A Practical Guide to PDF to FXL ePUB3 Conversion

Creating content, especially in the form of eBooks, has become more challenging than ever before. Not only do authors have to ensure that their content is compelling but also choose the appropriate enhancements and formats to create an engaging experience for their readers. With thousands of options to choose from and a range of devices to access digital content, readers can easily lose interest in the content if their experience is subpar. That’s one of the prime reasons why the demand for PDF to FXL (fixed layout) ePUB3 conversion is on the rise. 

Among the many benefits of the ePUB fixed layout or FXL format is its compatibility across platforms and devices. This way, publishing content in FXL allows a wider outreach to a larger audience base. Besides, it includes components such as HTML5, CSS, images, in addition to text, allowing you to incorporate multimedia and interactive elements in the content. 

Even you can transform the outreach of your eBooks with simple PDF to FXL ePUB conversions. Here is everything you need to know about the process.

The PDF format is essentially an electronic variant of paper. It’s static and unchangeable. Just as anything that has been printed on paper cannot be altered, there is no scope for customization in a PDF file. 

The PDF format lacks any element of flexibility, but it is extremely easy to use, share, and distribute. That’s perhaps why eBooks in the PDF format remain in circulation even today. 

The fixed layout ePUB, created by the International Digital Publishing Forum over a decade after PDF, has emerged as the preferred alternative to its predecessors. That’s because FXL ePUB compensates for the one thing that PDF lacks – customization. Besides, it is compatible with all the key components used in digital content creation today, giving authors and publishers scope to incorporate versatile elements to make their content more engaging.

The FXL ePUB isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all format. It may prove to be redundant, even unnecessary, for certain kinds of books. That’s where PDF is still largely used. But there are books where it can work wonders in enhancing the layout, interaction, and appeal. Such books could include 

• Comic books
• Magazines 
• Cookbooks 
• Coffee Table Books 
• Illustrated Books and 
• Graphic Novels to name a few. 

Basically, any form of digital content that uses visual elements extensively stands to benefit from the FXL ePUB format. Another option available for conversion is the reflowable layout. However, shifting alignments in this format can make the visual elements lose their appeal and also compromise the readability of the content. 

If you have existing eBooks that are image-heavy and require the text and image alignment to be molded in a certain specific way, PDF to FXL conversion is your best option to achieve the desired results without changing layout orientation. This helps recreate the digital version of printed books without losing their original essence.

Knowing the many benefits FXL ePUB can offer over a plain PDF, it is only natural that you may want to make the shift sooner than later. To help you get started, here is a step-by-step guide for executing PDF to FXL conversions –

1. Choose a Conversion Tool 

When you undertake the process of either converting printed manuscripts into fixed layout eBooks  or convert existing eBooks from PDF to FXL, the first thing you need is a conversion tool that does the job effectively. There are a host of tools available online, many of them are free. 

You must invest time and resources to zero-in on one that suits your requirements the best – both in terms of quantity and quality. Look for a tool that offers more than just basic conversions. This will ensure that all the elements, the visual aspects, in particular, are converted without the quality of the rendering taking a hit. 

2. Hire a Professional for The Job 

Even if the tool you choose to work with offers a high degree of customization, it is always advisable to employ the services of a professional to complete this task. This is particularly important if you’re considering these conversions for the long haul. You can also outsource this task to a third party that specializes in converting PDF content to FXL ePUB format. 

This will ensure that all the elements of the different eBooks are aesthetically converted with all the customized tweaks and changes that you have in mind. 

3. Import The PDF File 

Once you have set the process rolling, you can begin importing the PDF files for your existing eBooks into your chosen conversion tool. This helps in increasing the marketability of your digital content. After the PDF file has been uploaded into the conversion tool, you have to select FXL as the output format. Your eBook is now all set to appear in a new avatar. 

4. Jazz Up The Fonts 

At this stage, the process of adding finesse and customization to the content begins. The first thing you can play around with is the font. If you want your fixed layout format eBook to resemble its PDF or printed counterpart as closely as possible, you can import the fonts as they are. 

If not, you have a lot of room to play around here. While doing so, it is advisable to work with fonts that are supported by a majority of eReaders. This helps rule out the risk of user experience getting adversely impacted due to overlapping text, text not being displayed, or abnormal font sizes. 

5. Throw in Interactive Elements 

This is the main reason why most publishers and authors consider PDF to FXL conversions in the first place. Make it count. Spend some time finalizing what kind of multimedia elements – animations, videos, audios and so on – you’d like to include in this new format. 

You can also add user-friendly features such as highlights, bookmarks, navigation, read-aloud, hyperlinks, and transitions here. But this has to be done skillfully so that it doesn’t compromise on the effectiveness of the original content. Work closely with your hired professionals or agency in making these changes. 

6. Finalize and Publish 

Preview the converted file and go over it with a fine-toothed comb. Analyze what works and what doesn’t. This is your final chance to make changes and edit the file before it gets converted to a fixed layout eBook. 

Only when you’re fully satisfied with every element of the conversion, give the go-ahead to save and publish it. Your PDF is now converted into an FXL eBook.

Most of the popular eBook readers today support the fixed layout format. So, deciding whether you should go ahead with PDF to FXL ePUB conversion is a no-brainer. What needs due consideration and thought is the treatment of content during this conversion process. To leverage it optimally, you must incorporate as many interactive and multimedia elements as possible without making them look forced or out of place. At HurixDigital, we can help you convert your static PDF files into an interactive fixed layout ePUB format. Get in touch with KITABOO to know more about our PDF to FXL conversion services.