Creative Blog.

Todd Mitchell 12/28/18 Todd Mitchell 12/28/18

PDF vs. ePub

There are two popular forms of media today. Printed media, and on-screen media. And when it comes to documents, you can create them to print, and you can create them for online or on-screen viewing— or both.

A Portable Document Format (PDF) is a common and highly used file format that provides an electronic image of text or text and graphics that looks like a designed, printed document and can be viewed, printed, electronically transmitted, and interacted with on screen. They are a reflected output of the designed piece so rely on the quality of design. PDFs are also very common as the print file format used for printed material as well as the file format used for viewing on all screens, devices, etc… Many interactive elements can be added to PDFs, making them engaging on screen, and still printable.

An ePub (Electronic Publication) is a file format that provides a responsive on-screen ‘electronic-publication,’ that’s viewable on most any device or web browser. It’s wide range of interactive features, basic animation, and on screen functionality fit well with the more modern “ePub” formats on all modern devices. It is seen as a true “online” or “on-screen” only document.

What’s the difference?

When it comes to (on-screen) documents you ultimately have three primary options: A PDF document, an ePub document, and a Website. The Website option essentially is your document as either a Web page, or a Web site dedicated to your content. That’s really all a Web site is anyway— content. Text and graphics. Let’s focus here on the PDF and ePub.

Both PDFs and ePubs are “documents.” Both can be considered many things: ebooks, info-documents, infobriefs, white papers, booklets, digital books, etc… but they’re all basically still just documents at the end of the day. And both rely heavily on the expertise of the creator. Highly creative and skilled designers, managers, and writers can create outstanding documents no matter what kind they are. But it also helps to know which one or which type to create as they each have similarities, but slightly varied pro’s and con’s. I’ll try and provide some of the differences here.

PDF

A PDF is a file format used to present and exchange documents reliably, independent of software, hardware, or operating systems. Invented by Adobe, PDF is now an open standard maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). PDFs can contain links and buttons, form fields, audio, video, interactivity, and business logic. They can also be signed electronically and are easily viewed on most all devices. Far from dead— still growing, highly used, and very popular with several great features available to make an exciting, highly visual piece of content. To learn more: https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/acrobat/about-adobe-pdf.html

Pros of PDF:

Simple to create, print, email, download, view online, and distribute
Most widely-used electronic document format worldwide
Entirely independent of the operating system and hardware of the device viewing it
Looks the exact same on every device
Interactive content can be only for on screen, and not print out
Total control over design— it looks how you design it to be, and locked in place
Excellent features allow the “cool factor” can be easily pushed
Embed other pdfs, graphics, audio
Add meta tags, descriptions, and titles
Add pop-ups, hidden files, and moderate interactivity
Implement security, forms, and digital signature options
Can implement social media sharing

Cons of PDF:

More or less static: They do not respond to different device screens, and do not reflow
Hard to see on some readers and smart phones (show up small, cut off, etc…)
Limited animation ability (can’t add animated pieces of content on screen)
Interactive content is ONLY on screen, cannot be printed
From a programmers point of view, the code is very complex and not easy to work with
Interactivity only works locally on device, not online
Quality of piece highly relies on design experience and technical knowledge

ePubs

An ePub (Electronic Publication) is an e-book file format with the extension .epub that can be viewed on or downloaded and read on devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, or e-readers. ePub is the most widely supported vendor-independent XML-based e-book format (as opposed to vendor-specific PDF). It is supported by the largest number of hardware readers today. Most e-Readers such as Apple’s iBooks, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Adobe Digital Editions, Aldiko on Android among others (nearly 300) support .epub files. It continues to grow as the open standard format for most reading devices.

‘ePubs’ can do a bit more than PDF-style ebooks, although they do integrate well. They allow fully integrated and interactive online experiences with your content and work particularly well with text documents, but can also be used with less text and more graphics. They respond well to varying screen sizes, devices and browsers, allow animated content, hyperlinked material, and interactive content all contained within. They are modern, fun to work with, and can be easily shared on social media, as well as easily added to your own web pages (using iframe code). They can also be downloaded as a zip file and read on all modern devices, with full functionality of an ePub.

Pros of ePub:

Animated content is easier to create (stuff moves and acts out on screen)
More interactive content such as popup graphics, embedded infographics and video
Unlimited hyperlinked additional material
Downloadable pdf version can be also be embedded, included
Share buttons for social media
iFrame code to embed to your own web pages
Zipped ‘ePub’ format that can be used on ePub, iBooks, etc…
ePub file can be downloaded and read locally on any modern device (most all devices have ePub readers)
Unlimited design potential
Add meta tags, descriptions, and titles
Spread or single page options
Fluid, responsive layouts can be created
Can be created as an app, or put on numerous ePub stores (Apple’s iBooks, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Adobe Digital Editions, Aldiko on Android)

Cons of ePubs:

Not ideal for printing— in fact, primarily an online, or on-screen document
The higher-ended programming, although better for programmers in XML, can be VERY complex
Strict requirements for creating archives and other deeper valid files innate in an ePub
Can be more pricey to create
You need to have experience with ePub creation software to create the ePub (Indesign, etc…)
Adding the more elaborate layers of an ePub can be rather complex
Quality of piece highly relies on design experience and technical knowledge

