Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vellum - Mac-exclusive software for effortlessly formatting professional ebooks with customizable themes and multiple export formats including EPUB and print.
- 2#2: Atticus - All-in-one cross-platform tool for writing, formatting, designing covers, and exporting ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes.
- 3#3: Adobe InDesign - Industry-standard desktop publishing software for creating precise, interactive ebooks with advanced typography, layouts, and EPUB export.
- 4#4: Affinity Publisher - Affordable one-time-purchase page layout app for designing high-quality ebooks, books, and digital publications with full creative control.
- 5#5: Sigil - Free open-source EPUB editor offering WYSIWYG, code editing, validation, and ebook compilation for precise formatting.
- 6#6: Reedsy Book Editor - Free online collaborative editor for formatting manuscripts into professional EPUB, PDF, and print-ready ebooks with real-time previews.
- 7#7: Calibre - Free open-source ebook library manager with built-in editor, converter, and metadata tools for customizing ebook formats and designs.
- 8#8: Scrivener - Comprehensive writing software that compiles manuscripts into formatted ebooks (EPUB, MOBI) with customizable styles and exports.
- 9#9: Jutoh - Cross-platform ebook creator that builds EPUB and Kindle books from styled source documents with detailed customization options.
- 10#10: Kotobee Author - Desktop app for designing interactive ebooks with multimedia, quizzes, and SCORM export for educational and engaging digital publications.
These tools were selected and ranked based on their ability to deliver high-quality design, ease of use across skill levels, cross-platform functionality, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of authors, publishers, and creators.
Comparison Table
Ebook design software varies widely in features, workflow, and use cases, making the right choice critical for creators. This comparison table explores tools like Vellum, Atticus, Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Sigil, and more, detailing key capabilities, ease of learning, and optimal scenarios. Readers will gain clarity on matching software to their needs, from professional publishing to independent self-creation.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vellum Mac-exclusive software for effortlessly formatting professional ebooks with customizable themes and multiple export formats including EPUB and print. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 10/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Atticus All-in-one cross-platform tool for writing, formatting, designing covers, and exporting ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Adobe InDesign Industry-standard desktop publishing software for creating precise, interactive ebooks with advanced typography, layouts, and EPUB export. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | Affinity Publisher Affordable one-time-purchase page layout app for designing high-quality ebooks, books, and digital publications with full creative control. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Sigil Free open-source EPUB editor offering WYSIWYG, code editing, validation, and ebook compilation for precise formatting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.3/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 6 | Reedsy Book Editor Free online collaborative editor for formatting manuscripts into professional EPUB, PDF, and print-ready ebooks with real-time previews. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 7 | Calibre Free open-source ebook library manager with built-in editor, converter, and metadata tools for customizing ebook formats and designs. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | Scrivener Comprehensive writing software that compiles manuscripts into formatted ebooks (EPUB, MOBI) with customizable styles and exports. | other | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.3/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Jutoh Cross-platform ebook creator that builds EPUB and Kindle books from styled source documents with detailed customization options. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Kotobee Author Desktop app for designing interactive ebooks with multimedia, quizzes, and SCORM export for educational and engaging digital publications. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Mac-exclusive software for effortlessly formatting professional ebooks with customizable themes and multiple export formats including EPUB and print.
All-in-one cross-platform tool for writing, formatting, designing covers, and exporting ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes.
Industry-standard desktop publishing software for creating precise, interactive ebooks with advanced typography, layouts, and EPUB export.
Affordable one-time-purchase page layout app for designing high-quality ebooks, books, and digital publications with full creative control.
Free open-source EPUB editor offering WYSIWYG, code editing, validation, and ebook compilation for precise formatting.
Free online collaborative editor for formatting manuscripts into professional EPUB, PDF, and print-ready ebooks with real-time previews.
Free open-source ebook library manager with built-in editor, converter, and metadata tools for customizing ebook formats and designs.
Comprehensive writing software that compiles manuscripts into formatted ebooks (EPUB, MOBI) with customizable styles and exports.
Cross-platform ebook creator that builds EPUB and Kindle books from styled source documents with detailed customization options.
Desktop app for designing interactive ebooks with multimedia, quizzes, and SCORM export for educational and engaging digital publications.
Vellum
specializedMac-exclusive software for effortlessly formatting professional ebooks with customizable themes and multiple export formats including EPUB and print.
Elegant, professionally designed styles that automatically format manuscripts into polished, publisher-quality books with one click.
Vellum is a Mac-exclusive software tailored for authors to create professionally formatted ebooks and print books with minimal effort. Users import their manuscript, select from elegant predefined styles, and generate high-quality EPUB, MOBI, and PDF files ready for platforms like Amazon KDP and Apple Books. It excels in handling chapters, front/back matter, and real-time previews, streamlining the self-publishing formatting process.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with real-time previews
- Generates publication-ready EPUB, MOBI, and PDF files
- One-time purchase with lifetime updates and new styles
Cons
- Mac-only (no Windows or web version)
- Limited customization for highly complex layouts
- Upfront cost may deter beginners on a tight budget
Best For
Indie authors and self-publishers who want professional-looking ebooks and print books without design expertise or a steep learning curve.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $199 for ebooks only; $249 for Infinite (ebooks + print books with lifetime updates).
