Interactive flipbooks have become a powerful tool in the eLearning industry, offering an immersive and engaging learning experience. For educators and instructional designers, they offer a unique way to present interactive lessons and digital textbooks, enhancing student engagement and comprehension. Students can use flipbooks for delivering reports and projects. In the business world, flipbooks are great for creating captivating marketing materials, interactive reports, and engaging presentations, facilitating effective communication and brand storytelling.
The good news is you don’t have to be a professional designer to create a flipbook. Thanks to the plethora of free and paid flipping book software apps available today, anybody can easily create great online content for a variety of purposes.
I’ve reviewed and ranked the best flipbook software programs available in 2024 based on ease of use, features, customer reviews, cost, and other factors (click here to learn about our entire Editorial Process & Methodology for product reviews).
What are the Best Flipbook Software Applications?
1. FlipBuilder
FlipBuilder
FlipBuilder makes it fast and easy to convert documents to elegant, interactive flipbooks with multimedia elements.
Developed by FlipBuilder, Flip PDF Plus Pro is a flipbook software that makes it easy for you to convert a PDF document into a flipbook with a single click. It comes with a multimedia editor that enables you to add videos, audio, images, trigger actions, animation effects, and more to enrich your flipbook.
I also like that FlipBuilder provides a Hosting Add-on Service, enabling you to upload your flipbook online. Your flipbook can be shared via email or on social media, or embedded on your website or blog.
Pros
- 25 program interface languages.
- Enabling you to add videos, hyperlinks, audio, trigger actions, animation effects, and more.
- Touch support for mobile devices.
- A wide range of templates is available for flipbook creation.
- Google Analytics and social media integration.
Cons
- With the trial version, you can only import up to 12 pages to the program and the published flipbook will have a FlipBuilder watermark.
Here’s what you get with the paid version
One-time payment.
Prices range from $129 for Flip PDF Plus, up to $699 for Flip PDF Plus Corporate (One code for 10 computers).
Purchasing the program allows you to:
- Publish an unlimited amount of flipbooks.
- Eliminate the watermark on published flipbooks.
- Import unlimited pages to the program.
2. Designrr
With Designrr, you can create beautiful flipbooks from any PDF document, Word doc, or webpage in as little as 30 seconds.
I like that you don’t need any design or technical skills with this online flipbook software.
Just upload your document (PDF, URL, word doc, Facebook post, etc.) or choose the option to create a flipbook from scratch. Then you can choose a template, make any edits you need to make, and then you’re all set to publish your new flipbook. I found the process to be very simple.
Your flipbook is converted into HTML5 so it’s fully cross-platform and works on all mobile devices, including iPhones, iPads, Android, or Pixel.
Pros
- Create flipbooks in as little as 30 seconds
- Instantly shareable
- Repurpose old PDFs, whitepapers, blog posts, and other documents quickly and easily
- Excellent customer support
- 7-day free trial
Cons
- No free plan
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Paid plans start at just $29 a month and include tons of templates, the ability to create unlimited flipbooks, and other great features.
Click here to try Designrr free for 7 days.
3. iSpring Flip
iSpring Flip is a super easy flipbook maker tailored to the needs of educators. It makes it possible to turn any ordinary manual into a colorful interactive flipbook quickly and view Word, PDF, and PPT files in a browser conveniently.
Pros
- Creates eBooks in HTML5 for browser viewing on PCs and mobile devices
- Perfect for publishing interactive, media-rich books online
- Tracks readers’ progress
- Vast eLearning capabilities: SCORM, AICC, xAPI, and cm5 support for any LMS
- Password and copy protection
- Fast load
Cons
- Doesn’t support EPUB and FB2 formats, and is not compatible with common eBook readers.
- Not compatible with Mac.
- Paid plan is required after a 14-day free trial
Here’s what you get with the paid version
iSpring Flip can be a great aid to online learning and training in organizations. Coupled with LMS analytics, such flipbooks serve as true educational coursebooks. The tool is available by subscription for $227 a year per user and a 14-day free trial is available.
During the trial period, you’ll be able to make eBooks with unlimited pages, but they will have a watermark. The paid version provides discounts for non-profit use, academic institutions, and government organizations.
4. PUBHTML5
PUBHTML5 allows users to create gorgeous, professional-looking online magazines. While the free version of their flipping book software is enough to give you a taste (if you don’t mind the company watermark), there are a number of reasonably-priced paid options.
