fixed-format eBookFixed-format or Reflowable?
Following on from our last post about the merits of EPUB 2 versus EPUB 3, we wanted to talk about how publishers decide whether their books should be fixed-format or reflowable. But first, what do these terms mean?
What Is a Fixed-Format eBook?
Fixed Format
An example of a fixed-format eBook
Fixed-format (or fixed-layout) is pre-paginated content, i.e. it’s an exact visual replica of the print book, including images and their placement. It can be useful for certain kinds of highly designed content, such as illustrated children’s books and graphic novels, and is intended only for larger screens, such as tablets. There is also the option for the reader to zoom in to specific area of the page by double-tapping and for the integration of the audio version of the same book, with the words that are being spoken changing colour as the narration proceeds.
What Is a Reflowable eBook?
Reflowable
An example of a complex reflowable eBook
Reflowable layout literally means that the text can reflow across pages to fit according to the typeface and font size selected by the consumer. It is wise to use only one column for all text, and images may need to be slightly relocated. In a print book, an image may be located mid-paragraph where the image is, for example, at the bottom of the verso and the paragraph continues on the recto. Reflowable eBooks can be displayed well on any device – phone, tablet or e-ink. It’s worth noting that all modern devices control for widows and orphans and have some control over tracking and kerning to give the best reading experience.
How to Choose the Right Format
Publishers need to balance many things when deciding which format to go for. It costs considerably more to create a fixed-format eBook, but it will look identical to the print version. However, anyone who’s ever tried to read a PDF on an e-ink device (average screen size 6 inches) or their phone (average screen size 4.5 inches) will attest that fixed-format is not ideal for all devices. Publishers need to consider not just the end user but, crucially, what device they will be reading the book on. A tablet or iPad will display at closer to the original print size, but many people read on much smaller devices.
For children’s books it is more likely that they will be read on a large screen like a tablet, so it’s perhaps okay that the book will be an awful reading experience on an e-ink device (it’s worth noting that there’s little to stop your fixed-format book being bought on almost any device, regardless of suitability). Readers using a phone or e-ink device will be confronted with text too small too read, meaning they have to zoom and pan. So for people reading a cook book recipe on their phone while they’re cooking, this offers a poor reading experience.
Most books can be made reflowable with a little flexibility on layout. It’s not suitable for all books – a graphic novel would be impossible to make as reflowable, for example – but it does give you access to 100% of the devices out there and thus an increased readership. At Siliconchips we have years of experience with both formats and can help you decide which to go for or provide a free sample of each. Contact us – we’re always happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between fixed-format and reflowable eBooks?
A fixed-format eBook is a pixel-perfect replica of the print book — the layout is locked and does not change across devices. A reflowable eBook adapts its text and layout to fit the reader’s device, screen size, and font preferences. Fixed-format suits highly designed content; reflowable suits text-heavy books.Which eBook format is better for children’s books?
Fixed-format is generally better for illustrated children’s books because the layout, image placement, and visual design are preserved exactly as designed. Since children’s books are most often read on tablets — which display at close to print size — the fixed layout delivers an ideal reading experience on those devices.Does fixed-format work on all eReader devices?
No. Fixed-format eBooks are intended for larger screens such as tablets and iPads. On small e-ink devices (average 6-inch screen) or smartphones, fixed-format text becomes too small to read without zooming and panning — creating a poor reading experience. For maximum device compatibility, reflowable is the safer choice.Is a fixed-format eBook more expensive to produce than a reflowable one?
Yes. Fixed-format eBooks cost considerably more to produce because every page element must be precisely positioned as a visual replica of the print version. Reflowable eBooks use flexible styling that flows automatically, making production faster and less labour-intensive. The cost difference is most significant for complex illustrated titles.Can Siliconchips Services help me choose between fixed-format and reflowable?
Yes. Siliconchips has years of experience producing both fixed-format and reflowable eBooks for publishers worldwide. We can provide a free sample of each format for your specific title, helping you compare the result before committing to a production format. Contact us to get started.
