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Choosing the right book formatting software can be confusing, especially with options like Atticus and Vellum. Many writers wonder which one suits their needs best. Keep reading, and you'll discover a straightforward comparison that can help you decide if cross-platform support, advanced features, or budget matters most to you. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of which software could be the perfect fit for your writing journey.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Vellum works only on Mac and is very stable, offering a quick offline experience but at a higher one-time cost. Atticus supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook, making it more flexible but sometimes less stable. Choose Vellum if you're a Mac user who prefers offline, but pick Atticus if you work across multiple devices.
- Vellum costs $249.99 for ebook and print formatting, while Atticus has a lifetime license of $147 for unlimited books. Atticus provides better long-term value, especially if you plan to publish many titles.
- Both programs support basic formats like EPUB, PDF, and DOCX. Atticus is adding MOBI support soon, which is useful for Kindle authors. Export compatibility is important based on your target platform.
- Atticus offers over 1,500 fonts, 17+ themes, and customization options like callout boxes and full bleed images—great for detailed or nonfiction books. Vellum sticks to 26 themes and simple design, suitable for fiction or quick formatting.
- Vellum performs well on Mac with smooth, offline editing. Atticus might have occasional bugs and slowdowns, especially with complex projects. Your choice depends on whether stability or flexibility matters most to you.
- For nonfiction or structured content, Atticus’s advanced features like multiple heading levels and callouts give it an edge. Vellum is better for straightforward fiction formatting.
- Atticus’s wide design options and customization are perfect if visual style is important. Vellum offers stability and a proven offline workflow for those who value reliability.
- Vellum has a larger help community with tutorials and forums, making support easier. Atticus’s support is growing, but help might take longer—consider your comfort with troubleshooting.
- Ultimately, pick Vellum if you're on a Mac and need stability; choose Atticus if you want device flexibility, more design control, and are working on nonfiction or complex projects. You can try both and switch later based on your experience.
Most Important: Comparing Platforms, Cost, and Main Features
If you're trying to decide between Atticus and Vellum, the essentials come down to platform support, pricing, and core capabilities. Vellum is a popular choice for Mac users, but it’s limited to that platform. Atticus, on the other hand, offers cross-platform support, making it more flexible for many writers. When it comes to cost, Vellum charges $249.99 for both ebook and print formatting, while Atticus comes with a lifetime license at $147, supporting unlimited books without any ongoing fees.
Platform Compatibility and Ease of Use
Vellum works only on Mac computers
If you're on a PC, Linux, or Chromebook, Vellum simply won't be an option, since it’s exclusive to Mac. Its interface is streamlined, and many users find it straightforward, especially if they’re familiar with macOS. The ability to work offline without hiccups makes it reliable for Mac owners, but the platform limitation can be frustrating if you don't have a Mac already.
Atticus runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook
Atticus is designed to be versatile, supporting a wide range of systems. Whether you’re on a Chromebook, Windows PC, Mac, or even Linux, you can access the software. Its interface is user-friendly, resembling many traditional writing tools, but some users experience occasional lag or bugs—so it’s not as polished as Vellum in terms of stability. Still, its cross-platform nature is a huge plus for writers juggling different devices.
Why platform support matters for writers
Choosing software that matches your device can save headaches. If you're a Mac user comfortable with Vellum, it might be easiest. But if you work across multiple devices or prefer Windows or Linux, Atticus offers the flexibility you need without restrictions. Think about your workflow: do you need offline access? Or do you prefer a tool that travels with you on any system?
Pricing and Value
Vellum costs $249.99 for ebook and print formatting
Vellum’s price is a one-time fee, but keep in mind that it covers just ebook and print formatting. Upgrades or additional features might cost extra, and it’s not cheap for new authors starting out. Its pricing is comparable to many professional formatting tools, but only for Mac users.
Atticus offers a lifetime license for $147, with unlimited books
Atticus’s biggest selling point is its affordability over time. Once you buy the license, you’re set for all your projects—no subscriptions or renewal fees. This can be a game changer for indie authors who publish multiple titles, especially since it supports unlimited books and future updates.
No ongoing subscription fees with Atticus
Unlike some newer tools that charge monthly or annual fees, Atticus’s single purchase model means you own the software for life. This provides peace of mind and predictable costs—ideal for authors managing tight budgets.
Key Formatting Features Both Software Offer
| Feature | Vellum | Atticus |
|---|---|---|
| Export options | EPUB, PDF, DOCX, RTF | EPUB, PDF, DOCX (RTF import, EPUB & MOBI coming soon) |
| Number of chapter themes and font choices | 26 themes, basic fonts | 17+ themes, 1,500+ fonts for customization |
| Paper sizes available | 17 options | 17 options |
Unique and Advanced Features
Atticus really shines with its extras like dark mode, custom chapter themes, callout boxes, footnotes, and options for full bleed images or large print. These features are especially handy if you’re working on nonfiction or want more control over your book's look. Vellum supports book volumes and parts, which can help organize large projects, and is praised for its stability and offline usability.
Usability and Stability: How Do They Perform?
Vellum is known for its smooth performance and solid offline editing experience on Mac, making it reliable for writers who prefer not to work online. Atticus offers a decent experience but can sometimes be slow or buggy—especially when handling larger files or complex layouts—plus it’s limited offline, which might annoy those who like to write away from the internet.
Special Needs for Nonfiction Writers
Atticus offers several features tailored for nonfiction, like callout boxes and support for multiple heading levels (H2-H6)—helpful when creating detailed, structured content. Vellum’s simpler interface works best for fiction or straightforward formatting, lacking some of these advanced nonfiction elements.