Overview

Both PDF and ePub can be beautiful, engaging and useful file formats depending on what you want to create and they both have individual advantages and disadvantages. Creating either a PDF or an ePub depends on these factors:

Budget. ePubs will cost a little more to create.
Ideal deliverable type. A single PDF file that can be emailed, printed out, or downloaded/viewed on screen— or an ePub that will be experienced on a screen only.
Interactivity expectations. Knowing the limits of each format and what interactivity options they provide. What kinds of interactivity will you want?
Distribution, sharing, marketing. Do you want to email it, download it it, print it out? Or only have it viewable on screen? Maybe it’s a simple text-only book that you want responding on peoples phones and tablets— vs. a set in stone design that is like a photo album.
Think of the user experience. How do you want the audience to experience your document?

Samples:

ePub: Critical Application and Business KPIs for Successful Cloud Migration ePub

https://indd.adobe.com/view/4d7c353d-3126-4a6c-b432-10676b26a207

ePub: Transforming the Canadian Storage Market

Online ePub, hosted through Adobe’s ePub engine

https://indd.adobe.com/view/a1a6d753-36e5-4033-b8f7-6ea424b7ab41

ePub: Partnering for Success: Building Apps in the Cloud

How solution providers are thriving in a cloud-enabled world

https://indd.adobe.com/view/776803d3-ba8e-4552-b57e-28b445da5a77

Interactive PDF document sample

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/interactive/iot.zip

Interactive PDF infographic sample

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/interactive/CyberCrime.zip

Sample PDF document samples

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/fujitsu.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/itx.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/microsoftdx.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/multicloud.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/retail.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/reshape.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/channelchief.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/fieldguide.pdf

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/infodocs/masonite.pdf

Sample direct ePub download (to device)

http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/epub/DELLEMCepub.zip

Let’s get creative. todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, or visit my website: http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

Todd Mitchell 12/17/18 Todd Mitchell 12/17/18

Ebooks, part 1

eBooks (Electronic Books) are a great modern communication platform to create articles, publications, manuals, guidebooks - and more. What's best (and defines modern) is that they are created for online use and can be created in a variety of ways, making them useful on a variety of online platforms.

Web browsers (like Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Chrome), tablet computers (ipad, etc...), and handheld devices (cell phones - iphones, Blackberry, etc...) can all provide the visual platform for ebooks - not to mention the currently popular "e-readers" like the Nook® and many others.

Like most things, while most anyone with any computer know-how can create some kind of ebook, if created professionally - that is, by someone with good technical and creative know-how - can help you create some really cool ebooks that not only look dazzling but will be functional, easy and fun to use, and help you accomplish whatever goal your ebook(s) have.

For example; creating a professional design, adding relative and attractive artwork, clean and colorful layout, advertising, functionality OF that advertising (making sure the ads clicked work!), proper click throughs (links that direct to the right location), the correct type of ebook, and many other creative/technical aspects that will absolutely affect the success or failure of any ebook.

Important!

The common misconception of eBooks are that they are printed magazines or books, made into online pdfs. While that can be true for some (these can be created), they are not true eBooks.

Ebooks that are created as/for eBooks specifically have some unique criteria to render them effective in both design and functionality. For example;

Ebook text (per page)
Ebook text (per page) is less per page than printed material. To be truly “viewable” online, the text must be a certain size, and typically 4-6 point sizes larger than traditional print publications. Typical ebooks might contain about 300 words per page, as opposed to 500-600 words on a printed publication.

Single pages versus “spreads”

Creating an eBook is typically experienced page by page. You read a page, you turn a page, etc... So where the turn page buttons are, how the design is laid out, etc... are important factors. Creating “spreads” is a matter of design/layout that should be determined initially. The layout is far different than single page since components will line up differently (where images line up on the spread, where articles start/stop, etc...).

Print vs. Online

Simply, online requires a resolution (quality read in “dots per inch”) of only 72 DPI. Print, typically 300 DPI. So whether print or online, each image and all elements must be created individually at that specific resolution. Otherwise, online versions with too high a resolution will be a HUGE file size taking forever to download, as well as a printable piece (professional quality) having too low res of images will print really fuzzy/grainy... Typically, about 120DPI is recommended for eBooks, so if printed locally (laser printed) they actually come out rather nicely and also look and act well online.

Types of ebooks

Essentially, there are 6 primary (popular) types of ebooks: PDF, Website, Flash-based, Custom Programmable, Application-based (App), and Device-Specific. Each of them unique and carry their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Most of them also have similarities. I think the strengths clearly outweigh the weaknesses.

PDF ebook

From my perspective, the best option. PDF (portable document format) is a computer programmable language that has been around for a very long time. It's a relatively stable format that's widely used and/or accepted on most all online accessible devices. They can be read/viewed online, and can also be distributed as a file to other devices (emailed, etc...). In addition, they are easy to print out - therefore making a great online/print combination. With this option you can create a really robust print-like, professional e-magazine - or a very simple, fluid, mostly text-based document as a matter of design, each having its own strengths. If you’re looking for a really cool design that looks like a news stand magazine - or a cool, simple well-designed piece that’s mostly stable, and easily read on most devices, this is a strong option.

