Vellum
Mac app that formats novels into ebook and print files
Ranked 6 of 10 in best novel and long-form writing apps
Strong ebook and print output, but it runs only on Mac and it starts from a finished manuscript. Atticus covers the same formatting job on Windows and Linux as well.
Best for Mac authors who want polished ebook and print files
About Vellum
Vellum imports a manuscript and builds the title page, table of contents and chapter layout automatically. You choose a book style, and it applies to every chapter, including chapters you add later. The preview updates as you edit and shows how the print edition will look, as well as the ebook on a range of devices.
Output includes EPUB 3 and EPUB 2 files that pass validation, and print editions with 24 trim sizes, full-bleed pages and PDF/X-1a files. Vellum sells two Mac licenses, one for ebooks and one for ebooks and paperbacks, so the price depends on whether you need print. The app runs only on macOS, so Windows authors need another formatting tool.
Key features
- Ebook and print from one manuscript
- 24 trim sizes
- PDF/X-1a print files
- Book styles with drop caps
- Box sets for completed series
Strengths
- Builds ebook and print files from one manuscript
- Print output with 24 trim sizes and PDF/X-1a
- Chapter styles apply to chapters added later
Limits
- Mac only, with no Windows or web version
- Starts from an imported manuscript, not a draft
Where Vellum ranks
How Vellum compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Planning tools | Export formats | Storage and sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#4 Reedsy Studio | 89.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | Boards for notes, characters and research | EPUB and print-ready PDF | Browser app with account sync |
#5 Plottr | 88.5 | Paid | WindowsmacOSWeb | Visual timelines and scene cards | Outline to Word and Scrivener | Offline app; cloud sync on Pro |
| #6Vellum | 87.5 | Paid | macOS | Imports a finished manuscript | EPUB 2 and 3, print PDF/X-1a | Local Mac app |
#7 Novelcrafter | 86.5 | Subscription | Web | Codex wiki and single-page outline | Export included; formats not listed | Browser app, nothing to install |
#8 Dabble | 85.5 | Paid | WebiOSAndroid | Plot grid and drag-and-drop chapters | Word and text file | Browser, iOS and Android apps |
The full comparison table for best novel and long-form writing apps has all 10 products.
Related rankings
Questions about Vellum
- Is Vellum free?
- Vellum is a paid product (paid). Paid Mac license; ebook-only and ebook plus print tiers.
- Is Vellum open source?
- No. Vellum is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Vellum support?
- Vellum is available on: macOS.
- What is Vellum best for?
- Mac authors who want polished ebook and print files. In our ranking of novel and long-form writing apps it is number 6 of 10 with a score of 87.5.
- What are the best alternatives to Vellum?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Scrivener, Atticus, Ulysses, Reedsy Studio.
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