Our New Comic 175 pages Strip Book created in Scribus!

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Would you consider buying it?

Voting closes: January 23, 2026, 10:45:39 PM

Solara Maris

Dear funny readers


We've issued a new 176 pages comic strip 100% created in Scribus/Krita in color (on a Linux Operating System).

All texts is handled inside Scribus.


You can buy it on Amazon (all countries): https://a.co/d/8zMFyaL


Cover


Inside



Set in 1980s Romania during the regime of dictator Nicolae Tcheaoshescu, the story unfolds in a working-class neighborhood shaped by the ideals of the so-called "Golden Age."
It is a humorous political satire


Regards

Solara Maris



a.l.e

From the screenshot I see a few interesting things, about the way you're working!

It would be interesting to know more about how your work with Scribus, what you are liking, what you are missing and what you dislike!

One question from my side:

would a filter in the Scrapbook help you?
(i.e.: show all items containing a specific text; adding a tagging mechanism (with buttons on top to filter))

And I guess that when trying the new 1.7 / 1.8, you will appreciate the improvements Martin did in the editing of the nodes!

prcek

Although I use scrapbook much less, I think some "collections" or filtering would be helpful.
--
Any job looks easy until you try doing it yourself.

a.l.e

I'm really interested to hear it from someone who is indeed using the scrapbook for some advanced and -- i guess for at least during part of the workflow -- intensive work.

They might also say that, nah, no filtering, I'm really fine with scrolling up and down, as long as it is two columns.
I would not use the keyboard for typing and I prefer to always see all of them at once: they almost fit in the column!

Or: yeah, filtering would have been possible to split the left column in two and I've put there blah blah (which is the default now in 1.7).

Who knows?

Solara Maris

Quote from: a.l.e on October 16, 2025, 08:57:04 AMFrom the screenshot I see a few interesting things, about the way you're working!

It would be interesting to know more about how your work with Scribus, what you are liking, what you are missing and what you dislike!

One question from my side:

would a filter in the Scrapbook help you?
(i.e.: show all items containing a specific text; adding a tagging mechanism (with buttons on top to filter))

And I guess that when trying the new 1.7 / 1.8, you will appreciate the improvements Martin did in the editing of the nodes!



Scrapbook is definitely a precious help. In my project it was gold in help managing the various callouts and baloons. On another project I work I tried to sort them up in categories:

I use glyphs that match different categories:

I find it handy to send them with RClick in a specific category.

I keep one sort of glyphs in a category

https://imgur.com/screenshot-jGcrIFX

While other in another:

https://imgur.com/pIfgtrb.png

I have to give them a name manually.

Having a filter is only helpful if they go beyond 100 in number.
In my opinion is a good feature but not a crucial one.

The blocker comes when you open the same document in Scribus 1.7 and you realized the scrapbook is not automatically available even I carefully exported into .sce files in the project root folder.
Scribus 1.7 requires .scs filetype and is not clear why.
Scrapbooks can only exported if you manually drop them on a page save document and open it in 1.7.


I only partially tested Scribus 1.7 because once you save your project there is no way back.

So far Scribus 1.7 seems solid and stable with a mature UI. I love it.


What I love to Scribus in general:
- speed and stability tough it cracks sometimes when you adjust Image Preview Quality to high. In 1.7 seems more stable if you are patient.
- other things I love: linking tool, QR code generator, styles, image framing, text handling in general, master edits, printing and color management, layers, story editor, node editors, baseline grids just rocks!



What I found less desirable.

- VERY POOR  table handling and table imports (almost impossible to do a proper work with tables)
- POOR preflight tool is impossible to fulfill. It is always a pain.
- MISSING missing a proper styles properties clone formatting tool (it is a must!)
- POOR it needs a restyle of text properties: e.g. kerning tool it should be obvious simple, style applying should have keyboard shortcuts.
- POOR keyboard shortcuts integration for font handling: size, kerning, spacing, lead etc.
- BUG - applying guidelines in a master will multiple overlap the existing ones.
- POOR - what is symbols palette useful for?
- POOR - wrap editor
- VERY POOR - handling of copy paste non european alphabet glyphs etc hebrew letter with niqqud or arabic

Needed features

A clear distraction free mode: when I hit tab to get rid of palettes (adobe styles)
Better keyboard shortcuts integration
A plugin platform (open for contributors paid or free)
A dingbats, clipart platform integration (open for contributors paid or free)
A floatable toolbar (similar to the one in Quark) where I could customize the most useful features


As a one liner. Scribus needs way too much mouse interaction and gets tiresome on repetitive tasks.

a.l.e

Thanks VERY MUCH for this precious feedback!

