These days it's possible to use free software for almost everything, including document layout, a function that can be carried out with Scribus, a multiplatform open-source alternative to QuarkXPress
Select the correct paper format for the project; indicate the size and orientation; don't forget to adjust the margins, which are fundamental for getting a balanced design. It's also possible to use templates.
The next step consists of drawing the screentone over which the elements will be placed and define the sample pages. This characteristic allows you to save time not having to create the base page over and over again. Another way ot save time is to create personalized paragraph and line stiles (threads).
The elements that you insert in the page (text boxes, images, tables, shapes, polygons, Bezier curves...) can be grouped to facilitate page editing and locked to prevent unwanted changes.
With support for CMYK and ICC color administration, Scribus can save projects in PDF format without requiring help from another application. What's more, it also allows you to create PDF documents with editable controls (text boxes, check boxes, lists, etc.).