Windows x64
MSI installer · 64-bit Intel / AMD PCs
60.7 MB · v0.11.0
Independent guide · Last updated
Download DesignCraft: free, open-source page layout and publishing
DesignCraft is ArtCraft's free, open-source Rust app for page layout and publishing, with a InDesign-style workflow. Choose an official Windows, macOS or Linux package below. The project is in pre-alpha; the downloads are verified against GitHub releases, while compatibility and production reliability have not been independently tested by us.
Our take: Worth trying for page layout and publishing on copies; still pre-alpha.
DesignCraftIn development
Compared workflowInDesign
- Release
- 0.11.0
- Platforms
- macOS · Windows · Linux · Web
- License
- MIT or Apache-2.0
- Verified
- 2026-10-22
Official GitHub assets · Checked 2026-10-22
Download DesignCraft for your computer
Free and open source. Choose your system below; every download comes directly from the official storytold/designcraft repository. We do not host or repackage installers.
Version 0.11.0 · Released · Check for a newer release ↗
macOS
Universal DMG · Apple silicon and Intel Macs
86.7 MB · v0.11.0
Linux x86_64
AppImage · 64-bit Intel / AMD systems
73.2 MB · v0.11.0
Windows ARM64 or 32-bit PC? Linux ARM64, DEB, RPM, Flatpak or a portable Windows ZIP? Choose another package in the full release ↗. Match the architecture to your computer; the buttons above are not suitable for every device.
How to install DesignCraft on Windows, macOS or Linux
Windows
- Check Settings → System → About for your system type. The button above is for x64 Intel/AMD PCs.
- Download the MSI and run it, then follow the installer.
- Launch DesignCraft and open a copied test file. For ARM PCs, 32-bit systems or a portable ZIP, use the full release list.
macOS
- Download the universal DMG and open it.
- Drag DesignCraft to Applications, then launch it.
- If macOS blocks the app, verify the source and read the official repository’s signing and installation notes before proceeding.
Linux
- Download the AppImage that matches your processor. The button above is for x86_64.
- In file properties, allow execution as a program, then launch it.
- If it does not start, read the repository’s system-library and FUSE requirements, or choose a documented DEB, RPM or Flatpak package.
App-specific platform requirements
Windows: Choose the x64 MSI below for Intel/AMD PCs; ARM64, x86 and portable packages are listed in the full release.
macOS: The checked universal DMG supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Linux: Choose the x86_64 AppImage below for Intel/AMD systems. Other architectures and package formats are in the release.
Web: A WebAssembly build is distinct from a hosted editor. Check the repository for browser setup and limitations.
Before opening important work, compare the downloaded file with the release’s SHA256SUMS.txt. Open a copy, save or export it, and inspect the output in another app. We checked package availability; we have not run every installer or independently tested production compatibility.
Standalone version 0.11.0Free · MIT or Apache-2.0 · Development software
All packages and release notes ↗Installing several tools? ArtCraft Launcher 0.6.1 is a separate project; check its supported app list. The WebAssembly ZIP is a self-hostable build, not a hosted web editor. Browse all 13 download guides or find repositories in our GitHub directory.
The short answer
Can DesignCraft replace InDesign?
Worth trying for page layout and publishing on copies; still pre-alpha.
The README points to a pre-alpha roadmap. It documents IDML import/export and INDD import through indd-utils, but those are not evidence of a lossless InDesign round-trip. Validate fonts, pagination, linked assets and PDF output with your print provider.
What is already there
What can you do with DesignCraft?
These are capabilities documented by the official project. They are reasons to test the app, not a promise that every InDesign workflow behaves identically.
01
Build page layouts
DesignCraft targets page-based publishing workflows. Begin with a short publication so you can inspect text flow, alignment and page changes before testing a long document.
02
Try InDesign interchange
The README lists IDML import and export and INDD import through indd-utils. Use a copy, check missing fonts and links, and compare every page with a reference PDF.
03
Inspect publication exports
PDF, EPUB, PNG and editable PowerPoint export are documented. A listed PDF/X or PDF/A option does not replace independent preflight and print-provider acceptance.
Before you switch
Who should try DesignCraft now?
A good test candidate
Try it if you…
- Exploring page layouts, typography and small publications on copied documents.
- You can compare exported results with your established InDesign workflow.
- You want a local open-source app and can report reproducible problems upstream.
Wait or test carefully
Do not switch blindly if you…
- You require lossless INDD, IDML and print-ready PDF compatibility without testing.
- A deadline depends on features, plug-ins or team workflows you have not verified.
- The README points to a pre-alpha roadmap. It documents IDML import/export and INDD import through indd-utils, but those are not evidence of a lossless InDesign round-trip. Validate fonts, pagination, linked assets and PDF output with your print provider.
Common questions
DesignCraft FAQ
Where can I download DesignCraft?
Use the checked official GitHub assets linked on this page or github.com/storytold/designcraft/releases/latest for newer builds. We do not host or repackage installers. Match your processor architecture and compare the file with the release's SHA256SUMS.txt.
Is DesignCraft free and open source?
DesignCraft is published under MIT or Apache-2.0, with free official downloads. Bundled assets and branding may have separate terms. Download availability does not imply production readiness.
Can DesignCraft open InDesign files?
Its README documents INDD import through indd-utils and IDML import/export. We have not independently tested complex publications or lossless round-trips. Keep the original document and a reference PDF, then check pagination, links and fonts.
How do I update DesignCraft?
Check the official latest-release page and read its release notes before installing a newer standalone package. Back up your projects first. ArtCraft Launcher is a separate option for managing multiple Crafting Apps; check that its current app list includes the tool you need.
How we evaluated this page
Official facts, practical guidance, visible limits.
This guide summarizes the official DesignCraft product page and repository. We have not yet independently tested production files, performance or long-session stability, so those claims remain clearly bounded.
Development journal
Recent updates for this app
· Official release
DesignCraft 0.11.0: published release
The v0.11.0 notes describe shared PDF reading and reporting incomplete layered exports. Check exported layers and text in a separate viewer; a warning mechanism does not mean all document structure will survive a handoff.
· Official release
DesignCraft 0.9.0: published release checked October 20
The notes describe swatch Fill/Stroke controls, object fitting, Find/Change scope handling, and Page tool selection and resizing work. Some entries explicitly depend on other changes. Do not infer complete publishing or interchange parity from a changelog item.
· Official release
DesignCraft 0.8.0: saving and recovery changes
The official notes list atomic replacement for saves and exports, separate recovery data for each running app, unsaved-document prompts and preservation of live state when persistence fails.
SRC
Sources
Sources used for the facts and attributed reports on this page.
- 01Crafting Apps: open-source creative tools — ArtCraft
official page · Accessed 2026-10-20
- 02Designcraft — ArtCraft official page
official page · Accessed 2026-10-22
- 03storytold/designcraft — GitHub repository
official repository · Accessed 2026-10-22
- 04designcraft v0.11.0 — official GitHub release
official repository · Accessed 2026-10-22