Vellum alternative
The best Vellum alternative for Windows and Linux
Vellum is Mac-only. Folio Studio is the web alternative that exports epub and print-ready PDF on any system, with native Markdown import and AI cover generation.
Free to start, no credit card required.
Why Vellum is a problem
Vellum is a native macOS application. It doesn't exist on Windows or Linux, and no web version is planned. This limitation immediately excludes the majority of authors who use Windows PCs.
Its price is also a barrier: $249 for ebooks only, $399 to unlock print-ready PDF export. For a first-time author, it's a hard investment to justify before generating any revenue.
Finally, Vellum doesn't natively import Markdown. Authors writing in Obsidian, iA Writer or VS Code need to convert their manuscript before importing.
Folio Studio vs Vellum: comparison
| Criterion | Vellum | Folio Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac only | Windows, Mac, Linux (web) |
| Price | 249-399 $ (one-time) | Free / €4.99-9/month |
| Epub export | Yes (excellent) | Yes (valid EPUB3) |
| Print PDF export | Yes ($399 plan) | Yes (Pro plan, €9/month) |
| Markdown import | No | Yes |
| DOCX import | Yes | Yes |
| PDF import | No | Yes |
| Templates | ~30 styles | 15 templates |
| Real-time preview | Yes | Yes |
| AI cover | No | Yes (Pro) |
| AI chapter analysis | No | Yes (Pro) |
| Installation required | Yes (macOS) | No (browser) |
Stop looking for a Windows version of Vellum
Folio Studio works in your browser, on Windows, Mac and Linux. Free trial, no credit card.
Try for free →Frequently asked questions
Does Folio Studio produce the same epub quality as Vellum?
Both generate valid EPUB3 epub files with embedded fonts and table of contents. Vellum is recognised for the cleanliness of its HTML/CSS code, an advantage mainly noticeable on high-end e-readers. Folio Studio produces comparable epub files, with the advantage of being accessible on all systems.
Can I use Folio Studio for free to replace Vellum?
Yes for epub export (free plan). Print-ready PDF export requires the Pro plan (€9/month). Vellum costs $399 for both as a one-time payment: Folio Studio pays for itself in under a year and a half.
Does Folio Studio work on Windows and Linux?
Yes. Folio Studio is a web application: it runs in any modern browser on Windows, Mac and Linux. No installation required.
Is Vellum going to release a Windows version?
Vellum has not announced a Windows version to date. The native macOS architecture is at the heart of its rendering; migrating to other platforms would require an almost complete rewrite. PC authors need an alternative now.