Use Folio before the manuscript is ready for Vellum
Vellum only runs on macOS — there is no Windows version, so if you are not on a Mac, Vellum is not an option no matter how the formatting features compare. Even for Mac authors, Vellum is built for the last step: a finished manuscript ready for beautiful formatting. Gixo Folio works from any modern browser and fits earlier in the process: import your existing material, shape it into chapters, draft with AI when useful, review the manuscript, and export from the same workspace once a paid Folio plan is active.
Import first
Bring existing articles, notes, or a draft into the book workspace.
Paid start
Choose a plan, then plan, write, and import inside Folio.
$19/mo
10 AI-drafted chapters/month plus final export while active.
Vellum still wins
Choose Vellum when you're on a Mac and typography and format control are the only jobs left.
01Brief the book
02Shape the outline
03Draft chapters
04Review the manuscript
05Export the edition
Folio is a strong fit whenThe manuscript still needs structure, revision, and a finish line.
Use the persistent book workspace when the outcome is a real guide, authority book, training manual, client asset, or exportable edition.
Consider another tool whenYou only need one narrow part of the publishing job.
If your manuscript is already finished and you only need specialist formatting or a dedicated fiction system, a focused tool may be the simpler choice.
When Folio is the better Vellum alternative
Do not compare formatting software to a manuscript workflow as if they solve the same problem.
Import
Start from existing expertise
Turn a draft, article archive, client notes, or course material into a book project before formatting.
Structure
Build the chapter spine
Use the book brief and outline to decide what each chapter should do.
AI drafting
Draft only where it helps
Use monthly AI chapter allowances for missing or weak sections instead of rewriting everything from scratch.
Review
Finalize the manuscript first
Review the whole book in the workspace before choosing the final file format.
Export
Export from the workflow
Paid Folio plans export PDF, EPUB, HTML, and Markdown; Pro adds white-label and SCORM.
Honest boundary
Formatting specialists still matter
If the manuscript is finished and layout polish is the only remaining work, Vellum may be the better purchase.
Gixo Folio vs Vellum
Use this as a stage-of-work decision.
| Decision area | Gixo Folio | Vellum |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Any modern browser — Windows, Mac, or Linux | Mac only; no Windows version |
| Best when | The manuscript still needs import, structure, drafting, or review | The manuscript is finished and needs formatting |
| AI drafting | Built into paid monthly plans | Not the core product |
| Import workflow | Designed to turn existing material into a book workspace | Starts closer to formatting |
| Export | Paid export from the same manuscript workflow | Formatting-first book files |
| Pricing shape | Monthly Folio plans for active projects | Formatting software purchase |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gixo Folio a replacement for Vellum?
Only if your real problem is manuscript workflow. Vellum is stronger for formatting polish; Folio is stronger before the book is fully written and reviewed.
Can I import an existing manuscript into Folio?
Yes. Folio is positioned around starting from existing content as well as blank books and AI planning.
Does Folio export final files?
Yes. Final export requires an active paid Folio plan, with Author supporting PDF, EPUB, HTML, and Markdown and Pro adding SCORM and white-label options.
Should I use Vellum after Folio?
You can, especially if you need specialized typography control. Many Folio buyers may not need that extra step for standard digital book delivery.
Does Vellum work on Windows?
No. Vellum is Mac-only — it requires macOS and has no Windows version, so if you are not on a Mac, Vellum is not available regardless of how its formatting features compare. Gixo Folio works from any modern browser instead.
How does Vellum compare to Atticus?
Both are one-time formatting tools built for a manuscript that is already written, but Vellum is Mac-only while Atticus also runs on Windows and the web — often the deciding factor before comparing features. Neither is built to help you plan, draft, or revise the book itself; that is the gap Gixo Folio fills before either formatter enters the picture.
Keep comparing book workflow options
These pages help separate manuscript creation from formatting-only decisions.
Product
Gixo Folio landing page
See the public Books positioning and strongest-fit use cases.Product
Books product page
Review the monthly Folio plan and the core manuscript workflow.Guide
Books Studio guide
Walk through the manuscript flow from setup to final export.Comparison
Book formatting software vs AI book workspace
See the broader category distinction.Import
Newsletter to book generator
Start from existing content instead of a blank page.Guide
Writing a book with ChatGPT
Compare Folio with prompt-by-prompt drafting.Alternative
Atticus alternative
See how Gixo Folio compares if you need a Windows-friendly formatter instead of Vellum.
More Gixo Folio pages
Related book writing, publishing, and alternative pages.
Overview
AI book writer
See the main Gixo Folio workflow for full manuscripts.Use case
AI eBook generator
Plan, draft, review, and export digital-first books.Workflow
Write a book with AI
Move from a loose prompt into a real manuscript process.Use case
AI novel writer
Use AI as a drafting assistant for long-form fiction.
Related Pages