Python and ReportLab Setup

What Is This?

The booklet-to-pdf skill converts your offer booklet into a branded, Gumroad-ready A4 PDF. Under the hood it runs a Python script that uses the ReportLab library to lay out text, images, and styling. You only need this if you plan to generate a PDF from your offer booklet.

Before You Start

All the steps below happen inside a terminal. If you have never used a terminal before, follow the Using the Terminal guide first, then come back here.

Step 1: Check or Install Python 3

You may already have Python 3 installed. Open your terminal and run:

python3 --version

If you see a version number like Python 3.10.x or higher, skip ahead to Step 2. If you see “command not found,” follow the instructions below.

Install Python 3

macOS

macOS includes an older Python on some versions, but you need Python 3. The easiest way to install it:

Option A — Official installer Visit python.org/downloads and download the latest Python 3 installer for macOS. Run the .pkg file and follow the prompts.

Option B — Homebrew If you have Homebrew installed:

brew install python

Windows

Visit python.org/downloads and download the latest Python 3 installer for Windows. Run the .exe file and follow the prompts.

Important

On the first screen of the installer, tick “Add python.exe to PATH” before clicking Install. Without this, your terminal will not recognise the python3 command.

After installing, verify by running:

python3 --version

You should see a version number like Python 3.10.x or higher.

Step 2: Install ReportLab

With Python 3 installed, use pip to install ReportLab:

pip3 install reportlab

If you see a permissions error on macOS, try:

pip3 install --user reportlab

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Run a quick check to confirm ReportLab is available:

python3 -c "import reportlab; print(reportlab.Version)"

You should see a version number like 4.x.x. If you see an ImportError, double-check that you installed ReportLab with the same Python version you are using.

Next Steps

Return to the Prerequisites page and continue with the guides. When you reach the Offer guide’s PDF step, the booklet-to-pdf skill will work automatically.