Creating your own magazine is a great way to immerse readers in premium content. Design the reading experience exactly how you want it—focusing squarely on a single profile, with lots of columns and callouts, or a combination of the two.
But with so many options for creating print and digital magazines, it’s hard to know where to begin.
In this guide, we dive into the four main ways to make a magazine.
Then, we offer the best tools and platforms for pro publishers and small creators.
What’s in this guide:
- Ways to create your own magazine
- Best tools for publishers
- Best tools for creators and small businesses
4 ways to create your own magazine
When it comes down to it, you’ve got four options for creating your own magazine. Let’s explore them.
1. Create a mobile-optimized magazine
You can create a truly mobile-optimized reading experience using a platform like eMagazines. This type of magazine can be read in any web browser (mobile, tablet, or computer), without downloading an app or special software. The magazine content is reflowed into a single-column view so that readers don’t have to pinch and zoom around the page. Instead, they only need to scroll to keep reading or thumb left or right to flip pages.
Here’s an example of what this looks like (from People magazine). As you can see, the photos are in line with the text, and everything is in a single column.
If you want to create a digital magazine, this option offers the best reading experience because of the single-column view and white background. You can use on-brand fonts and colors but don’t want to overdesign the magazine. Otherwise, it will be difficult to read. It’s also perfect for audiences who prefer consuming content on their mobile devices without any interruptions or app requirements.
2. Design and share a PDF file
The second option for creating a digital magazine is to use an online graphic design platform like Canva or Adobe Express to create your magazine content and download it as a PDF file. You can then link to the PDF file from your link-in-bio page for Instagram, in an email newsletter, or any other online distribution channel. This option gives you control over the design and layout, but readers may need to zoom in on mobile devices, which can impact the overall experience.
3. Embed your PDF file in a magazine reader
You can take option two further by embedding your PDF file in a magazine reader like Issuu or FlipHTML5.
The example below shows you what an embedded PDF file looks like:
While this format looks okay when viewed on laptops and desktop computers, it can be difficult to read on a tablet or mobile device. Some magazine readers offer interactive features like clickable links, which can enhance engagement and make it easier for readers to navigate your content.
4. Print and distribute your magazine
And lastly, you could create a print version of your magazine and distribute it physically. You can sell the magazine online and then mail it to your subscribers. You can also distribute it to local shops, medical offices, schools, etc. Printing a magazine is the most costly option, so you should only choose this format if you have a solid plan for sales and distribution. This format is ideal for those seeking a more tactile and traditional experience, but it requires careful planning and budgeting for production and shipping costs.
Now, let’s dive into the top tools and platforms to help you create a magazine no matter your experience level.
Best tools for creating a magazine (for pro publishers)
These magazine software platforms are best-in-class choices for large publishers and media brands. Use these tools to plan, design, and distribute your magazine.
1. eMagazines
Supported format: Digital
eMagazines offers the software and services that media brands need to create a truly optimized mobile reading experience. No need for app downloads or user passwords. We convert PDF print magazine files into digital magazines with white backgrounds and single-column content that looks great on mobile devices. eMagazines also offers digital magazine fulfillment and marketing services.
2. Zinio
Supported format: Digital
You can use Zinio to create a digital magazine and distribute it to paying subscribers. Zinio offers various publisher services, tools, content conversion, fulfillment management, and magazine marketing.
3. Affinity
Supported format: Print and digital
Affinity is a professional page layout software ideal for magazine publishers, offering features like custom typography, style consistency, and team collaboration. Designed for experienced graphic designers, it supports both print and digital projects with media library management and advanced file collation.
4. Adobe InDesign
Supported format: Print and digital
Adobe InDesign is tailored to graphic design professionals. You can use it to create a PDF version of your magazine that is ready to print or embed in your website.
5. Blinkplan
Supported format: Print
Blinkplan is a magazine flat-planning tool trusted by big media brands. Use it to collaborate remotely, map out pages, edit pages, share flat plans with stakeholders, and track the production stage of individual pages.
Best tools for creating a magazine (for creators and small businesses)
What about artists, creators, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations? We’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling for the very best platforms designed for making magazines—no experience required.
6. Lulu
Supported format: Print
Lulu is a popular, affordable platform for printing magazines, books, pamphlets, brochures, and more. It’s great for individual creators, universities, and small businesses. They offer magazine design templates for InDesign, Photoshop, and Microsoft Word to help you save time on content creation, while ensuring that the print version will come out perfectly.
7. Issuu
Supported format: Digital
With Issuu, you can convert PDF files to embeddable flipbooks, social graphics, or email graphics. Their generous free plan lets you publish five documents, making it a great fit for one-off uses.
8. Canva
Supported format: Print and digital
Canva is a well-known graphic design platform made for people who aren’t professional designers. There are thousands of templates to choose from, including magazine pages and covers. Create your perfect magazine, then download it as a PDF, print it, or share it digitally.
9. Adobe Express
Supported format: Print and digital
Adobe Express is similar to Canva in that it’s a design platform for non-designers. It offers many easy-to-use templates, like magazine covers, pages, and reports. You can then distribute your content via print or digital.
10. Blurb
Supported format: Print
Blurb is a printing solution similar to Lulu. You can print just a few copies of your magazine or save with bulk pricing. With Blurb, you can also create photo books, trade books, notebooks, journals, and wall art.
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to important FAQs about creating a digital magazine.
What is the best way to create a digital magazine for mobile readers?
The best way to create a mobile-friendly digital magazine is by using a platform like eMagazines, which reflows content into a single-column format optimized for any device, ensuring readers don’t have to zoom or pinch to read.
How can I design my magazine without professional graphic design skills?
You can use beginner-friendly platforms like Canva or Adobe Express, which offer pre-designed templates for magazines. These tools allow you to create professional-looking layouts without the need for advanced design skills.
What is the difference between embedding a PDF in a magazine reader and sharing it directly?
Sharing a PDF directly gives you control over how the content is accessed, but embedding it in a magazine reader like Issuu offers an interactive experience with flipbook-style navigation, clickable links, and the option to embed it on websites.
What is the difference between a PDF magazine and a digital magazine?
A PDF magazine is a static format designed for print, often requiring readers to pinch and zoom on mobile devices. A digital magazine, however, is optimized for digital reading with mobile responsiveness, easy scrolling or swiping, and interactive features like clickable links and multimedia, offering a much better user experience across all devices.
What tools should professional publishers use to create a magazine?
Professional publishers can benefit from advanced tools like Adobe InDesign, Affinity, and Blinkplan for print and digital magazine production, as these platforms provide robust features like custom typography, layout planning, and media management.
Can small businesses and creators produce their own magazines without hiring a professional designer?
Yes, platforms like Canva, Lulu, and Issuu are great for small businesses and creators who want to design and distribute their own magazines affordably without needing professional design skills.
Looking to create a digital magazine with the best possible reading experience? Learn more about eMagazines.
