summary 

Overall Scores 

Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Microsoft Publisher has an analyst rating of 61\. By comparison Affinity Publisher has an analyst rating of 66\. 

Microsoft Publisher - Analyst Score: 61 out of 100 61 

Affinity Publisher - Analyst Score: 66 out of 100 66 

Features Comparison 

**Collaboration**  
Enables multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, streamlining workflows and improving team productivity. 

0 

47 

**Document Layout**  
Provides precise control over text, images, and other elements, enabling professional and visually appealing document creation. 

94 

94 

**Image Editing**  
Allows users to manipulate and enhance images directly within the document, streamlining the design process and ensuring visual consistency. 

89 

96 

[Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Desktop Publishing Software) 

Strengths 

The best features of Microsoft Publisher and Affinity Publisher as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. 

Document Layout

Typography

Image Editing

Image Editing

Document Layout

Typography

### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Desktop Publishing Software) 

How Microsoft Publisher and Affinity Publisher compare against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. 

Microsoft Publisher Affinity Publisher 

\+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Desktop Publishing Software) 

Collaboration Document Layout Image Editing Platform Capabilities Typography 0 94 89 83 91 47 94 96 83 91 0 25 50 75 100 

Implementation Level of Effort Estimation 

**Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) 

**Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. 

**Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. 

**Collaboration**   
Enables multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, streamlining workflows and improving team productivity. 

0%

0%

100%

0%

67%

33%

**Document Layout**   
Provides precise control over text, images, and other elements, enabling professional and visually appealing document creation. 

92%

8%

0%

85%

15%

0%

**Image Editing**   
Allows users to manipulate and enhance images directly within the document, streamlining the design process and ensuring visual consistency. 

100%

0%

0%

100%

0%

0%

**Platform Capabilities**   
Offers robust tools for typography, color management, and pre-press preparation, ensuring high-quality output across various media. 

73%

18%

9%

91%

0%

9%

**Typography**   
Offers precise control over fonts, kerning, and leading, enhancing readability and visual appeal of text within documents. 

100%

0%

0%

75%

25%

0%

**Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Desktop Publishing Software) 

### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Desktop Publishing Software) 

Implementation Level of Effort Estimation 

**Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) 

**Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. 

**Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. 

**Integrations**   
Connects with other applications, like image editors and content management systems, streamlining workflows and enhancing content creation. 

17%

0%

83%

50%

0%

50%

**Security**   
Protects sensitive document content through password protection, access controls, and digital signatures, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity. 

40%

0%

60%

40%

0%

60%

**Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 38% are fully supported out of the box by Microsoft Publisher including Document Layout, Platform Capabilities and Typography. Affinity Publisher supports 46% and excels at Document Layout, Image Editing and Typography. Microsoft Publisher has an analyst rating of 61 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 1269 reviews, while Affinity Publisher has an analyst rating of 66 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 160 reviews. 

### User Sentiment Summary 

Microsoft Publisher has a user sentiment rating of 86 based on 1269 reviews. Affinity Publisher has a user sentiment rating of 94 based on 160 reviews. 

![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 1269 reviews 

![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 160 reviews 

Synopsis 

Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 

86% 

of users recommend this product

Microsoft Publisher has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 1269 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 

94% 

of users recommend this product

Affinity Publisher has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 160 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 

User Review Scores 

**G2.com, Inc** 

**4.3** (992) 

**4.7** (70) 

**Capterra Inc** 

**4.5** (231) 

**4.7** (61) 

**TrustRadius** 

**3.2** (46) 

**4.6** (29) 

### Awards 

SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. 

No awards.

Affinity Publisher stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. 

![User Favorite Award]()

### Product Assistance 

Training Resources 

Documentation

In Person

Live Online

Videos

Webinars

Documentation

In Person

Live Online

Videos

Webinars

Support 

Email

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Email

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

### Product Basics 

Company Size 

i 

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Platforms Supported 

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Deployment Supported 

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Comparison of Top Alternatives 

[Microsoft Publisher Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher/alternatives/) 

[Affinity Publisher Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/affinity-publisher/alternatives/) 

### Screenshots 

![Screenshots]() 

![Screenshots]() 

### Key Features 

* **Pre-Designed Templates** – Offers a deep library of brochure, newsletter, and flyer templates so you can start fast without building layouts from scratch.
* **Mail Merge** – Pulls names and data from Excel and Outlook to create personalized form letters, labels, and bulk mailings.
* **Office Integration** – Connects directly with Word, Excel, and Outlook so text and data flow into layouts without manual copy-paste.
* **Design Checker** – Scans documents for layout problems before printing and suggests fixes to clean up the file.

* **Live Master Pages** – Updates every linked page the moment you change a master, which keeps long documents consistent without manual edits.
* **Data Merge** – Pulls records from spreadsheets into your layout to build personalized newsletters, catalogs, and similar pieces.
* **StudioLink Integration** – Switches between Publisher, Designer, and Photo inside one window, so you can edit images or vectors without leaving the layout.
* **PDF/X Export** – Outputs print-ready PDF/X files that match what professional print services need for accurate color and trim.

### Top Alternatives in Desktop Publishing Software 

[  Affinity Publisher ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/affinity-publisher/) [  FlowPaper ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/flowpaper/) [  FrameMaker ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/framemaker/) [  InDesign ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/indesign/) [  iStudio Publisher ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/istudio-publisher/) [  Marq ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/marq/) [  PageStream ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/pagestream/) [  Pagination ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/pagination-com/) [  QuarkXPress ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/quarkxpress/) [  Scribus ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/desktop-publishing-software/scribus/) 

### Head-to-Head Comparison 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![Affinity Publisher Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS Affinity Publisher](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-affinity-publisher/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![Designrr Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS Designrr](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-designrr/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![FlowPaper Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS FlowPaper](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-flowpaper/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![FrameMaker Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS FrameMaker](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-framemaker/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![InDesign Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS InDesign](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/indesign-vs-microsoft-publisher/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![iStudio Publisher Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS iStudio Publisher](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-istudio-publisher/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![Marq Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS Marq](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-marq/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![QuarkXPress Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS QuarkXPress](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-quarkxpress/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![Scribus Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS Scribus](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-scribus/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![Swift Publisher Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS Swift Publisher](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-swift-publisher/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![The Print Shop Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS The Print Shop](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-the-print-shop/) 

![Microsoft Publisher Software Tool]() 

![VivaDesigner Software Tool]() 

[Microsoft Publisher VS VivaDesigner](https://www.selecthub.com/desktop-publishing-software/microsoft-publisher-vs-vivadesigner/) 

**About SelectHub (and our data)** 

We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies.

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() 

[Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Desktop%20Publishing%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Desktop%20Publishing%20Requirements)

![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() 

[Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Desktop%20Publishing%20Software)

**Tier 1:**  
Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment.  
Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. 

**Tier 2:**  
Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs.  
Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. 

**Tier 3:**  
Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost.  
Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 

[Close](#)

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