KitabooKitabooKitabooKitaboo
  • Home
  • Pricing
  • Solutions
    • Digital Publishing
    • Training Solutions
    • Associations & Non-Profits
    • eBook Store
    • Kitaboo Author
    • Kitaboo Insight
  • Kitaboo Readers
    • Online Reader
    • iOS App
    • Android App
    • Windows Store Installer
    • Mac Store Installer
  • Kitaboo SDK
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Infographics
    • Case Studies
    • Product Videos
    • Whitepapers
    • Webinars
    • How To Guides
    • Kitaboo FAQs
  • Request a demo
How to create a Fixed Layout ePUB3 file from a PDF

How to Create a Fixed Layout ePUB3 file from a PDF

By Mike Harman | Digital Publishing | 0 comment | 6 February, 2023 | 2

Authors aim to create compelling content to keep people interested in their eBooks. But with multiple reading devices and thousands of eBooks to choose from, users can very easily put your eBook aside if it doesn’t provide them with an engaging reading experience. Authors today, not only have to stress over creating excellent content but also have to decide the formats and additional enhancements that they want to render in their eBooks. ePUB is a file format which enables eBooks to be read on multiple devices and platforms. So, authors can create an eBook using this ePUB3 (the latest version) and make their eBooks available to a larger audience.

ePUB is a widely used format for digital publishing, and ePUB3 is its latest version. ePUB3 includes CSS, texts, images, and HTML5 which allows you to add multimedia files and interactivities. The earlier version of ePUB only supported Reflowable Layout, but ePUB3 allows you to create Fixed Layout content.

Difference between Reflowable and Fixed Layout ePUB3 -

Reflowable Layout ePUB3

When you open a website on your laptop, you would find that it fits the entire screen; similarly, when you open the same website on your smartphone, it again fits perfectly within the screen as if it was designed for a smartphone. This means that the website is designed with a reflowable layout.

As the name suggests, the content on the page re-flows and re-adjusts according to the size of the device screen. eBooks use this format to give the users an optimized reading experience. It is designed keeping in mind the different devices that users use for viewing content. It could be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or a PC. Whatever the medium, the content will align and rearrange itself according to the user’s reading device.

Fixed Layout ePUB3

Fixed layout ePUB3 does quite the opposite. It will not rearrange or re-adjust its content, regardless of the reading device. You will have to zoom in to have a closer look at the content or pan out to read further. When you view a website with a fixed layout on your smartphone, it would probably look like its edges have been cut off.

eBook publishers usually do not use a fixed layout as it doesn’t lend a comfortable reading experience to its users. If you want the look and layout of every page in your document to remain the same, irrespective of the device or orientation, then you must opt for fixed layout ePUB.

Why is Fixed Layout ePUB3 Used?

If the fixed layout does not adjust itself on different devices, why do authors and publishers still use it? They do so because the fixed layout is suited for certain kinds of books. There are magazines with double-page spreads, comic books which have a certain flow to maintain, children’s illustrated books which consist of texts which are superimposed over images, cookbooks and coffee table books with elaborate images. If these books are designed in a reflowable layout, a shift in alignment might make the content difficult to read, and the pictures might lose their charm.

Hence, a fixed layout is mainly used for eBooks which have a lot of images in them. Authors deploy this layout when they want the text and images to appear in a specific way and not change its orientation. If you want your eBook to maintain the same look as your printed book, then it is best to go with a fixed layout ePUB. While reflowable layout is mainly suited for text-heavy books such as novels.

Select a Tool for Converting PDF to ePUB3

When an author decides to turn his manuscript into an eBook, s/he would first probably think about the expenses involved, and then the process of conversion. There are a lot of online tools available, many of which are free. You could do a bit of research and select one according to the services they offer apart from basic conversion. But there are only a few tools which convert a PDF file into a Fixed Layout format.

Fixed layout conversions are made with tools such as InDesign, KITABOO, Magicbox, Magicepub etc. Although there are free converters available, hiring a professional service will ensure that your PDF is neatly converted into an eBook as per all your custom requirements. And you won’t have to worry about your content getting stolen or your file getting corrupted.

