Quick Export
- Open the book you want to export
- Press Cmd/Ctrl+Alt+E (or use Project menu > Export)
- Select your format from the dropdown
- For PDF, optionally select a trim size
- Choose a save location
- Click Export
Format Comparison
| Format | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| EPUB | E-readers, digital distribution | ToC, cover, CSS styling, images |
| DOCX | Editors, Word users | Professional formatting, styles |
| Print, print-on-demand | Variable trim sizes, typography | |
| HTML | Web, archiving | Clean semantic markup |
| Markdown | Plain text, version control | GFM-compatible |
EPUB
Overview
EPUB is the standard format for e-readers and digital distribution. Works with Kindle (via conversion), Apple Books, Kobo, and most e-reader apps.
Features
- Automatic Table of Contents from headings
- Cover image support
- CSS styling for typography
- Inline images from your content
- Series metadata
Best For
- Amazon KDP publishing
- Apple Books distribution
- Kobo, Nook, and other platforms
- E-reader apps
Limitations
- Fixed layouts not supported
- Complex formatting may vary by reader
DOCX (Microsoft Word)
Overview
DOCX creates professional Word documents suitable for sharing with editors, beta readers, or traditional publishing submissions.
Features
- 12pt base font size
- Double line spacing
- Word styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.)
- Page breaks between sections
- Bold and italic formatting preserved
Best For
- Sending to editors
- Beta reader manuscripts
- Agent/publisher submissions
- Collaborating with Word users
Typography
| Element | Size |
|---|---|
| Body text | 12pt |
| Heading 1 | 18pt (1.5×) |
| Heading 2 | 14pt (1.17×) |
| Heading 3 | 13pt (1.08×) |
Overview
PDF creates professionally typeset documents suitable for print-on-demand services or physical printing.
Features
- Variable trim sizes for different book formats
- Professional typography with custom fonts
- Scene breaks and chapter headers
- Inline images
- Body: Source Serif 4
- Headings: Source Sans 3
Trim Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Novella | 5× 8 |
Short fiction, novellas |
| Small Trade | 5.25× 8 |
Compact paperbacks |
| Digest | 5.5× 8.5 |
Digest-sized books |
| Trade | 6× 9 |
Standard paperback (default) |
| Royal | 6.14× 9.21 |
Royal format |
| Textbook | 7× 10 |
Textbooks, manuals |
| Letter | 8.5× 11 |
US Letter manuscripts |
| A4 | 210mm × 297mm | International standard |
Best For
- Print-on-demand (Amazon KDP Print, IngramSpark)
- Professional printing
- PDF proofing
- Archive copies
Customizing PDF Output
For full control over your PDF's typography and design, use the Interior Designer. You can customize:
- Fonts and font sizes
- Margins and line spacing
- Chapter styling and drop caps
- Scene breaks and ornaments
See Typography Fundamentals for guidance on choosing the right settings.
HTML
Overview
HTML exports your book as clean, semantic HTML markup without styling.
Features
- Clean HTML structure
- Semantic elements (headings, paragraphs)
- No embedded styles
- Suitable for web publishing
Best For
- Web publishing
- Blog posts
- Custom processing pipelines
- Archival purposes
Output Structure
<h1>Chapter Title</h1>
<p>Paragraph content...</p>
<p><strong>Bold</strong> and <em>italic</em> text.</p>
Markdown
Overview
Markdown exports your book as plain text with GitHub-Flavored Markdown syntax.
Features
- Plain text format
- GFM-compatible syntax
- Version control friendly
- Human-readable
Best For
- Version control (Git)
- Plain text editors
- Static site generators
- Backup purposes
Output Structure
# Chapter Title
Paragraph content...
**Bold** and *italic* text.
Compile Targets
Control which sections appear in each export type.
Setting Compile Targets
- Right-click a section in the binder
- Select Compile In
- Choose target: All, Ebook, Print, or None
Target Behavior
| Target | EPUB | DOCX | HTML | Markdown | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ebook | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| None | - | - | - | - | - |
Use Cases
- Ebook-only content: Links to your website, color images
- Print-only content:
About the Author
with ordering info - Excluded: Notes, research, deleted scenes
Tips
- Preview before publishing - Export and review before distribution
- Use appropriate formats - Match format to intended use
- Set compile targets - Customize content per format
- Check images - Ensure images export correctly
- Test on devices - View EPUB on actual e-readers