Pros
- pre-designed templates are available, even in the free version
- ebooks can be converted to PDF documents and/or ZIP files, uploaded via FTP or made into an EXE file for easy sharing
- no additional apps are needed to view ebooks on handheld devices
- PUBHTML5 uses password-protected, free cloud storage
- can share private ebooks by granting permission to as many or as few people as you wish
- integration with Google AdSense to help you monetize your publications
- extensive online help and support pages
Cons
- pages can be a little slow to turn
- no options to zoom in on full screen view
- flipbooks cannot be viewed offline with the trial version
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Paid plans start as low as $12.42 a month and open up more storage, more pages per book, and a host of other features.
Paid services include
- integration with Google AdSense to help you monetize your publications
- elimination of PUBHTML5 watermark
- unlimited storage, uploads, and pages
- fully customizable interface, templates, and branding options
5. Flippingbook
Flippingbook is a one-time download digital publishing software and a web-based service that allows you to create and share attractive ebooks incorporating rich media for a number of promotional purposes.
Pros
- ebook displays crystal-clear on all desktop and mobile devices
- website embedding options and Google Analytics integration
- quick page turns and uploads
- advanced customization available, including viewing skins, backgrounds, and branding
- ToC for easy navigation
- add Post-it style notes that will be saved in the browser when they open it next time
Cons
- there is a demo, but apparently no free version
- software is expensive and lifetime purchase only; no options for monthly contracts
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Flippingbook’s plans start as low as $19 a month and go up from there depending on the features you may need, like
- website embedding
- performance analytics
- complete white-labeling (removing all FlippingBook mentions and replace with your own logo)
- password-protection and re-embedding restrictions
- offline publications
- GIF embedding
The web-based service starts at $59/month.
6. Flip HTML5
Similar to PUBHTML5, Flip HTML5 is a digital publishing software has the ability to create beautiful, full-featured flipbooks.
Pros
- compiles all of your publications and displays them in a bookcase which you can embed on your webpage in digital formats
- subscription feature allows your readers to automatically receive new editions as published
- collects statistics on your viewers so you can learn more about your target audience
Cons
- cannot embed your ebook in your personal webpage with the trial version
- must purchase higher-tier premium accounts to use many interactive functions
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Premium accounts are available beginning at $12.50 per month for the Pro plan and go up to an annual charge of $999 for the Enterprise plan. With the paid version, you get:
- increased storage and unlimited flipbook uploads
- the ability to publish larger documents
- long-term access statistics
- conversion to other formats including DOCX, PPTX, and XLSX
7. Anyflip
Though Anyflip’s interface and packages are similar to FlipHTML5’s, Anyflip’s free flipbook software seems to have more benefits than the others.
Pros
- digital book may be viewed on a number of platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle
- can convert PDF documents to digital book online or download Windows and Mac software for free
- SEO optimization built-in so your digital book can be indexed by Google bots
- free online digital book templates, themes, backgrounds and scenes, even with free version
- Google Analytics, social media sharing, and subscription distribution are also available with the free version
Cons
- pages on the demo are really slow to turn and load
- embeds watermark with trial version
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Subscriptions for paid features range in price from $12.42 per month for the Pro version, up to an annual charge of $999 for the Enterprise version. Paid versions feature:
- more uploads per month and greater cloud storage
- the ability to publish to a local computer for offline viewing
- the ability to add video, audio, and Flash to your flipbook with the higher-tiered packages
- integrated bookshelf tool
8. Flipsnack
Flipsnack produces attractive online books which you can post on their cloud service for free, or download with a paid plan.
Pros
- offers users a standalone reader with direct link
- social network sharing integration
- online book can be embedded on websites and blogs in digital formats
- has a separate version for use by educators and students
Cons
- variable times for page loads means some are quick, while others make the reader wait
- watermark embedded on online books created with the free version
- free version has limited number of features available
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Regular users can purchase paid accounts ranging in price from $14 to $79 per month. With the paid version you have access to:
- custom templates
- reader interface is branded with your company’s logo
- the ability to create unlisted and password protected online books
- the ability to download your online book for sharing and posting on your own website or social media
9. Yumpu
Yumpu integrates flipbook maker software with social media to create a unique online service for its members.
