Free and open first

Best Book Layout Software in 2026

Turning a manuscript into designed pages calls for attention to both layout controls and the files you need to produce. Compared on layout model, cover layout, master pages and bleed settings, these entries offer practical points for assessing a book-making workflow. Check print PDF export and ebook export against your intended formats; free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost details. Coverfairy, Folio Studio and Storyloft are among the options shown. Consider which listed layout and export features fit the book you plan to publish.

28 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Vivliostyle

Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

Vivliostyle offers browser-based previewing and command-line PDF output in an open-source publishing project. Check the tool requirements and reciprocal license terms for the workflow you plan to use.

8.5 Open source Visit site
2

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.

7.7 Free plan · paid from $12 Visit site
3

Pressbooks

Free trial Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Pressbooks combines book creation and accessible exports with interactive learning features on its Collaboration plan.

7.6 From $12/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
4

Coverfairy

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Coverfairy combines cover work, interior formatting, print setup, and launch mockups for self-publishers.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $6 Visit site
5

Folio Studio

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Folio Studio brings manuscript structuring, layout, and cover preparation into a browser-based workflow. Compare the plan limits and export needs before choosing a tier.

7.4 Free plan · paid from €4.99/mo Visit site
6

Koberger

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Koberger combines manuscript formatting, previews, and reusable series layouts in a browser-based workflow. Note that finished-file export requires a paid Pro plan.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
7

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
8

Bookmint

Free plan Web

Bookmint combines manuscript layout controls, previews, and publishing-oriented exports in a browser workflow. Check its file import limits and watermark terms before preparing a book.

7.2 Free plan · paid from £29.99 Visit site
9

BookSetter

Free plan Web

BookSetter combines manuscript formatting, proof review and validation reports in a web workflow. Its beta has tight eligibility limits, and marketplace distribution is not included.

7.2 From $49 Visit site
10

Dibbly Create

Free plan Web

Choose Dibbly Create if you want writing support, book design, exports, and collaboration together, with ownership of the work you create.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $22.97/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
11

Eternida

Free plan Web

Choose Eternida if you want to build a personal or family memory profile and turn stories into chapters, books or narrated films.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
12

Folius

Free plan Web

Folius brings manuscript editing, print layout controls, and ebook exports into a browser-based workflow. Check the plan details if you need PDF exports, hosted images, or collaboration.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $12/mo Visit site
13

Kindle Create

Free plan MacWindows

Kindle Create prepares completed manuscripts for KDP in reflowable, print replica, or comic formats.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
14

Layout Department

Free plan MacWindows

Choose Layout Department if you need to impose PDFs for book, zine, or booklet printing, including through its unlimited free Community Edition.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $29 Visit site
15

Storyloft

Free plan MacWebWindows

Storyloft brings manuscript work, research, worldbuilding, design, and export tools together.

6.8 Free plan · paid from $39/mo Visit site
16

Layoutly

Free plan Web

Layoutly offers AI-assisted formatting, collaboration, and PDF or EPUB exports through a web interface. The free tier has limits on books and exports, while Pro removes those limits for $29 a month.

6.7 Free plan Visit site
17

PRINGEN

Free plan Web

PRINGEN brings content generation, page layout, checks, and export into one workflow for KDP-oriented books.

6.6 Free plan · paid from $29/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
18

Reedsy Studio
by Reedsy Studio
Free plan Web

Reedsy Studio provides a free web-based starting point, with Craft and Outlining adding distinct writing tools. Consider its web-only access and basic export formats when choosing it.

6.6 Free plan · paid from $4.99/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
19

typesetting.ai

Free plan Web

typesetting.ai offers several manuscript formats and publishing-oriented layout tools, with a free tier and paid file or monthly options.

6.5 Free plan · paid from $5 Visit site
20

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
21

Calamus Compile

Free trial iPhoneMacWeb

Compile brings ebook export and print layout tools together for manuscripts written in Calamus.

6.3 From $189 · 14-day trial Visit site
22

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.

6.1 From $147 Visit site
23

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
24

Lacuna

Free trial LinuxMacWindows

Choose Lacuna if you want desktop tools for formatting manuscripts into EPUB files and print-ready PDFs, with controls for both book design and print settings.

6.0 From $149 Visit site
25

Nueel

Free trial LinuxMacWeb+1

Nueel combines manuscript import, book styling, validation checks, and multi-format export in a browser studio.

6.0 From $139 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

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