Scribus 1.6.5 and 1.7.1 released
Scribus, that popular open-source desktop publishing suite, has just released two new versions: 1.6.5 and 1.7.1.
The 1.6.5 update is primarily focused on fixing bugs in the stable branch. Expect immediate improvements if you're using this series. Key fixes include better handling of light and dark mode for a smoother look across your system settings, an issue with the color eyedropper tool sorted out, updated dependencies like newer poppler or podofo releases for more reliable PDF operations, enhancements to scripter functions making automation tasks easier, small improvements in how text properties panels handle things, better on-canvas node editing when working directly on graphics, and improved align and distribute tools.
On the security side, 1.6.5 tackles a problem with loading SVG images from remote locations. That capability is removed because it could be exploited; think of it as patching up that particular hole in the software's defenses. The CVE ID might not be official yet, but fixing that vulnerability shows they're serious about user safety.
Then there's the 1.7.1 version, which represents more significant development work than a typical update. It introduces several new features and changes, aiming to improve Scribus itself considerably. One big addition is search functionality within Preferences; you can now find specific settings much faster without digging through menus. Another feature is the Document Log interface; it brings issues right to your attention rather than hiding them away on command line screens or making troubleshooting harder.
There are also usability tweaks in 1.7.1, including fixes for canvas interaction that might have felt clunky before, updates for scripter commands keeping everything current, and improved color sliders offering more precise control. Plus, standard page size variables now appear in guide windows to help set things up consistently. And you can manually toggle between light and dark modes yourself; this override helps when automatic theme detection or different Qt versions cause problems.
Overall usability gets a lift with various enhancements across the board. Text properties panels work better, on-canvas node editing is smoother, and aligning and distributing objects handles situations more reliably too.
Both version 1.6.5 and 1.7.1 can be downloaded from their website.
