Vellum Formatting Alternatives for PC Users in 2025

For authors who write on a PC, the absence of a native Vellum application has long been a point of contention. Vellum, renowned for its user-friendly interface and ability to produce beautifully formatted ebooks and print books, has historically been exclusive to macOS. However, the landscape of book formatting software has evolved significantly, offering robust and accessible alternatives for PC users. As of August 2025, several powerful tools provide Vellum-like capabilities, catering to various needs and budgets.

The Rise of PC-Friendly Formatting Solutions

The demand for Vellum-like functionality on Windows operating systems has spurred the development and popularization of several software solutions. These alternatives aim to replicate Vellum’s ease of use, professional output, and comprehensive features, making them ideal for self-published authors and independent publishers.

Top Vellum Alternatives for PC Users

Several platforms stand out as leading Vellum alternatives for PC users, each offering a unique blend of features, pricing, and user experience.

Atticus: The All-in-One Contender

Atticus has rapidly emerged as a top recommendation for PC users seeking a Vellum alternative. Created by Dave Chesson, the mind behind Kindlepreneur and Publisher Rocket, Atticus is designed as an all-in-one writing and formatting tool. It boasts a user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and the ability to format both ebooks and print books. Atticus is praised for its affordability, with a one-time purchase price of $147, offering lifetime access and all future updates. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks, making it highly accessible. Atticus also includes features like a writing editor, custom chapter theme builder, and real-time preview capabilities, allowing authors to manage their entire workflow in one place.

Scrivener: A Powerful Writing and Formatting Hybrid

While primarily known as a robust writing and organization tool, Scrivener also offers significant formatting capabilities. It allows authors to draft, edit, and format their manuscripts within a single platform. Scrivener provides extensive customization options and multiple export formats, including EPUB and PDF. It is available for both Mac and Windows, though separate licenses may be required. Scrivener’s strength lies in its organizational features, such as the Binder and Corkboard, which are invaluable for complex projects. Its formatting tools, while powerful, may have a steeper learning curve compared to more dedicated formatting software.

Microsoft Word: The Ubiquitous Word Processor

Microsoft Word, a staple in most computer systems, can be leveraged for book formatting, especially for text-heavy books. While not a dedicated formatting tool like Vellum, its widespread availability and familiarity make it an accessible option. Authors can achieve professional results with Word by utilizing styles, templates, and careful attention to layout. However, formatting complex elements or achieving Vellum’s polished output can be challenging and time-consuming without advanced knowledge of Word’s features.

Adobe InDesign: Professional Desktop Publishing

For authors with a design background or those seeking advanced control over their book’s layout, Adobe InDesign is a professional-grade solution. It offers extensive formatting and design capabilities, allowing for highly customized print and ebook layouts. InDesign is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, available via a monthly subscription. Its primary drawback is its steep learning curve and the fact that it is not exclusively designed for book formatting, requiring more effort to achieve desired results compared to specialized software.

Kindle Create: Amazon’s Free Formatting Tool

Amazon’s Kindle Create is a free tool designed specifically for authors publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It offers templates and formatting options tailored for ebooks and can also be used for print book files. While it is a convenient and free option, Kindle Create has limitations, particularly with books containing images, tables, or complex formatting. It also primarily exports in a Kindle-specific format, which may not be ideal for authors aiming for wider distribution.

Reedsy Book Editor: A Browser-Based Solution

Reedsy offers a free, browser-based tool that allows authors to format ebooks and print books. It provides a user-friendly interface and professional-quality layouts. Reedsy Book Editor is accessible from any device with an internet connection and offers features like automatic typesetting and professionally designed themes. While it is a strong free option, its customization capabilities may be more limited compared to paid alternatives.

Calibre: The Open-Source Ebook Management Suite

Calibre is a powerful, free, and open-source ebook management software that includes robust formatting capabilities. It supports a wide range of formats and offers extensive customization for authors comfortable with more technical aspects. Calibre can convert files between various formats, making it a versatile tool. However, it is known for having a steeper learning curve and can sometimes produce cluttered code that may not pass validation checks with certain retailers.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Vellum Alternative

When selecting a Vellum alternative for PC, several factors should guide your decision:

• Budget: Options range from free tools like Kindle Create and Reedsy Book Editor to paid software like Atticus, Scrivener, and Adobe InDesign.
• Ease of Use: Atticus is frequently cited for its intuitive interface, while Scrivener and InDesign may require more time to master.
• Features: Consider whether you need an all-in-one writing and formatting solution (like Atticus) or a dedicated formatting tool.
• Platform Compatibility: Ensure the software is fully compatible with your PC operating system.
• Output Formats: Verify that the software can export in the required ebook and print-ready formats (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, etc.).
• Customer Support and Updates: Look for software that offers reliable support and regular updates to ensure continued functionality and new features.

The Evolving Landscape of Book Formatting

The availability of powerful and user-friendly Vellum alternatives for PC users in 2025 signifies a significant shift in the self-publishing industry. Authors no longer need to compromise on quality or invest in a Mac solely for formatting purposes. Tools like Atticus, in particular, offer a compelling combination of features, affordability, and cross-platform compatibility, making professional book formatting more accessible than ever before.