Strengths:

1. Easily read on most devices.

2. Easily distributed (emailed, etc...).

3. Easy to download.

4. Can provide sharp, crisp graphics.

5. Can have interactive abilities (hyperlinks, buttons, page turning, linked contents page to other pages, forms, and more...).

6. Can be edited (minor corrections only) directly with easy-to-use Adobe Acrobat software.

7. Allow you to use unlimited design. Fonts, colors, graphics, etc... Not limited as is on Web pages.

8. Easy to print.

9. Scaleable. Can be made into a variety of sizes, structures and designs. Single page, spreads, tall, wide, etc...

Text can be "grabbed," or copied with Adobe Acrobat software to other programs easily AND/OR can be password protected (read-only) so you can potentially also NOT allow that function if you want that layer of security.

Weaknesses:

1. While they can be edited with Adobe Acrobat software, moderate/major edits need to be done on the original software that created the pdf. Those costs would need to be estimated through that process.

2. Larger files create larger file sizes, which can be slower to download. There are definitely ways to avoid this issue (see below), but for longer/larger pdfs, can create a download/bandwidth issue.

Some Average Costs:

The cost will typically depend upon the size of the eBook, how much graphical work is applied, and the amount of follow up or edits are required. Average costs are as follows (but can range as appropriate):

Design consultation (design cover, TOC, and inside page): $500-$1200+
Production of ebook (delivered)
Up to 50 pages: $100 per page
50 to 100 pages: $125 per page (larger projects require more technical time and/or elements)
Graphics: $50 per chart, $100 per stock image, custom illustrations quoted separately (larger, more detailed graphics)
Hosting ebook: $350+/-
Additional edits (beyond 3 rounds of edits or post launch): $100 per hour
Basic landing web page for ebook, if applicable (text provided by client): $500+/-

Website-based ebook

Simply put, this type of ebook will look, act, and feel like a true website. Remember essentially, websites can be created in an infinite array of designs, so creating an ebook type of website (html-based) is a matter of setting the "website" up to look, act, and feel like an ebook. You can create a design that mimics most any size or style publication, loaded with buttons, graphics, and other components that make it a true publication-type website. Click a page, or button to turn the page, and it proceeds to that specific page...

Strengths:

Simple html website structure.
Relatively easy to edit (text is easy to work with, graphics can be easy to work with. Subject to typical website changes/edits.
Moderately flexible in design, similar to any website design process.
Can be viewed easily on most all web browsers (computer or handheld/laptop devices).
Size is only limited to practicality. In other words, as long or as large as you feel works well in design/concept.

Weaknesses:

Limited to the constraints of any website, since effectively - it is a website.
Graphically, can be limited whereas a print-type of publication has more design-ability features - web does have limitations.

Some Average Costs:

Design consultation (design home page, turn page, design): $500-$1200+
Production of ebook (delivered): $1200-$5K+
Per story or article (on its own single long page): $450
Per individual page (article on multi pages): $125 per web page
Graphics: $50 per chart, $100 per stock image, custom illustrations quoted separately (fancy extensive work)
Hosting ebook: $350+/-
Additional edits (past 3 rounds or post launch): $50 - $150 per hour depending on the edit type.

Device Specific ebooks

The device-specific (D.S.) eBook is solely for a particular brand or device. For example, the Amazon Kindle® eBook reader uses a proprietary format “AZW.” Most of these (D.S.) eReaders follow the same protocol and while they can be created, they are best done through those proprietary software programs and systems - rendering them available through those specific devices. Not the ideal custom created eBook, but an option if it were part of your strategy. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_formats for more information.

Strengths: Good on each device only

Weaknesses: Good on each device only! Not very customizable in layout or design, commonly very expensive and complex to get the right help in being able to create the ebook.

Some Average Costs: Information not available.

Recommendations

When creating these ebooks, the following suggestions are recommended:

PDF Type Ebook

You first have to determine whether you want a robust, graphically enhanced publication, or a simpler text-based publication. These (and other) decisions will affect the audience experience as well as the time frame and cost associated with creating these. A good art director or creative manager will be able to consult with you to make the best determination.

For a booklet with more graphic elements, keep shorter in length. 30-40 pages max.
For longer books (more than 40 pages), minimize graphics, keep design simple. There may be more text but you need to decide what “kind” of ebook you are creating. Some prefer reading text with no distracting graphics - others prefer more graphics...
Each page should contain about 300 words max depending on design, and whether you add graphics or not.

Worksheet

What type of ebook do you want to create?
How long will it be?
Graphical, or more text?
Cost range? What do you expect to pay to create?
Hosting. Where will it reside for download?
What time frame to create or make available?
Will you have advertising? How much/how many?
Is it one book, chapter book, or how many articles?
Will you have the text ready and edited, or need that created?
Graphics available ready-to-use, or need creating?
Will it have a cover? Cover image?
Is it part of a series, or one-off?
What is your strategy for creating this eBook? Why are you creating it?