All interior print book files and cover files need to be submitted as PDFs. It is up to you to ensure that your file is set up using the formatting guidelines that Lulu provides. 


Here is a list of some of our recommended PDF creation programs. Click on the program’s name to be directed to our guide with instructions regarding how to create a PDF using that platform:

  • Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software application which can be used to create your manuscript and convert it into a PDF. InDesign can be purchased online as a subscription  that allows you to pay a monthly fee to use Adobe Document Cloud, or from other software retailers. Adobe Acrobat can convert your manuscript to a PDF. We suggest that you upload a version Acrobat 1.3 PDF. (Uploading a 1.3 version PDF will eliminate any transparencies in the file.)
  • Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office software suite that offers a free word processing program. You can create files in OpenOffice, but it can also be used to read and write files from other common office software packages, and convert them to PDF. OpenOffice is available for Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and other operating systems and can be downloaded and used completely free of charge at OpenOffice.org
  • LibreOffice is another free, open-source office software program. Their word processor can be used to create PDFs, much like OpenOffice. LibreOffice can be downloaded and used completely free.
  • Microsoft Word can be used to create files which can then be converted to PDF. It can be purchased on Microsoft’s website, or other retailers. Please note, Lulu does not recommend creating a PDF using the PDF button found in the print menu on Word for Mac. Mac Quartz / Preview (Mac graphics technology that easily produces PDFs) was not intended for creating professional print quality PDFs, therefore it is not a recommended option when publishing on Lulu.