Sigil Overview
Sigil for Mac is a professional-grade EPUB editor that combines the convenience of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editing with the flexibility of direct HTML and CSS code access. Whether you are a writer, editor, or publisher, Sigil allows you to create and refine EPUB files with precision. Its intuitive interface supports both beginners who prefer a word-processor style workflow and advanced users who want full control over the underlying code.
Sigil Features
- Dual editing modes: WYSIWYG view and code view.
- Native support for EPUB 2 and partial EPUB 3 features.
- Integrated spell-checking and metadata editor.
- Table of Contents generator with full customization.
- Regex search and replace for advanced text editing.
- Plugin framework for extending functionality.
Sigil Highlights
Sigil shines in offering a balance between visual editing and direct source editing. Its split-view mode lets users edit text while seeing the corresponding code. With built-in validation tools, Sigil ensures that your EPUB files meet industry standards, making them ready for distribution across platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play Books.
Why Choose Sigil
Authors and publishers choose Sigil because it provides a free, open-source solution without compromising on professional features. The ability to validate EPUBs before publishing reduces errors, while its plugin ecosystem enables users to expand functionality for specialized workflows.
Sigil User Reviews
"I’ve been publishing ebooks for years, and Sigil is my go-to tool. It’s lightweight yet powerful." – Comment on Softpedia
"The dual editing mode is a lifesaver. I can tweak CSS directly while checking how it looks instantly." – User on Reddit
"Sometimes the interface feels dated, but for a free tool, it’s amazing. It does exactly what I need." – Post on MacUpdate
Sigil Supported Platforms
Sigil is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, ensuring compatibility across major desktop environments.
Sigil Supported Languages
Sigil supports multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and more.
Sigil License
Sigil is distributed under the GPL (GNU General Public License), making it free to use, modify, and redistribute.
Sigil Open Source
Yes, Sigil is fully open-source. Its source code is available for developers who want to contribute or customize their experience.
Sigil Minimum Hardware Requirements
- macOS 10.12 or later
- Intel or Apple Silicon processor
- 2 GB RAM or higher
- 100 MB of available disk space
Sigil Usage Tips
- Use the built-in validator before exporting to avoid EPUB submission errors.
- Install third-party plugins to add extra export formats or automation features.
- Learn regex search for efficient mass editing.
- Switch between WYSIWYG and code view for maximum precision.
Sigil FAQ
Q: Does Sigil support EPUB 3?
A: Sigil primarily supports EPUB 2, but offers partial support for EPUB 3 elements.
Q: Can I use Sigil to edit Kindle files?
A: Sigil is designed for EPUB. For Kindle files, you can convert EPUB to MOBI using Calibre.
Q: Is Sigil free to use?
A: Yes, Sigil is open-source and completely free.
Q: Does Sigil work on Apple Silicon Macs?
A: Yes, Sigil runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Sigil Conclusion
Sigil for Mac is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about eBook creation. Its combination of visual editing, code-level control, and open-source flexibility makes it a top choice for authors, publishers, and digital content creators looking to produce professional EPUB files.