Atticus
specializedAll-in-one cross-platform tool for writing, formatting, designing covers, and exporting ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes.
Seamless live formatting that applies professional themes and previews changes in real-time as you write
Atticus is an all-in-one desktop software for authors that combines writing, formatting, and publishing tools specifically tailored for ebooks and print books. It offers a clean interface for organizing chapters, applying professional themes, and generating exports in formats like EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and DOCX with live previews. Designed for self-publishers, it streamlines the process from manuscript to market-ready files without needing external design software.
Pros
- Intuitive all-in-one workflow for writing and formatting
- Professional themes and live previews for instant results
- One-time purchase with lifetime updates and multi-format exports
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for highly complex designs
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac, no mobile or web version)
- Occasional minor bugs in exports for edge cases
Best For
Self-publishing authors seeking a simple, affordable tool to write, format, and export ebooks/print books without technical expertise.
Pricing
$147 one-time fee (no subscription required)
Adobe InDesign
creative_suiteIndustry-standard desktop publishing software for creating precise, interactive ebooks with advanced typography, layouts, and EPUB export.
Advanced EPUB export with interactive widgets, math equations, and multi-device alternate layouts
Adobe InDesign is a professional desktop publishing software widely used for creating high-quality layouts, including ebooks in fixed-layout and reflowable EPUB formats. It offers precise control over typography, images, and interactive elements, making it ideal for complex, print-ready ebook designs. With seamless integration into the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, it supports advanced features like alternate layouts for multiple devices and direct export to industry-standard ebook formats.
Pros
- Unmatched typographic and layout precision for professional ebooks
- Robust EPUB export with support for interactive elements and fixed/reflowable layouts
- Deep integration with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Creative Cloud libraries
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant time investment
- Subscription-only model with high ongoing costs
- Overkill and resource-heavy for simple ebook projects
Best For
Professional publishers and designers needing pixel-perfect control over complex, multi-format ebooks within the Adobe ecosystem.
Pricing
Starts at $22.99/month for single-app subscription or $59.99/month for full Creative Cloud All Apps plan; no perpetual license available.
Affinity Publisher
creative_suiteAffordable one-time-purchase page layout app for designing high-quality ebooks, books, and digital publications with full creative control.
Direct, high-fidelity EPUB export from professional layouts with automatic table of contents, hyperlinks, and reflowable text handling
Affinity Publisher is a professional desktop publishing software that excels in creating high-quality layouts for print, web, and digital formats, including ebooks in PDF and EPUB. It provides powerful tools like master pages, advanced typography controls, linked text frames, and direct export to reflowable or fixed-layout EPUBs, making it suitable for ebook design workflows. As part of the affordable Affinity suite, it integrates seamlessly with Designer and Photo for comprehensive publishing projects.
Pros
- One-time purchase model offers excellent long-term value without subscriptions
- Robust EPUB export supporting both reflowable and fixed layouts with hyperlinks and TOC
- Seamless integration with Affinity Designer and Photo for asset handling
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with desktop publishing
- Limited real-time collaboration or cloud features compared to web-based tools
- EPUB output may require manual tweaks for highly complex reflowable designs
Best For
Professional designers and small publishers creating polished fixed-layout or moderately complex reflowable ebooks on desktop.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $69.99 for Publisher; $169.99 for the full Affinity V2 Universal License (includes Designer and Photo, all platforms).
Sigil
specializedFree open-source EPUB editor offering WYSIWYG, code editing, validation, and ebook compilation for precise formatting.
Built-in EPUB validator with automatic error detection and repair suggestions
Sigil is a free, open-source EPUB ebook editor designed for creating, editing, and validating EPUB2 and EPUB3 files. It provides a multi-pane interface with Code View for direct HTML/CSS editing, Preview for rendering, and Book View for a simplified editing experience. Users can manage metadata, add images, generate table of contents, and use plugins for extended functionality, making it a robust tool for precise ebook composition.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limitations
- Powerful EPUB validation and flight-checking tools
- Extensive plugin support for customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring HTML/CSS knowledge
- Limited WYSIWYG capabilities compared to modern tools
- Dated user interface that feels clunky
Best For
Tech-savvy authors, publishers, and developers needing granular control over EPUB code and validation.
Pricing
Free (open-source, optional donations)
Reedsy Book Editor
specializedFree online collaborative editor for formatting manuscripts into professional EPUB, PDF, and print-ready ebooks with real-time previews.
Automatic professional typesetting engine that produces print-quality layouts from plain text
Reedsy Book Editor is a free, web-based tool that allows authors to write, format, and export books for both print and ebook publishing. It features genre-specific templates, automatic typesetting, and real-time collaboration, generating professional PDF and EPUB files suitable for platforms like Amazon KDP. While primarily a writing app, it excels in simplifying ebook design for non-designers without requiring desktop software.