First, I have some hints, about things that are actually already there (but sometimes well hidden...):

  • Scribus 1.7.1svn can save in 1.5-1.6 format (and I'm working right now, to making it a bit more comfortable to use...)
  • Lowering the page preview is also a must for bigger documents (improvements are planned, probably also a prompt to lower the preview when the document gets bigger).
  • F12 is Scribus' distraction free mode.
  • If you can't fulfill the Preflight Verifier, you can set in the preferences and in the document settings which checks it will go through (If you can't get it to work to your needs by tweaking them, would you mind sharing a screenshot of the entries that disturb you?)
  • In the current version, there is a Style Search (shift-ESC by default) that works in the same way as the Action Search (ctrl+/): in my eyes, it's a more powerful approach than defining style shortcuts


Things I think that we can make feature requests:

  • It's probably better to give no name to a Scrapbook item, rather than giving a bad name like "Object 1". Personally I'm comfortable with the idea that adding an item to the scrapbook should not ask for a name: a name can then be added in a second step (for those who really want to see one).
  • Adding a filter could be useful, but the fact that we have categories is even more useful.
  • We need to have export and import scrapbook buttons, that let the user copy the scrapbook file to a custom location. (Personally, right now on my computer, Scribus 1.6 and Scribus 1.7 seem to share the same Scrapbook file... which is also a bit weird.)
  • Keyboard shortcuts integration for font handling (size, kerning, spacing, lead etc.): I plan to integrate them into the "Style Search" (or create a further dialog that captures the keys and allows to adjust the typographic formatting with simple key presses).
  • A floatable toolbar (similar to the one in Quark) where I could customize the most useful features: There are concrete plans to add a toolbar for launching scripts, it could be extended to make it possible to write tiny scripts that trigger simple commands!

Things that won't change that fast:

  • Tables in Scribus are bad. Martin wanted to tackle this, but I'm not sure it will be done before the next stable 1.8 is out.
  • What is symbols palette useful for? Good question... but we would need a new concept and I don't think that anybody who is currently coding for Scribus is really using it...
  • A plugin platform (open for contributors paid or free): Theoretically, Scribus does support plugins. But in practice the cannot be used for tweaking Scribus to the user's needs. Personally, I'd prefer to push for improving the scripting (which allow to even better improve Scribus with Python scripts): some bits already landed into Scribus and several people are contributing to a better coverage of Scribus functions. (It's likely that you don't see such a big difference between plugins and scripts... I can explain more about it, if it's wished)

Things where I have further questions:

  • MISSING missing a proper styles properties clone formatting tool: Do you mean that one should be able to copy the formatting of a text snippet and apply it to a different text snippet? A fast way to create a style based on the current text selection would also do?
  • POOR it needs a restyle of text properties: e.g. kerning tool it should be obvious simple.: Is there more to be done, than having shortcuts for kerning?
  • BUG - applying guidelines in a master will multiple overlap the existing ones: is it this one? https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=7764
  • POOR - wrap editor: What is the wrap editor? Text flow around the contour line? If it's the case, there is a patch hanging for defining a wrapping area around "simple" shapes (https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=1096). Is there more that is urgently needed?
  • VERY POOR - handling of copy paste non european alphabet glyphs etc hebrew letter with niqqud or arabic: none of the developer speaks any non european languages... we need specific examples here...
  • Better keyboard shortcuts integration: Have you tried the "Action search"? Personally, it covers most of my needs for shortcuts (for commands that I can't or don't want to specify in the shortcuts list)
  • A dingbats, clipart platform integration (open for contributors paid or free): Do you have an example of such a platform that could be integrated into Scribus?

And finally:

QuoteAs a one liner. Scribus needs way too much mouse interaction and gets tiresome on repetitive tasks.

I fully agree!

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
They are very welcome.

Solara Maris

#6
Thank you for priceless tips. Since yesterday we are more skillful.

Firstly If any of our work fits scribus showcase gallery we are happy to send you samples from our books.


Here is our input on your questions

MISSING missing a proper styles properties clone formatting tool: Do you mean that one should be able to copy the formatting of a text snippet and apply it to a different text snippet? A fast way to create a style based on the current text selection would also do?

Yes, similar to MS Word format cloner tool.

We also found a big blocker on our comic strip book as we inserted a soft enter (not full enter) to split the dialogue texts in speech bubbles. While aligning left|center|right seems impossible. It makes sense as it only works on paragraphs.




See the context:





POOR it needs a restyle of text properties: e.g. kerning tool it should be obvious simple.: Is there more to be done, than having shortcuts for kerning?

We have numerous size edits in the bubble speech dialogues. A shortcut like Ctrl+Up/Down/LArrow/RArrow for tasks like font increase, letter tracking/kerning would be a hand wrist paracetamol.
I think this is the feature where QuarkXPress was at its best in the back gold times.


I don't see challenging from developping point of view in term of costs adding these non expensive features.




BUG - applying guidelines in a master will multiple overlap the existing ones: is it this one? https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=7764

Yes!


POOR - wrap editor: What is the wrap editor? Text flow around the contour line? If it's the case, there is a patch hanging for defining a wrapping area around "simple" shapes (https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=1096). Is there more that is urgently needed?

I appologize. The text wrapping works fine (see the screenshot above). It is just that it does not have automatic shape detection and it needs a manual bezier path editing around the figures in a bitmap picture. Here AI could bring power.