In-Depth Feature Comparison: Atticus vs Vellum
When it comes to features, Atticus clearly pulls ahead with over 1,500 fonts for customization, compared to Vellum's limited 26 chapter styles.
This huge font library gives you more freedom to create unique chapter headings, titles, and decorative elements that match your book’s vibe.
Atticus also offers a custom chapter builder, allowing you to design layouts that fit your content perfectly, while Vellum sticks to its predefined styles.
Other notable features in Atticus include the ability to add callout boxes, support for footnotes, dark mode for night writing, and options for full bleed images.
Both programs support basic formats like EPUB, PDF, and DOCX, but Atticus’s support for RTF import and upcoming MOBI support makes it more versatile.
Vellum, on the other hand, is praised for its stability and offline usability, making it reliable for long editing sessions on Mac.
If you’re aiming for advanced formatting control, Atticus’s wide array of options generally wins out, especially for nonfiction projects.
To see a detailed side-by-side of their features, check out this (https://automateed.com/atticus-vs-scrivener/).
Speed, Stability, and Offline Capabilities
Vellum has a reputation for being rock-solid on Mac, with smooth performance and no crash reports making it a favorite for many authors.
Its offline nature means you can work without internet, which is great if you’re traveling or in areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
Atticus is a newer player and, while it offers offline mode, some users have reported lag or occasional bugs, especially with larger or more complex files.
If stability and offline work matter most, Vellum's proven performance makes it the safer pick, but Atticus’s flexibility can be worth the quirks if your device supports it well.
For a practical tip, always keep backups and save frequently whether you use Atticus or Vellum, since bugs do happen.
Of course, testing out both with a small project first can help you figure out which one feels more reliable in your hands.
Best Choice for Nonfiction and Specialized Books
Atticus has become a favorite for nonfiction writers because it supports callout boxes, multiple heading levels (H2-H6), and various formatting options that help organize complex content.
If you publish educational, business, or how-to books, these features can make your formatting process more straightforward and your layout more professional.
Vellum’s straightforward interface makes it suitable for fiction writers who want quick, clean formatting without fuss.
But if your book includes lots of detailed structures, such as appendices or sidebars, Atticus can handle these better with more customization options.
This (https://automateed.com/how-to-format-nonfiction-books/) offers additional tips on using tools like Atticus for specialized content.
Pricing Breakdown: Which Is More Budget-Friendly?
Vellum’s pricing has recently shifted: it's now $199.99 for ebook formatting only, or $249.99 for both ebook and print if you go with Vellum Press.
Some users find additional features like upgrades cost extra, which can add to the total.
Atticus, by comparison, offers a one-time fee of $147 for a lifetime license that covers unlimited books and future updates.
There are no ongoing subscription fees, which saves money in the long run—especially if you publish multiple titles.
It’s worth noting that some newer tools offer free versions or monthly plans, but these often come with limitations or branding overlays.
Deciding which is better for your budget depends on your current needs and how many projects you plan to publish.
Export and File Compatibility: What's Supported?
Both Vellum and Atticus allow exporting in EPUB, PDF, and DOCX formats, but there are subtle differences.
Vellum also supports RTF files, making it easy to import manuscripts from other word processors.
Atticus supports EPUB, PDF, and DOCX with RTF import, and upcoming features include support for MOBI files, which is handy if you publish on Kindle.
Knowing your target platform can influence your choice—if you want Kindle-ready files directly, Atticus’s upcoming MOBI support could be useful.
For best results, always double-check your exported files on multiple devices before publishing.
Design and Customization: What Can You Personalize?
Atticus shines in this area with over 1,500 fonts, giving you the ability to customize headers, chapter titles, and other text elements exactly how you want.
It also offers more than 17 themes and the ability to add custom chapter layouts, callout boxes, and full bleed images.
Vellum keeps things simple with 26 themes and basic font choices, which are enough for most fiction projects.
In other words, if your book’s design is a key part of your brand, Atticus’s extensive customization options are a clear advantage.
For inspiration on incorporating design elements into your books, consider reviewing some (https://automateed.com/best-fonts-for-book-covers/).
Documentation and Support: Which Software Offers Better Help?
Vellum has been around longer and boasts a larger community with tons of tutorials, third-party resources, and user forums.
If you run into issues, you’re more likely to find solutions quickly thanks to its established user base.
Atticus, being newer, offers support through email and a growing community, but help can sometimes take longer.
New users might appreciate the detailed tutorials and webinars that Atticus provides as they ramp up.
For those who like to learn by watching and reading, Vellum’s resources tend to be more comprehensive.
Final Thoughts: Which Software Should You Pick?
Picking between Atticus and Vellum depends on your platform, budget, and book type.
If you’re on a Mac and prefer a stable, offline experience, Vellum stays hard to beat.
But if you work across various devices, need more design control, or are dealing with nonfiction content, Atticus offers more flexibility.
Take time to test both tools with smaller projects—sometimes what looks good on paper doesn’t feel right in practice.
And remember, your choice doesn't have to be forever; you can always switch as your skills and needs evolve.
FAQs
Atticus supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook, making it accessible on multiple devices. Vellum runs only on Mac, which limits users to Apple's ecosystem. Choose based on your device preference and need for platform flexibility.
Vellum costs $249.99 for both ebook and print formatting. Atticus offers a lifetime license at $147, with no ongoing fees. Consider your budget and the value of features included when choosing.
Atticus includes dark mode, custom themes, callout boxes, footnotes, and large print options. Vellum supports book volumes, parts, and offers stability for offline work. Pick based on specific formatting needs and features important to you.
Vellum is known for smooth, stable offline editing on Mac, ideal for users who prefer offline work. Atticus provides many features but may sometimes be slower or buggy, especially without an internet connection.
