Key Information Keep your eBook projects simple. Avoid complex layouts and formatting, only use simple tables and don't use invisible topics. Only a..z, A..Z, 0..9 and _ are permitted in topic IDs in eBooks! |
The ePUB format
The ePUB format is completely open. An ePUB eBook consists of basic XHTML for the book content, XML for descriptions, and a zip archive file with the extension .epub containing all the files.
Apple iBooks® ePUB eBooks:
The ePUB eBooks generated by Help+Manual are fully compatible with the Apple iBooks® reader on the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. iBooks® is different from other readers in many ways and has a number of special requirements.
Features and pros and cons of ePUB eBooks:
File extension: |
.epub |
Format: |
A single zip archive file containing the XHTML and XML files and other components. Additional configuration files and special settings are required for compatibility with Apple iBooks® on Apple's iOS devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch). |
Platforms: |
Viewable on any platform or device for which an ePUB reader is available. Apple iBooks® on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, Sony Reader, Windows, Apple OS X, Linux, Unix, Sony Reader, mobile phones and many more. |
Typical use: |
Reading books on hardware eBook readers. Although a large number of software readers are available, only a very small number of users actually read books on computers. The huge majority use mobile devices like the iPad to read eBooks. |
Distribution: |
ePUB eBooks can be distributed directly. Even if you are targeting Apple iBooks® devices, you can distribute your ePUB eBooks directly to your customers and they can install them on the device themselves. Easiest distribution method: |
Table of contents: |
Yes, not supported by all readers |
Keyword index: |
No |
Full text search: |
Yes, but search functionality depends on reader |
Context-sensitive help: |
No support for context-sensitive help, you cannot make direct calls to specific topics in the help |
Popups: |
No |
Multimedia: |
Video is supported in iBooks® on Apple iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch). Some other devices may support video but don't depend on it. Most don't. |
Printable by user: |
Yes, but print functionality depends on reader |
Pros: |
Single-file, universal cross-platform format already supported by many software and hardware readers. Large number of ePUB eBooks already published, already a universal standard. Generally intuitive handling (depends on reader). |
Cons: |
This is really a dedicated format for books in electronic form. Best for books that users read in the same way as a printed book. Search but no index, simple formatting only, video only in iBooks®. |
See also:
Kindle/Mobi and ePUB 3.0 (Configuring for Publishing)