Import the PDF file

A Portable Document Format or PDF file is a format made for print. It is still a widely used format for digital documents all over the world. But most eBook stores do not agree to sell PDF files as eBooks. Converting them into ePUB3 will turn your file into a marketable eBook. Once you have selected the appropriate tool for conversion, import your PDF file into the tool.

Select the Document Type

Once the PDF file has been uploaded, you would be required to select the format of the output you desire.

Here is where you select whether you want a fixed layout ePUB3 format or a reflowable one –

Add Fonts

You can either import the font that is present in the PDF, or you could use similar fonts from a URL. Preferably choose a font that is accepted by most eReaders, because if you select a font which is not supported by a reader, the user may end up viewing overlapping text or an abnormal font size. A fixed layout ePUB3 format does not allow the user to change the font style and size. So, whatever font you choose, ensure that it is readable on every device.

Add Interactive Elements

Unlike reflowable ePUB3, fixed layout ePUB3 format allows you to add multimedia files like audio, video and animations. You can create a table of content and incorporate interactive elements such as read-aloud feature where texts are highlighted as they are narrated, navigation buttons, hyperlinks, and page transitions. All these features help in improving the reading experience.

Here’s How to Convert PDF to ePUB3 while Keeping the Format Intact.

Final Changes

You can preview the file to see how it would look as an eBook. At this stage, you can edit and make changes to the document before exporting it as an ePUB3 file.

Guide:

How to Automate PDF to ePub3 Conversion

Download Now!

Save and Publish

Save the file as an ePUB fixed layout format and publish it. Your PDF file is now ready to be used as an eBook.

There are not many readers that support fixed layout ePUB3. These eBooks can only be read on devices that support the latest ePUB version, such as Apple iBooks, Readium and Kobo. Deciding whether your PDF should be converted into a reflowable or a fixed layout format is a simple task. If it is text heavy, then go for reflowable layout, and if it is picture heavy, you opt for fixed layout. But once you have finalized a layout style, you need to ensure that your eBook is enriched with interactivities, has rich graphics and photographs, clear audio files, and a readable font size.

Check out the quick steps for KITABOO Epub Conversions – convert pdf to fixed layout epub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best PDF to ePUB converter?

KITABOO is one of the best PDF to ePUB converters available right now. KITABOO provides a seamless PDF to fixed layout ePUB conversion option which can be further downloaded for eReader. These ePUB ebooks can be accessed on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle.

You can also automate PDF to ePUB conversion using KITABOO.

How do I convert an ePub file to PDF?

ePUB to PDF conversion is quite simple. Upload the ePUB file from your system or drive into the tool and choose the required PDF format. Finally, download the PDF file in no time. KITABOO instantly converts ePUB files even in bulk quantity to PDF formats.

Why should I convert a PDF to EPUB?

ePUB has many advantages over PDF. Converting PDF to ePUB is the best way to make the eBooks more user-friendly and updated. Publishers prefer converting PDF to eBook as the PDF format does not support or match the user device always.

What are the steps for creating ePUB or MOBI out of PDF?

Step 1: Choose the PDF file you wish to convert.

Step 2: Select the PDF file, then select Convert books.

Step 3: Select the Output format drop-down menu and choose ePUB.

Step 4: Edit the title, author, tags, and other metadata fields, then select OK.

Step 5: Go to the formats section and choose ePUB to find the ePUB file.

Step 6: Select the ePUB file, then open the file with the respective tool’s eBook viewer.

Why does my eBook look a mess after converting from PDF to ePUB on Calibre?

A proper ePUB converts the text perfectly, therefore it is important to choose the right tool apart from having a well-prepared XML. KITABOO is perfect for such conversions as it maintains the correct logical structure of the text and converts PDF to eBook flawlessly.

I have more questions on PDF to ePUB conversion. How do I get in touch?

You can book a quick 15-min call with our experts at your convenience to get all your queries answered. You can also book a free demo and explore KITABOO.

