Ebook Compiling

The process of compiling different files into a finished ebook involves taking the original files; integrating these with the interface and cover design; then converting to the appropriate ebook format – either PDF or Compiled HTML. See Compiling Files into Ebook Format for a summary of our service, or read on for more information:-

  PDF - Portable Document Format (.pdf files)

PDF is a file format created by Adobe, initially to provide a standard form for storing and editing printed publishable documents. Because documents in PDF format can easily be seen and printed by users on a variety of computer and platform types, they are very common on the World Wide Web. A PDF file can be created from any word processor or HTML file. Both PC and MAC users can view a PDF file. PDF documents aren't quite as sharp and clear as the original, but they print well.

To view files of this type, your customers can download the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available from Adobe's Web site http://www.adobe.com at no charge.

             Using MS Word to produce your pages for PDF

MS Word can handle almost every possible application and allows you to use pictures, clip art, tables, graphs, hyperlinks, colours, etc. For conversion to PDF this should all be in one file and separated with page breaks as you want the pages to appear in the finished ebook.

Converting MS Word to HTML

For conversion from MS Word to HTML a separate file is required for each page in the book. These can then be integrated with the cover and interface design, and then compiled into Executable HTML or PDF format ready for your customers to download.

Creating Pages in HTML for PDF format

If you choose to create the pages for your PDF ebook in HTML, remember to maintain the 8-1/2" x 11" page size. Otherwise, you're ebook will have a lot of blank space on the pages. Be very careful with graphics and tables and make all your content fit the printed page size. Your HTML pages can then be compiled to PDF format.

Compiled HTML/Executable HTML (.exe files)

These are programs or self-extracting files with an .exe filename extension. Clicking on an executable file will start the program running.

  Remember that MAC users can't view ebooks that are produced this way , unless they have installed software that allows them to run Windows applications. And, PC users must have Internet Explorer 4+ installed to be able to view the ebook.

The images and text are very sharp in HTML (just like viewing a web page on the internet). Creating an HTML ebook is a very simple process. All you have to do is create your HTML pages and save them all in the same folder. When compiled, all pages in the folder are included in your ebook. You can also save any website as an ebook, using the HTML compilation process .

Consider compression

You can compress your ebook file to make it smaller (in memory terms) using compression software like WinZip. WinZip compresses your files and puts them into a self-extracting file. When your readers click on the file, it will install itself to any directory they select on their PC. You can get a copy of WinZip from the WinZip website.

However, you should offer both a compressed and an uncompressed version of your ebook on the download page.

For more information, read our article on Ebook Compression.

Which format is best for Your Ebook?

The format you choose depends on what you want to do with the ebook on your website. You may want to distribute it by making it freely downloadable, keep it for online reading or aim to sell your ebook and make money. Our team of professionals can advise you on best option for your requirements.

  Find Out More  

For more information, advice, tips, and links to articles, visit these pages:

• Ebook Publishing
• Ebook Creation
• Ebook Set-up, Cover Design and Interface

All you have to do is contact us , give us your brief, and we do the rest. Ask for a free quotation, or if you know what you want simply…

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