PDF Magazine Maker
Publish a magazine or newsletter as a PDF without layout software. Give it a name and issue line, add a cover image and cover lines, and write the articles in simple text. The maker creates the cover, an “In this issue” contents page with page numbers, and sets each article in two columns with a large headline, an italic standfirst and quotes, tables and lists in your accent colour.
- Runs in your browser
- No sign-up
- Free to use
Text in the two columns is balanced in blocks, so each page reads left column first, then right. The PDF uses the Roboto font (Latin, Greek and Cyrillic letters).
How to use PDF Magazine Maker
- Enter the magazine name, the issue line and an optional cover image.
- Add cover lines, one per line; the first one is set largest.
- Write the articles: # headline, an *italic* standfirst, then the text; separate articles with ===.
- Check the preview and download the PDF.
PDF Magazine Maker features
Cover page
Masthead, issue line, image and cover lines.
Contents page
Every headline with its page number.
Two columns
Balanced so each page reads left, then right.
Rich text
Quotes, lists, tables and bold or italic words.
Accent colour
Masthead, rules and quotes in your colour.
Private
Built in your browser.
When to use PDF Magazine Maker
- School and parent newsletters.
- Club, association and community magazines.
- Company internal newsletters.
- Student and hobby publications.
PDF Magazine Maker FAQ
How are the columns filled?
Each article is split into blocks – paragraphs, lists, quotes and tables – and the blocks are distributed into left and right columns so that each page reads left column first, then right. The split is estimated from the length of the text, so columns may be slightly uneven.
Can a paragraph continue from one column to the next?
No. Paragraphs stay together and move to the next column as a whole, which keeps the reading order clear. Very long paragraphs can be split by inserting a blank line.
How many articles can I add?
As many as you like; each starts on a new page. Long articles continue over several pages.
Can I add images inside articles?
The cover image is supported. For pictures inside articles, create the pages with the PDF Portfolio Maker and combine both files with Merge PDF.
How do I print it as a booklet?
Use the PDF Booklet Maker on the downloaded file; it arranges the pages for double-sided printing and folding.
Is my content uploaded?
No. The PDF is generated in your browser.
Magazine layout basics
Magazines and newsletters use columns for a practical reason: short lines are easier to read than lines that run across a whole page. At typical text sizes, lines of 45 to 75 characters are most comfortable. On A4 or Letter paper, two columns land in that range, which is why most newsletters use them.
Each article has a clear entry point. The headline tells the reader what the piece is about, and the standfirst – one or two sentences in italics below it – gives the reason to read on. Pull quotes break up long text and highlight the most interesting sentence; tables and lists work well for programmes, results and tips.
The cover sells the issue. A strong image, the magazine name in large letters and two or three cover lines that name the best articles are enough. Put the most interesting article first in the cover lines, because it is set in the largest size.
The contents page is generated from the article headlines with their real page numbers, and page numbers appear in the footer with the magazine name. That makes it easy to refer to an article in an e-mail or at a meeting.
Write the text in your usual editor and paste it in. Keep a copy of the plain text: for the next issue, open the tool, paste your new articles and you have a consistent design without any layout work.