Pros
- Completely free with professional templates and auto-formatting
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick ebook layout
- Direct export to print-ready PDF and reflowable EPUB
Cons
- Limited customization for complex designs or images
- Web-only access requires reliable internet
- No support for fixed-layout ebooks or advanced typography
Best For
Beginner self-publishers and authors seeking simple, no-cost ebook formatting for standard novels and non-fiction.
Pricing
100% free with no paid tiers or limits.
Calibre
otherFree open-source ebook library manager with built-in editor, converter, and metadata tools for customizing ebook formats and designs.
Advanced ebook conversion engine with customizable heuristics for reflowing content across formats
Calibre is a free, open-source ebook management tool that serves as a comprehensive library organizer, format converter, and basic ebook editor. It enables users to edit metadata, covers, and content via an HTML/CSS-based editor, while supporting conversion between numerous ebook formats like EPUB, MOBI, and PDF. Though versatile for ebook workflows, its design capabilities are geared more toward functional tweaks than professional layout creation.
Pros
- Exceptional format conversion supporting over 30 input/output formats
- Full-featured library management with tagging and searching
- Robust metadata and cover editing tools
Cons
- Outdated, cluttered interface that's intimidating for beginners
- Ebook editor requires HTML/CSS knowledge and lacks visual design aids
- Resource-heavy on lower-end hardware during conversions
Best For
Self-publishing hobbyists and ebook collectors needing free conversion and organization tools without advanced design needs.
Pricing
Completely free with no paid tiers or subscriptions.
Scrivener
otherComprehensive writing software that compiles manuscripts into formatted ebooks (EPUB, MOBI) with customizable styles and exports.
The advanced Compile feature with customizable layouts and placeholders for seamless ebook generation from organized projects
Scrivener is a comprehensive writing and project management tool that excels in organizing long-form content for authors, with robust export options for ebook formats like EPUB and MOBI. It allows users to structure manuscripts using a binder, index cards, and metadata, then compile them into polished ebooks with customizable templates. While not a dedicated visual ebook designer, it bridges writing and basic formatting needs effectively for structured outputs.
Pros
- Superior manuscript organization with binder and corkboard views
- Flexible compile engine for EPUB, MOBI, and PDF with placeholders
- Handles complex elements like footnotes, images, and cross-references well
Cons
- Steep learning curve for compile customization
- Limited WYSIWYG preview and visual design controls
- No direct HTML/CSS editing for advanced ebook styling
Best For
Long-form authors who need integrated writing, organization, and basic ebook export without specialized design tools.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $59 for Mac/Windows, $23.99 for iOS; free 30-day trial available.
Jutoh
specializedCross-platform ebook creator that builds EPUB and Kindle books from styled source documents with detailed customization options.
Built-in Lua scripting engine for creating dynamic, interactive ebook elements like conditional content and custom navigation.
Jutoh is a cross-platform ebook authoring and design tool that enables users to create professional EPUB, MOBI, KF8, and ODT files from imported content like Word documents, HTML, or plain text. It provides detailed control over formatting, styles, table of contents, indexes, and cross-references, with support for images, footnotes, and scripting. Advanced users can leverage its built-in Lua scripting for dynamic content and custom behaviors, making it suitable for complex ebook projects.
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Powerful Lua scripting for advanced customization
- Robust import from Word/ODT and precise export validation
Cons
- Dated interface that feels clunky
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited real-time preview and collaboration tools
Best For
Experienced authors and publishers needing granular control over ebook formatting without relying on online tools.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $45 for single-platform license; multi-platform bundles from $59.
Kotobee Author
specializedDesktop app for designing interactive ebooks with multimedia, quizzes, and SCORM export for educational and engaging digital publications.
One-click generation of native mobile and desktop apps without coding
Kotobee Author is a robust platform for creating interactive ebooks, digital publications, and mobile apps from various content sources like Word, HTML, or EPUB. It enables designers to add multimedia elements, quizzes, 360-degree images, and hotspots for engaging experiences. The software supports exports to web, native apps for iOS/Android/Windows, and SCORM packages for LMS integration, making it ideal for educational and training content.
Pros
- Extensive interactive tools like quizzes, videos, and AR elements
- Broad export options including native apps and LMS compatibility
- Cloud hosting and easy sharing via links or QR codes
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to advanced features
- Limited free version with watermarks and export restrictions
- Higher pricing tiers required for full app-building capabilities
Best For
Educators, trainers, and content creators building interactive e-learning ebooks and apps.
Pricing
Free limited plan; paid subscriptions from $240/year (Starter) to $480/year (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
This review highlights the top three tools as exceptional choices: Vellum, the winner, simplifies professional ebook formatting for Mac users with customizable themes; Atticus offers all-in-one cross-platform functionality including writing, cover design, and goal tracking; Adobe InDesign leads with industry-standard advanced typography and interactivity. Each stands out, catering to diverse needs from ease of use to professional precision.
Ready to create polished ebooks? Start with Vellum to leverage its seamless formatting and export options, or explore Atticus or Adobe InDesign based on your specific workflow—each tool provides a path to standout digital publications.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison