Vellum
Mac software for turning manuscripts into ebook and print-ready files.
Vellum is a macOS book-formatting app for authors and small publishers preparing ebooks and print editions. It imports a manuscript, applies book styles, previews layouts across devices and print formats, and generates EPUB, MOBI, and print-ready PDF files.
Why it stands out
- Designed specifically for book interiors rather than general-purpose desktop publishing.
- Generates separate ebook files tailored for major retailers from the same project.
- Keeps ebook and print editions in sync when edits are made.
- Handles print-specific details such as widow control, spread balancing, margins, headers, and page numbers.
- Allows full building, styling, and previewing before purchase is required.
Good to know
- Only available for Mac, with macOS 13 or newer required.
- A paid license is needed when you are ready to generate publishable files.
- Focused on formatting/export; it is not described as a distribution, cover-design, or writing collaboration platform.
Under the radar: You can download Vellum and fully build, style, and preview a book before paying, which makes it practical to test a manuscript’s layout before committing to a license.
Photos

Independent authors on Mac who need polished ebook and paperback files without learning complex page-layout software. Format one manuscript for Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and other ebook stores. Create paperback or hardcover interiors with trim sizes, margins, headers, and page numbers handled automatically. Preview how a book will look on different devices before publishing. Regenerate updated files after fixing typos or adding new backmatter.
Manuscript import, built-in title pages and tables of contents, selectable book styles, live ebook and print preview, EPUB 3/EPUB 2 output, MOBI/ARC support for beta readers, image optimization, accessible output, paperback and hardcover PDF/X-1a generation, 24 trim sizes, large-print options, full-bleed pages, and synchronized multi-format exports.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- Atticus — atticus.io
- Reedsy Book Editor — reedsy.com/write-a-book
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