Side by side
Lacuna vs LiberScript
Both stand on book layout software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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. Its full-featured trial lets you work before buying, but exporting requires a paid license; the one-machine option costs $149, paid once.
Visit Lacuna Paid Web
LiberScript brings manuscript critique, interior design, and file exports together for authors publishing through external services. Note the short day-pass term and the gradual rollout of optional AI writing assistance.
Visit LiberScriptThe facts
| Lacuna | LiberScript | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | 1 Machine: $149 per machine, paid once | Day pass: $3.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | lacuna.pub | liberscript.com |
| On book layout software | #24 of 28 | #28 of 28 |
Lacuna: what it does well
- Imports DOCX files and detects manuscript structure.
- Exports EPUB and print-ready PDF, including PDF/X-1a.
- Offers typography controls, themes, styles, and live preview.
- Includes print settings for trim, margins, bleed, and pagination.
- Licenses include lifetime updates.
What to know first
- Payment is required before exporting.
- The one-machine license is limited to one machine.
- The trial can be used only until export.
LiberScript: what it does well
- Imports five manuscript file formats.
- Critique flags writing issues and reports a readiness score.
- Exports EPUB, print-ready PDF, DOCX, and cover PDF.
- Every plan supports unlimited project collaborators.
- Core tools work without an AI key.
What to know first
- No free plan.
- Day pass lasts 24 hours.
- Writing assistance is not enabled for every account.
- LiberScript prepares publishing files but is not a distributor.
Alternatives to Lacuna Alternatives to LiberScript The whole list