Last reviewed by Robert Prime — July 2026
The Verdict — July 2026: Vellum does not run on Windows, full stop. If you're on a PC, Atticus ($147 one-time) is the closest like-for-like replacement — browser-based, cross-platform, and produces both ebook and print-ready files. Kindle Create is free if you only need Amazon output. And if you don't want to learn any software at all, a done-for-you formatting service (from £69 per book) is the fastest route to upload-ready files.
Vellum alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Price | Platform | Ebook | Print PDF | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atticus | $147 one-time | Browser (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook) | Yes | Yes | Closest Vellum equivalent on any OS |
| Kindle Create | Free | Windows, Mac | Yes (KPF) | No | Amazon-only authors, zero budget |
| Reedsy Book Editor | Free tier available (paid tiers now exist) | Browser | Yes | Limited | Authors wanting a free starting point |
| Calibre + Sigil | Free, open-source | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes (EPUB only) | No | Technical users comfortable with manual work |
| Scrivener | US$59.99 per platform | Windows, Mac | Yes (via Compile) | Limited | Writers who want drafting + basic formatting in one tool |
| publishing.co.uk | From £69/book | Done-for-you service | Yes | Yes | Authors who want upload-ready files, no software to learn |
Why Vellum doesn't work on Windows
Vellum requires macOS. There is no Windows version, no browser version, and no official plan to release one. Some authors try running macOS in a virtual machine or renting a cloud Mac — both are technically possible but add cost, complexity and potential licensing issues. If you're on Windows, you need a genuine alternative rather than a workaround.
The six alternatives
1. Atticus — the closest Vellum replacement
Atticus is the tool most often recommended as a direct Vellum alternative, and for good reason. It runs in the browser, so it works on Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook without installing anything. It costs $147 as a one-time purchase — no subscription.
Atticus produces both ebook (EPUB) and print-ready PDF files. It includes a built-in writing editor (so you can draft and format in the same tool), a library of chapter heading styles, and drag-and-drop front/back matter ordering. Output quality is strong — the typography is clean and the print PDFs pass KDP and IngramSpark validation.
Where Atticus falls short of Vellum: its style library is smaller, and some authors find Vellum's print typography slightly more refined. But for the vast majority of self-published books, the difference is negligible. For a deeper look, see Atticus review.
2. Kindle Create — free, Amazon-only
Amazon's own formatting tool, Kindle Create, is free and runs on Windows. It produces KPF files (Kindle Package Format) that upload directly to KDP. If you publish exclusively on Amazon and want a zero-cost option, it does the job.
The limitation is output: Kindle Create produces files for Amazon only. You cannot export a standard EPUB for Apple Books, Kobo or other retailers, and it does not generate print-ready PDFs. If you go wide or publish in print, you need a second tool. See Kindle Create vs Vellum for the full comparison.
3. Reedsy Book Editor — free tier, browser-based
Reedsy's Book Editor is a browser-based tool with a free tier. It handles basic ebook formatting and exports EPUB files. Paid tiers now exist for additional features. It is a reasonable starting point if you have a simple manuscript and want to test the waters without spending anything.
The free tier has limitations on print PDF customisation and advanced styling. For a full breakdown, see Reedsy Editor review.
4. Calibre + Sigil — free, open-source, steep learning curve
Calibre (ebook library manager and converter) and Sigil (EPUB editor) are both free and open-source. Together they can produce clean EPUB files — but they do not generate print-ready PDFs, and the learning curve is steep. You will be editing HTML and CSS directly.
This combination suits technically confident authors who are comfortable working at the code level. For most self-publishers, the time investment is hard to justify when paid tools like Atticus exist at a one-off cost.
5. Scrivener — a writing tool with formatting capability
Scrivener costs US$59.99 per platform and runs on Windows and Mac. It is primarily a writing and manuscript management tool, not a dedicated formatter. Its Compile feature can export EPUB and basic PDF, but the output often needs further tweaking to meet KDP or IngramSpark print specs.
If you already use Scrivener for writing, its Compile feature may be "good enough" for a simple ebook. For print-ready PDFs or polished typography, you will likely need a second tool.
