Writing Tips - What is "ePub" and What Does it Mean to the Self-published Author?
Writing Tips for Using ePub Format
There has been a raging battle over the past decade when it comes to eBook formats. Many once dominant eBook formats no longer exist due their inability to adapt to the advanced technological requirements and the failure of certain reading devices to match the new players such as the Kindle and Apple's iPad.
We have basically arrived at a point where ePub has been put forward as the recognised standard for eBook formats. This push is being lead by the International Digital Publishing Forum which developed this open eBook standard. ePub is short for Electronic Publication and has been adopted by most of the big online stores and eReaders. An ePub is essentially a zip file.
One benefit of the ePub standard is that you can adjust the text size. If the text is too small you have the ability to change it to suit your requirements. As the text enlarges, it will just reflow to the next line to fit the dimensions of the eReader that you are using.
In comparison, one of the main strengths of the PDF format is its ability to preserve the layout of complex documents.
Limitations of The ePub Format Include:
1. Not yet usable on all eReaders
2. Limitations with viewing on eReaders
3. Many eReaders use its own proprietary software to interpret an eBook in ePub format
4. Headings, font and text can vary on different eReaders
5. Some sites do not support having pictures in the file
6. Not all authors know how to convert a basic word document or PDF to ePub format
What is an Adobe EPUB eBook?
An Adobe EPUB eBook is a digital version of a print book that has been optimized for on-screen reading. The text in an EPUB eBook is reflowable, which means that you can change the font, resize the text, or alter the size of your display, and the text will rewrap itself to fit the available viewing area. Adobe EPUB eBooks also support embedded content, allowing, for instance, a Flash video to be embedded within an eBook. In order to use the DRM-protected Adobe eBooks available at this site Adobe Digital Editions must be installed and activated.
PDF:
PDF is a file format which presents the book in its original layout and visual formatting. These files are generally larger in size, and the text doesn't adjust to fit the device or computer on which you are reading.
ePub:
ePub is an open-standard file format for digital books. The benefit of the ePub format is that it allows a book's text to adjust or "reflow" automatically to different screen sizes, including netbooks and e-reader devices.
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