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Best Book Formatting Software in 2026

Book formatting tools help organize a book’s text and page layout. This list is for writers and publishers comparing tools before choosing one.

  1. 1

    Blurb BookWright

    Free plan APIiPhoneMac+2

    BookWright provides desktop layout and image tools for a range of custom book projects, with print and PDF options. The software is free, but printing a book costs extra.

    7.5 Free plan · paid from $12 Visit site
  2. 2

    Kotobee Author

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Educators, publishers, and training teams should consider Kotobee Author if they need interactive ebook authoring, assessments, and multiple export formats.

    7.3 Free plan · paid from $150 Visit site
  3. 3

    Adobe InDesign

    Free trial APIMacSelf-hosted+1

    Choose InDesign for desktop page layout when you need its range of publishing formats, typography controls, and Adobe app integrations.

    6.6 7-day trial Visit site
  4. 4

    Vellum

    Free plan Mac

    Vellum offers book-specific layout and preview tools for ebook and print editions, with a free download for exploring before purchase.

    6.5 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    Jutoh

    by Jutoh
    Free trial LinuxMacWindows

    Jutoh offers broad desktop ebook production and accessibility tools without requiring cloud operation.

    6.1 From $45 Visit site
  6. 6

    Atticus

    by Atticus
    Paid WebWindowsMac+3

    Pick Atticus if you need book writing and formatting tools with publishing support, multiple export formats, and online and offline access. Look elsewhere if you need version history or a free plan.

    6.0 From $147 Visit site
  7. 7

    QuarkXPress

    Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    QuarkXPress combines page layout, typography and equation tools with a range of print and digital output formats.

    6.0 From $18/user/mo (annual) Visit site
  8. 8

    Designrr

    Paid MacWebWindows

    Designrr centralizes conversion, editing, design, and publishing for text, audio, video, and documents. Compare plan-specific exports, users, and transcription allowances against your workflow.

    5.7 From $29/mo Visit site
  9. 9

    Reedsy Book Editor

    by Reedsy
    Free plan
    5.7 Visit site
  10. 10

    Scrivener

    by Scrivener
    Free trial iPhoneMacWindows

    Scrivener combines structured long-form drafting with research, screenwriting, non-fiction, publishing, and offline features.

    5.7 From $23.99 · 30-day trial Visit site
  11. 11

    Papyrus Author

    by Papyrus Author
    Paid MacWindows

    Papyrus Author combines manuscript planning, revision support, and book-design tools for individual writing projects.

    5.3 From $279 · 7-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, trial periods, paid prices, and supported platforms. If you need to read or change source code, check the software licence before choosing.

Questions

Can I format a book without paying?

Some listed tools have free plans. Check the limits of a free plan before starting your project.

Do any tools offer a free trial?

Free trials are available from some listed tools; Adobe InDesign provides a 7-day trial.

Which platforms can I use?

The list includes tools for macOS, Windows, iOS, the web, Linux, and Android. Check the platform for the tool you want.

What paid prices should I compare?

Listed starting prices include $29 per month for Designrr, $18 per user per month with annual billing for QuarkXPress, and $150 for Kotobee Author.

How do I check if code can be changed?

Read the software licence. It states whether you can view, use, or modify the source code.

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