What is a flipbook and what is it for?
A flipbook is an online version of a PDF that reads like a printed magazine: pages turn with a realistic effect, show as a two-page spread on desktop and a single page on phones, and any area can be zoomed. It is the nicest way to show a catalog, a magazine, a restaurant menu, a portfolio or a brochure without making anyone download a heavy file.
Sending a PDF has problems: it takes a while to download, it looks tiny on a phone and you never know whether anyone opened it. With a flipbook you share a short link that opens instantly on any device, the document's links still work (to your shop, website or email) and you see how many views it has in "My flipbooks".
The conversion happens in your browser: ToolStudio reads the PDF, draws each page, extracts its text and links, and only uploads the resulting images to host your flipbook. Before publishing you can preview it, turn its pages and change the effect or background.
When you publish it you get three things: a link to share on WhatsApp, email or social media; a code to embed the flipbook in your website (WordPress, Wix, Shopify…); and a QR code ready to print on flyers, tables or shop windows.
How do you turn a PDF into a flipbook?
- Drop your PDF on the page (up to 500 MB). It is read in your browser.
- Add a title and pick the effect (page turn or slide) and the background color.
- Click "Create flipbook": the pages are prepared and you see the result before publishing.
- Click "Publish" and copy the link, the embed code for your website or the QR code.
What are flipbooks used for?
- Product catalogs and price lists that customers browse on their phones.
- Magazines, newsletters and annual reports that look like print.
- Restaurant menus with a QR code on the table.
- Design, photography or architecture portfolios to send to clients.
- Real estate brochures, press kits and sales decks.
- Books, guides and manuals that are read online without downloading.
What every flipbook includes
- Realistic page-turn effect, two pages side by side on desktop and one page on phones.
- PDF links keep working: to your website, your shop, an email address or another page of the document.
- Automatic table of contents from the PDF bookmarks, plus thumbnails of every page.
- Zoom, full screen, and navigation with the keyboard, arrows or a swipe.
- Short share link, <iframe> embed code and a downloadable QR code.
- View counter in "My flipbooks", and the option to appear on Google after a review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a flipbook and a PDF?
The content is the same, but the flipbook opens instantly in the browser without downloading the file, reads by turning pages, adapts to phones, can be embedded on a website and has a view counter. Your PDF stays yours: we don't modify it.
Is it free to create a flipbook?
Creating an account is free and comes with 20 gift credits. Publishing a flipbook costs 4 credits, and a free account can keep one published flipbook of up to 50 pages, which shows the ToolStudio badge and ads. With purchased credits you get up to 5 flipbooks of 300 pages, and with ToolStudio Pro (€2.99/month) you publish up to 100 flipbooks of 1,000 pages without spending credits and with no ads for your readers.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
The PDF isn't: it is opened and converted in your browser. So other people can see your flipbook, we upload the page images, their text and their links, and host them on ToolStudio. You can delete the flipbook anytime from "My flipbooks" and its files are removed.
Can I embed the flipbook on my website?
Yes. When you publish it you get an <iframe> code that works in WordPress (Custom HTML block), Wix (Embed code), Shopify, Squarespace, Webflow, Blogger or any HTML page. It fits the page width and can be opened full screen.
Does it look good on phones?
Yes. On narrow screens the flipbook shows one page at a time, turns with a swipe and can be zoomed. Pages load progressively, so even long catalogs open quickly.
Will my flipbook appear on Google?
Not by default: it is published "link only", so only people who get the link can see it. If you want it to be findable on Google, mark it as public in "My flipbooks"; we review it and, once approved, its page includes the document text so search engines can read it.
What about password-protected PDFs?
PDFs with an opening password can't be converted. Remove the password with the program you made it with and try again.
