Vellum
What it is
Vellum is Mac software for creating and formatting books for ebook and print publication. It produces ebooks for Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and other stores; Vellum Press also prepares paperback and hardcover editions with automatic margins, page numbers, headers, and footers. Authors can import DOCX manuscripts made with Word, Scrivener, or Pages, then choose styles with drop caps, embedded fonts, and flourishes or add custom ornaments and backgrounds. Vellum previews ebook and print layouts and can generate both editions together, keeping them in sync after edits. Listed ebook output includes validated EPUB 2 and EPUB 3 files and ACE-approved accessible output. Print options include 24 trim sizes plus large print, full-bleed pages and backgrounds, and PDF/X-1a output. The free download has no time limit for importing, exploring styles, and previewing, but generating publishing files requires a purchase. Vellum requires macOS 13 or newer and supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Vellum Ebooks costs $199.99, paid once; Vellum Press costs $249.99, paid once.
For and against
For
- Imports DOCX from Word, Scrivener, and Pages
- Previews ebook and print layouts
- Generates synchronized ebook and print editions
- Includes 24 print trim sizes plus large print
Against
- Runs only on Mac
- Requires macOS 13 or newer
- Publishing file generation requires purchase
The verdict
Vellum combines ebook formatting with print preparation and offers a time-unlimited download for exploring and previewing. Publishing files requires a one-time purchase, and the software is limited to Macs running macOS 13 or newer.
Who it suits
Vellum suits authors who want to format ebooks, print books, or both from a Mac. It may be useful for writers working in DOCX or seeking print layout options alongside ebook output.
Plans and prices
Vellum Ebooks
Unlimited ebooks
Read 4 Oct 2026 · vellum.pub
Vellum Press
Unlimited ebooks + paperbacks
Read 4 Oct 2026 · vellum.pub
On the record
- Accessible files
- The product page lists validated EPUB 3 and EPUB 2 files and ACE-approved accessible output.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Ebook output
- It creates platform-specific ebooks for Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and other stores.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Free use
- The free download can be used without a time limit to import, explore styles, and preview, but generating files for publishing requires purchase.help.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- License limits
- A license permits unlimited books and pen names, can be installed on another computer the owner has, and cannot be shared with another person.help.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Manuscript import
- Vellum imports DOCX files, including files created with Word, Scrivener, and Pages.help.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Platform
- Vellum runs only on Mac, requires macOS 13 or newer, and supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs.help.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Preview and generation
- Vellum previews ebook and print appearance and can generate both editions together, keeping them in sync after edits.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Print features
- Print features include 24 trim sizes plus large print, full-bleed pages and backgrounds, and PDF/X-1a output.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Print output
- Vellum Press can create paperback and hardcover print editions with automatic margins, page numbers, headers, and footers.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Vellum says its anonymous usage analytics exclude personal and book content, can be disabled, and that it never transmits book contents.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Vellum is software for creating and formatting books.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- Vellum says it uses secure encryption when transmitting information and does not sell personal information to third parties.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Styles
- Users can choose book styles with drop caps, embedded fonts, and flourishes, and add custom ornaments and backgrounds.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers help pages and a contact option for questions.help.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
- Updates and refunds
- Updates are free, and a purchase can be canceled for a refund within 30 days.help.vellum.pub · read 4 Oct 2026