VERY POOR - handling of copy paste non european alphabet glyphs etc hebrew letter with niqqud or arabic: none of the developer speaks any non european languages... we need specific examples here...

I work now at a hebrew/greek/arabic alphabet workbook and i have vowel particles (niqqud) in the consonants. I had to copy paste or import hebrew words from word into scribus as typing in scribus with niqqud didn't worked. If need more details then I can try to record to prepare a more complex demo scenario


Better keyboard shortcuts integration: Have you tried the "Action search"? Personally, it covers most of my needs for shortcuts (for commands that I can't or don't want to specify in the shortcuts list)
A dingbats, clipart platform integration (open for contributors paid or free): Do you have an example of such a platform that could be integrated into Scribus?



Action Search is very useful. The same History Tool




I could come with more input if needed.







Solara Maris

Here's a curated list of free and paid clipart libraries that could be integrated with Scribus, especially if the developers were to consider adding native support or integration features.

These services offer professional-grade assets and APIs that could be integrated into Scribus:


Adobe Stock

Format: SVG, EPS, AI, JPG
License: Paid (subscription or per asset)
Integration Potential: High (via API)
Notes: Already integrated with Adobe tools like InDesign



Shutterstock

Format: EPS, JPG, PNG
License: Paid
Integration Potential: High (API available)
Notes: Extensive library, used in many publishing tools.



Freepik

Format: SVG, EPS, AI
License: Free with attribution / Paid for no attribution
Integration Potential: Medium (API available for developers).



Vecteezy

Format: SVG, EPS
License: Free and paid tiers
Integration Potential: Medium
Notes: Offers an API for developers.




Integration Considerations for Scribus Developers

If Scribus developers were to integrate a clipart library, they should consider:

SVG support (already strong in Scribus)
Licensing clarity (preferably public domain or CC0)
API availability (for dynamic search/import)
Offline access or caching (for portability)
User interface for browsing assets (like a plugin or sidebar)

a.l.e

Let's start from the end: I will try to create a script for getting images from Wikimedia.

I'm not sure that I personally want to do the work for non free collections, but once the script is there, other can for sure extend it for other sources (or the tool could be flexible enough to be able to use them, after some config).

Second: I plan to work on extending the Style search to also be a tool for applying typographic formatting.
The current idea is that typing one of the keys used for the typographic shortcuts (the arrows, <, >, ...) will start applying that formatting (no more applying of styles until the next time the shift-esc is pressed. Typing any other key will start searching for styles (and no access anymore to the typographic formatting).
By doing this, we could use all the best keys for applying the formatting, without having to fear about the shortcuts being already used for other things.

Here is the ticket for it: https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=17634

Feedback on this plan is welcome (from you or other readers of this forum).

Finally (for now), concerning the wrapping, on top of the work Martin already did, which is still in "review" (https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=1096), I guess that you could also go "the other way round":
you can create a clip path in Gimp (or any other image editor of your choice), use an image format that supports it, and let Scribus use it (it's the last button in the text flow options).
Would that work for you?

Solara Maris

Quote from: a.l.e on Today at 02:47:39 PMLet's start from the end: I will try to create a script for getting images from Wikimedia.

Wonderful. Sadly I was not able to find a free clipart store with an API available and with free content  (it is understandable since there are no incentives).

Quote from: a.l.e on Today at 02:47:39 PMSecond: I plan to work on extending the Style search to also be a tool for applying typographic formatting.
The current idea is that typing one of the keys used for the typographic shortcuts (the arrows, <, >, ...) will start applying that formatting (no more applying of styles until the next time the shift-esc is pressed. Typing any other key will start searching for styles (and no access anymore to the typographic formatting).
By doing this, we could use all the best keys for applying the formatting, without having to fear about the shortcuts being already used for other things.


Here is the ticket for it: https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=17634


The explanation and the ticket both looks like a great plan. To me one of the most useful Scribus features for editors. I only partially can parse it (since never used Style Search yet) but I am willingly ready to be a early tester. I will start practicing it. We moved to Scribus 1.7 since yesterday.

Quote from: a.l.e on Today at 02:47:39 PMFinally (for now), concerning the wrapping, on top of the work Martin already did, which is still in "review" (https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=1096), I guess that you could also go "the other way round":
you can create a clip path in Gimp (or any other image editor of your choice), use an image format that supports it, and let Scribus use it (it's the last button in the text flow options).
Would that work for you?
Here is the ticket for it: https://bugs.scribus.net/view.php?id=17634

It sounds great, I know the trick from using Adobe Suite in the past. However unless you are working for professional magazines this feature is used lesser in books and comic strips. I would lower the priority for this feature and raise the ergonomics and focus on main features as I will describe in the next comment.

So far. So good!



AdmFubar

have you looked at openclipart.org? not sure if they have an api to use. You might be able to prod them to add one.
Using Scribus1.6.1, 1.7.0 openSUSE 15.6
Advanced hobbyist