6. publishing.co.uk — done-for-you formatting service
If you don't want to learn any software, a formatting service removes the problem entirely. Our done-for-you formatting service starts at £69 per book and delivers upload-ready ebook and print files. You send your manuscript; you get back files that pass KDP validation. No software to install, no settings to learn.
This is the fastest route for authors who would rather spend time writing and marketing than wrestling with formatting tools.
Worked example: total cost to format a 250-page paperback + ebook
Here is what each route costs in practice for a single book (formatting tool/service cost only — cover design, ISBNs and other publishing costs are the same whichever tool you use):
| Route | Formatting cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atticus | $147 (one-time) | Covers unlimited future books. Per-book cost drops with each title. |
| Kindle Create | £0 | Free, but Amazon-only output. No print PDF, no wide ebook. |
| Reedsy Book Editor | £0 (free tier) | Limited print PDF. Paid tiers available for more features. |
| Calibre + Sigil | £0 | Free, but significant time investment. EPUB only, no print PDF. |
| Scrivener | US$59.99 | Writing tool cost. Print output may need further work. |
| publishing.co.uk | From £69 | Per-book, done-for-you. Both ebook and print files included. |
| Vellum (for comparison) | $249.99 (print + ebook) | Requires macOS. One-time purchase covers unlimited books. |
For a single book, Atticus at $147 and a formatting service at £69 are in a similar price bracket. The difference: Atticus is a tool you own and reuse; the service is a per-book cost but requires zero learning. If you plan to publish multiple books, a tool pays for itself quickly. If you have one book and value your time, a service is often the better deal.
Common mistakes
- Trying to run Vellum in a Windows VM. It technically works with a macOS virtual machine, but you are violating Apple's licensing terms (macOS may only run on Apple hardware) and adding a layer of fragile complexity. If the VM breaks mid-export, you lose time.
- Using Kindle Create and assuming the files work everywhere. KPF files are Amazon-only. If you later decide to go wide, you will need to reformat from scratch.
- Skipping the print PDF. Some free tools produce ebook files but not print-ready PDFs. If you plan to sell paperbacks on KDP or IngramSpark, you need a tool or service that generates a compliant print interior.
- Over-investing in a writing tool for formatting. Scrivener is excellent for drafting and organising a manuscript, but its Compile output is not a substitute for a dedicated formatter for print books.
- Not previewing the final file. Whichever tool you use, always preview the exported PDF at actual trim size before uploading. Margin errors, orphaned lines and font embedding issues are common and only visible in the final file.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free version of Vellum for Windows?
No. Vellum is a paid, Mac-only application. There is no free version, no Windows version and no browser version. The closest free alternative on Windows is Kindle Create (Amazon-only output) or the free tier of Reedsy Book Editor (limited print capability).
What is the best Vellum alternative for Windows in 2026?
Atticus ($147 one-time) is the most frequently recommended Vellum alternative for Windows users. It runs in the browser, produces both ebook and print-ready PDF files, and includes a built-in writing editor. See the full Atticus review.
Can I format a book for KDP without Vellum?
Yes. Amazon's own Kindle Create is free and produces KDP-ready ebook files. For print-ready paperback interiors, Atticus and publishing.co.uk's formatting service both generate files that pass KDP validation. See how to format a book for KDP for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Is Atticus as good as Vellum?
For the vast majority of self-published books, Atticus produces output that is comparable to Vellum in quality. Vellum's print typography is sometimes considered slightly more refined, but the difference is small. The practical advantage of Atticus is that it works on any operating system, not just macOS. For a head-to-head comparison, see Vellum vs Atticus.
Should I use free software or pay for formatting?
It depends on your time, technical confidence and how many books you plan to publish. Free tools (Kindle Create, Calibre, Sigil, Reedsy free tier) cost nothing but require more manual work and often lack print PDF output. Paid tools like Atticus ($147) pay for themselves over multiple books. A done-for-you service like our formatting service (from £69) costs per book but requires zero technical skill.
About this guide
Written by Robert Prime for publishing.co.uk. Last reviewed July 2026. Prices and features change — verify current figures with the linked sources before relying on them.