Pros
- hosts your magazines in the cloud so your readers will always have access
- creates hotspots to embed links, videos, slideshows, and sounds
- publishing on Yumpu.com puts you into their database so you can be found via their search engine and suggested to interested readers
- has a WordPress plugin which allows you to convert your flipbook to an online, readable e-paper
Cons
- you must purchase a higher-tiered, paid option for features basic to other flipbook software, such as Google Analytics and conversion to view flipbooks on mobile devices
- reader subscriptions are only available with the most expensive package
- free plan displays advertisements
Here’s what you get with the paid version
Yumpu’s plans range from $19.95 to $339 per month, billed annually. The first two paid tiers offer a 30-day free trial to start. The differences between the free and paid plan are:
- WEBKiosks for your magazine
- mobile device compatibility with the $219 per month package
- subscription management, including in-app, subscriptions and purchases with the $399.00 per month package
Final Thoughts
With all of the different free and paid flipping book software applications available today, anybody can create HTML5 flipbooks with little-to-no experience required.
My suggestion is to try a few different flipbook software apps to see which one you like most before committing to a single product. A lot of them offer free plans or free trials, so you can mess around with a few different tools to see which one fits your needs the best.
Have any questions about finding the best flipbook software for your needs? Comment below and we’ll help you out.
I would warn against FlipHTML5 – they recently made some “upgrades” to their system, which resulted in our download links breaking twice – clearly their fault, which we documented fortunately, because they tried to claim at first it was our error. We were able to show that 1) they failed to document the need to copy the download link to a separate setting from the “Allow download” checkbox, and 2)several days later changed the download links without notification, while the download button in our flipbooks continued to point to the old link.
Now the download statistic is not working. In answer to my email to support, they replied that downloads are only counted when the download button in the flipbook is used. Well, yes – and that IS the button everyone used. There is no other way to download the PDF from our flipbooks. We have them hosted on their server not on our domain.
Between those problems, and the language barrier (documentation is in poor English, and tech support is not very fluent either), I recommend using some other service.
I have used FlipHTML5 for a long time, but everything is working well, are you a spammer from FlipHTML5’s competitors?
I agree. I lost week’s of work. It is great software when it works, but their service is terrible (and that’s sugar coating it).
Thanks Scott for this interesting and useful article. I read somewhere that Adobe has this feature as part of their suite, but I usually avoid their products due to the neverending, resource-hogging updates etc.
What I find strange is that MS hasn’t included the page transition animation in Publisher, Word etc.; I’m looking for a once-off solution for a catalog I want to send to potential clients as an attachment to an email but I don’t want it published on an online hosting site.
I agree, Patrick! That would be a killer feature if Microsoft stepped in. I wouldn’t worry about online hosting security, if that’s your main concern here. Most of the services have pretty good encryption and data protection mechanisms in place. I’d probably go with Dropbox for most scenarios. If you’re thinking of a desktop flipbook maker to stay away from the cloud, I’d recommend FlippingBook Publisher or 1stFlip.
Good review! Have you come across any updates on Windows 10 compatibility from KVISoft and FlipBuilder? Would you recommend a desktop tool or a web-based service?
Hans, last time I checked, nether KVISoft, FlipBook Maker, nor Flip Builder claimed Windows 10 support, which is… well… peculiar to say the least. In this particular matter, I’m all for online tools since you can leverage the power of the cloud and enjoy the flexibility associated with the web version. PDF is by no means the epitome of a lightweight format, so you may want to be on the safe side and employ cloud storage if it comes along with the services.
Hi, Scott,
We’re thinking of branching out our print books to eBooks but without reformatting, flip books seems the only way to use our PDF layouts. Our concern is the rampant amount of copyright infringement we’ve met in one particular market. Is there some safety in place with flip eBooks that will prevent them from being pirated or shared without payment? Thank you.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the article. I am looking at using a flip book format to publish a Legacy book that will only have limited circulation to family members (that is, not a business case). I have been testing Flip Builder. I like their features – embedded audio, playing Vimeo videos in place, etc. My concern is that some of these features seem to be somewhat unstable, do not always work (at least in the free “test” version). Have you tested these features in production? Are there Flip Builder users out there who can attest to this product’s integrity?
Thanks,
Darren
Hi Darren, it depends on the features you are having trouble with. Most of the minor issues I had regarding Flip Builder were resolved with a little browsing through their knowledge base: https://www.flipbuilder.com/support/. I haven’t encountered any Flip Builder user forum per se, but I’m sure there are a bunch of people who can attest to the product’s capabilities. First off, I’d try KB and tech support.
I’ve been working with Flip PDF Professional for Mac and PUBHTML5 also for Mac. Both seem to do what I need, but neither has any kind or reasonable support. In the case of Flip PDF, their last upgrade cost me several week’s worth of work and when I asked for help, they have not recently replied at all, much less offered a solution. I switched to PUBHTML5 which at first seemed better, but with plenty of bugs and not any better support. Based on your response above I am now investigating 1st Flip. Thanks for the help.