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Jill Barletti
Participant
May 14, 2018
Answered

Best Dimensions for Fixed Layout Epub3 for Multiple Devices (2018)

  • May 14, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 6591 views

Hi to all

I've been researching so that I can turn my hardcover picture books (which I create with InDesign) into epub3, but the more I research, the less sure I am. So turning to the experts for guidance.

I want to turn my first book into a fixed layout epub3. Ideally, I would like for it to be used on multiple devices, but for now, I'm most concerned about the rendering on Apple devices: tablets, phones & macs (all 3 if possible).

My question is what are the best dimensions for my epub -- sounds simple, but ...

1) There are different screen sizes to take into consideration -- should I create alternate layouts that represent the various aspect ratios of different devices?

2) How do I determine the actual number of pixels for height & width? My books are 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches high (final trim size) - but (if I've understood correctly) 2550 pixels x 3300 pixels would be way over Apple's 4M pixel limit.

3) Upon export, what resolution would I choose? (Afraid of Apple's Retina Display showing a pixelated image) Would a low res (say 72 dpi) look grainy? I think Apple suggested 150 dpi in 2016.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer BobLevine

DO NOT bother with alternate layouts. They serve no purpose with EPUB.

If you want to use 2048x1536, go for it. I don’t think it’s going to make much difference but the files will be larger. Might help on the iPad Pro.

3 replies

J
Jill BarlettiAuthor
Participant
May 14, 2018

BobLevine​ - Thank you for continuing to share your expertise.

Three points remain unclear to me:

1) The 1024 x 768 covers the 4:3 aspect ratio -- I read (somewhere?!) that Apple prefers the actual epub dimensions be 2x greater than the screen dimensions. Should I create the page layout as 2048 x 1536 pixels then?

2) Do you think it's necessary (or a good idea) to create alternate layouts for, say 16:9 aspect ratio? I understand that iBooks (when reading) will scale the file to the appropriate device -- I read about adding a script to detect screen size.

(At this point, I want to create an epub3 that works on most Apple devices -- I'll worry about other brands later ...)

3) Upon exporting the epub, do you recommend a resolution of 150ppi?

BobLevine
Community Expert
BobLevineCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 14, 2018

DO NOT bother with alternate layouts. They serve no purpose with EPUB.

If you want to use 2048x1536, go for it. I don’t think it’s going to make much difference but the files will be larger. Might help on the iPad Pro.

    J
    Jill BarlettiAuthor
    Participant
    May 14, 2018

    Thank you so much, BobLevine​ - You have answered my question(s)!

    Now, how do I mark this thread as such???

    J
    Jill BarlettiAuthor
    Participant
    May 14, 2018

    Thank you, BobLevine​ for such a prompt reply!

    I kind of figured that Apple and the rest wouldn't play nicely together. (Nice article!) My idea was to create an epub3 that renders well on Apple devices (iPad, iPhones & Mac, if possible). If need be, I could create a different version for Android devices.

    I understand that fixed means fixed -- I thought that I might insert JS in the file to detect screen size and select the most appropriate layout (if I made alternate layouts in InDesign).

      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 14, 2018

      If you’re going for iPads, you’re in excellent shape. This is not on Apple, it’s on everyone else.

      That said, Readium 2 is looking very promising so stay tuned.

        BobLevine
        Community Expert
        BobLevineCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        May 14, 2018

        What’s your definition of multiple devices? Beyond iPad and Mac, fixed layout is a big fat crapshoot!

        Read more here: http://boblevine.us/the-fixed-layout-epub-missing-piece-reliable-readers-for-windows-and-android/

        Fixed layout means exactly that…FIXED! It’s not responsive so pick a size and use it. FWIW, 1024x768 seems to work quite well.

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