Related: 

  • Finding the Best ebook Creator | 10 Best ebook creation software
  • How to Identify the Best eBook Conversion Services
  • 9 Best Cross-Platform eBook Readers
  • Best Practices in Publishing & Distributing eBooks at Scale
  • Best eBook Publishing Strategies Every Publisher Must Know!
  • How to Select the Best Digital Publishing Platform
DISCOVER HOW AN INTERACTIVE EBOOK PUBLISHING PLATFORM CAN HELP YOU
Kitaboo is a cloud-based content platform to create-publish-distribute interactive mobile-ready ebooks.
REQUEST DEMOREAD MORE

You May Also Like

  • SCORM
    SCORM – Why does it matter and why do you need it?

    Digital Publishing,eBook solution,Education Technology / June 6, 2022

  • Digitization Books
    Digitization of Books – Reasons And Benefits of Going Online

    Digital Publishing / March 22, 2023

  • SCORM
    SCORM: What is it? A Complete Study

    Blog,Digital Publishing,eBook solution,Education Technology / October 22, 2022

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts
My LinkedIn profile

Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at HurixDigital. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships
My LinkedIn profile

Latest posts by Mike Harman (see all)

  • Top 7 Online ePUB Readers For 2023 - March 31, 2023
  • Top 12 Applications of AI and Augmented Reality in Education - March 30, 2023
  • How to Publish eBooks that Are Accessible to All K12 Learners? - March 29, 2023
ePUB3, ePub3 automation, ePUB3 Conversion, fixed layout ePUB3

More Resources

  • Case Studies
  • Whitepapers
  • How To Guides
  • Infographics
  • Product Videos
  • Kitaboo FAQs

Request a Demo

An enterprise platform that 15 million users trust

Follow Us

Kitaboo Product Video

Recent Posts

  • online ePUB reader
    31 March, 2023
    0

    Top 7 Online ePUB Readers For 2023

  • 30 March, 2023
    0

    Top 12 Applications of AI and Augmented Reality in Education

  • stem learning
    30 March, 2023
    0

    K12 STEM Learning: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

  • epublishing
    30 March, 2023
    0

    K12 ePublishing Software: Making the Right Choice

Categories

  • Blog
  • Digital Publishing
  • eBook solution
  • eCommerce
  • Education Technology
  • Employee Training
  • ePUB Conversion
  • Frankfuter Buchmesse
  • Nonprofit Organizations & Associations
  • SDK
  • Self-publishing
  • Uncategorized
  • XML Conversion

Get the latest posts delivered right to your email.

Sign up to Newsletter

PRESS & MEDIA

  • Press Releases
  • News Section
  • Events
  • Infographics

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • About Hurix Systems
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

RESOURCES LINKS

  • How To Guides
  • Product Videos
  • Blog
  • Case Studies
  • Kitaboo Partner Program

KITABOO READER

  • Hurix System' best in class interactive ebook reader application Kitaboo is now available on the Applie Itunes app store
  • Hurix System' best in class interactive ebook reader application Kitaboo is now available on the Google Play store
  • Hurix System' best in class interactive ebook reader application Kitaboo is now available on the Microsoft windows store
  • Hurix System' best in class interactive ebook reader application Kitaboo is now available on the Apple Mac application store
  • Hurix System's digital publishing platform Kitaboo now has its own Online ebook Reader
Copyright © 2023 KITABOO - Mobile Content Delivered. | All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Pricing
  • Solutions
    • Digital Publishing
    • Training Solutions
    • Associations & Non-Profits
    • eBook Store
    • Kitaboo Author
    • Kitaboo Insight
  • Kitaboo Readers
    • Online Reader
    • iOS App
    • Android App
    • Windows Store Installer
    • Mac Store Installer
  • Kitaboo SDK
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Infographics
    • Case Studies
    • Product Videos
    • Whitepapers
    • Webinars
    • How To Guides
    • Kitaboo FAQs
  • Request a demo
Kitaboo
We use cookies to give you the best online experience. We store no personal details, you can change the settings anytime. Privacy policyOkayNo