Atticus for Writers: All-in-One Writing & Book Formatting Software
Atticus: Write and Format Your Book in One Place
A clean writing interface with built-in book formatting. Create print and ePub files without juggling multiple apps.
At a glance
An all-in-one writing and book-formatting tool that exports professional print and ePub files.
Indie authors who want a single app for drafting, styling, and exporting finished books.
Web app for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook. Works offline after initial login.
Low. Templates make formatting straightforward.
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Fast setup for your book
Open Atticus. Choose New Book. Give it a working title. Add author name and trim size if you know it.
Import a .docx manuscript or write chapters directly. Each chapter is a clean, separate section.
Choose from built-in themes for print and eBook. Customize headings, drop caps, scene breaks, and ornamental flourishes.
Insert title page, copyright, dedication, acknowledgments, also author notes and series lists.
Use the live preview. Export ePub for KDP and print-ready PDF for paperbacks or hardcovers.
Strengths
- Writes and formats in one tool
- Good looking themes with quick customization
- Clean chapter management and drag-and-drop reordering
- Fast ePub and print PDF export
- Works across operating systems
Limitations
- Not as deep as layout software for highly complex print designs
- Fewer research and corkboard features than Scrivener
- Requires internet sign-in before offline mode
Author workflows that work
Write → Format → Publish
- Draft directly in Atticus with chapter sections.
- Pick a theme and tweak typography and scene breaks.
- Export ePub for KDP and print PDF for proof copies.
Edit in Word → Format in Atticus
- Run edits and Track Changes in Word.
- Accept changes. Import the clean .docx into Atticus.
- Finish formatting and export your deliverables.
How Atticus compares
| Feature | Atticus | Microsoft Word | Scrivener | Vellum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write and format in one app | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mac only |
| Deep Track Changes editing | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Book themes and print-ready PDF | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| One-time purchase | Yes | Subscription option | Yes | Yes |
Choose Atticus when you want writing and formatting together with clean exports. Keep Word in your toolkit for heavy editing with Track Changes.
Checklist before you export
- Set trim size and margins for print
- Pick a theme and adjust typography
- Add front and back matter
- Check scene breaks and chapter numbering
- Preview both ePub and print views
Ready to try Atticus?
Write, format, and export your next book in one place.
FAQs
Is Atticus a replacement for Word?
Use Word for deep Track Changes with editors. Use Atticus for clean formatting and export. Many authors use both.
Can I format both print and eBook?
Yes. Atticus exports print-ready PDF and ePub files. You can preview both before export.
Does it work on Windows and Mac?
Yes. It is a cross-platform web app that supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks. It works offline after login.
