Sigil
Free, open-source desktop editor for EPUB ebooks.
At a glance
- Editor scoreNot yet scored
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree EPUB editors and technically inclined authors
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- EPUB exportYes
- Founded2009
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports EPUB 2 and EPUB 3 editing with code and preview views
- Includes plugins, checkpoints, TOC tools, and configurable spell checking
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with EPUB validation tools
Where it doesn't
- Focused on EPUB rather than broader publishing workflows
- PDF export is not part of its documented product capabilities
- Desktop software may not suit teams seeking a hosted service
Our verdict on Sigil
Sigil is a free, open-source desktop application for creating, editing, formatting, and packaging EPUB ebooks. It supports EPUB 2 and EPUB 3 and is aimed at personal ebook formatting as well as professional editors publishing across multiple platforms. Authors can work in Code View or Preview View, edit metadata, generate multi-level tables of contents, check spelling with configurable dictionaries, and import EPUB, HTML, images, and stylesheets. Its Windows, macOS, and Linux availability also makes it suitable for users who want a cross-platform desktop editor.
The strongest part of Sigil's feature set is its control over EPUB production. Regular-expression find and replace can support detailed text and markup changes, while EPUB, CSS, and XHTML validation helps identify issues within the ebook package and its underlying files. Plugin support extends the editor's workflow, and checkpoint snapshots allow users to compare changes. These tools make Sigil particularly relevant to technically inclined authors and editors who are comfortable working with structured ebook content rather than relying only on visual formatting.
Sigil's narrow focus is also its main boundary. It is built around EPUB editing and packaging, so authors who need PDF output or broader publishing workflows should choose a different tool. The application is distributed as desktop software rather than a hosted service, which makes it a better fit for individual production work than for buyers specifically seeking a browser-based collaboration environment. Choose Sigil for free, cross-platform EPUB creation with detailed editing and validation controls; look elsewhere if your workflow depends on formats or publishing functions beyond EPUB.
Sigil pricing
Sigil fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| EPUB export | Yes |
| PDF export | Not verified |
| Reflowable layout | Not verified |
| Fixed-layout support | Not verified |
| Ebook validation | Yes |
| Accessibility tools | Not verified |
| Import formats | EPUB, HTML, images, stylesheets |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | sigil-ebook.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Sigil
- KobergerA complete cross-platform workflow with free formatting and paid exports.4.8
- Reedsy StudioA low-cost book workspace with strong planning, collaboration, and export tools.5.4
- LeanpubA practical publishing workspace for technical authors with synced workflows and format generation.8.3
Sigil vs the competition
- Sigil vs Koberger
- Sigil vs Reedsy Studio
- Sigil vs Leanpub
- Sigil vs Jutoh
- Sigil vs Pressbooks
- Sigil vs Bloom
Compare Sigil with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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