InDesign: Creating Fixed-Layout EPUBs

Learn to create interactive fixed-layout EPUBs in InDesign CC, and preserve your design's integrity across multiple browsers and ereaders.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files
• What you should know before watching this course

1. Overview of the Fixed-Layout Format

• Comparing fixed-layout EPUBs to flowable EPUBs
• Exploring fixed-layout EPUBs on the Kobo and the iPad
• Understanding the format's unique features and challenges
• Taking a look at the files inside a fixed-layout EPUB
• Assembling your toolset

2. Optimizing Text and Graphics for Fixed-Layout Export

• Exporting the existing layout to preview any problems quickly
• Understanding how InDesign converts graphic content
• Understanding how InDesign converts live text
• Checking your fonts for EPUB readiness and embedding privileges
• Working with Typekit desktop fonts
• Learning which typographical attributes are supported
• Creating and optimizing a cover image
• Creating a navigational table of contents (TOC)
• Using bookmarks instead of a TOC style for navigation

3. Adding Interactivity and Rich Media

• Interactivity and rich media overview
• Using the new EPUB Interactivity Preview panel
• Adding hyperlinks and cross-references
• Animating objects with the Animation panel
• Managing the sequence of multiple animations
• Creating buttons that trigger actions
• Adding pop-ups with Hide/Show buttons
• Creating slideshows with multistate objects
• Adding animations from Adobe Edge Animate
• Converting rich media files with Adobe Media Encoder
• Adding video and sound files

4. Exporting to Fixed-Layout EPUB

• Choosing Options in the General section
• Understanding Spread Control options
• Reviewing options in the Conversion, CSS, and JavaScript tabs
• Entering metadata
• Adding apps to preview the EPUB

5. Previewing and Testing

• Devices and software that support the fixed-layout EPUB
• Using Dropbox to proof ebooks
• Adding the EPUB to a Kobo ereader
• Previewing on the desktop with the Readium browser extension
• Validating the EPUB

6. Editing the Finished EPUB

• Editing EPUBs: Tools and techniques
• Making a dual-orientation ebook for the iPad
• Linking to videos instead of embedding them
• Customizing the navigational TOC

Conclusion

• Resources and next steps