Reflowable Vs Fixed Layout eBooks: Which Format Is Suitable for You?
Reflowable epub format (Standard layout)
Able to provide responsive images and text, reflowable layout is a robust format offering better rendering capabilities. The positioning and the look of the images and text on the page are dependent on the following aspects such as;
- ∎ The dimensions of the screen (desktop, tablet or mobile)
- ∎ The orientation of the screen (landscape or portrait)
- ∎ The changes that have been made to the size of the text
When To Use It
The reflowable eBook layout is used by most fiction and non-fiction writers when choosing an eBook layout. One of the primary reasons that writers choose this layout is because it is best suited for books that contain a lot of text. This straightforward layout works best for simple, text-based books because it is readable on all eBook-friendly devices. The content essentially reflows to fit the screen being used to read the eBook. It can also change depending on the personal settings of the reader. Over 99% of commercially created eBooks use the reflowable format – and for very good reason!
Advantages
- ∎ It is easier, cheaper, and quicker to produce eBooks in a reflowable layout
- ∎ Having this format tends to have a smaller size & hence retailers are likely to charge no charges for downloading.
- ∎ Most of the distributors accept reflowable eBooks
- ∎ Irrespective of the size and type of the eBook readers, these tend to render pretty well on most
- ∎ It is possible to enlarge even the texts on the page, giving the reader enhanced readability for the users even on devices with smaller screens without compromising on any of the original formatting capabilities
Disadvantages
- ∎ It can only be used for eBooks having single-column, text-heavy content
- ∎ Embedded formats are hardly ever supported
- ∎ Publishers and authors have no little control over the way their texts and images are being rendered on the devices, sometimes making it hard for them to use this format for design-heavy eBooks
Fixed layout epub format
Just the way a PDF works, fixed-layout format is thought of as a creative digital lock to hold the texts and images on the eBook without altering the position of the same, wherever it is rendered. This format becomes extremely important and robust for eBooks that rely heavily on illustrations and images that must go accordingly with certain texts—such as children’s books, comic books, and magazines. Publishers rely greatly on this format when they need to publish books such as cookbooks coffee tables recipe books, etc. For this type of publishing, a fixed layout commands exceptional importance in the digital formatting process.
When To Use It
Fixed layouts are popular among many of today’s eBook creators. This layout type is great for those who want to add more design elements to their eBooks. This makes it a great choice for children’s books, photography books, travel guides, health and wellness eBooks, and any other kind of work that relies on pictures and graphics to connect with the reader and present the information. Fixed layouts allow creators to add interactive components and enhancements because the presentation of the eBook remains the same across all devices and retailers.
Advantages
- ∎ When it comes to fixed layout eBooks, the control on how various content elements are rendered on a screen vests absolutely with the author and designer
- ∎ If the text that you want to render has multi-columns and has a specific location at certain points, this is the best
- ∎ It is the best format for books such as cookbooks & graphic novels where the design of the same is a vital element
Disadvantages
- ∎ It may not be the best format for the users as they do not have any control over the font, margins, spacing, or the size of the text.
- ∎ Not all the eBook readers of distributor chains support this format. Some of the retailers do not even accept the format and hence your reach may be restricted.
- ∎ It tends to have large file sizes and it may attract additional download charges on sites such as Amazon.
- ∎ It is also not easy to produce, format, and bring updates and is expensive to produce.
