How to Convert a Print InDesign Book to Fixed-Format ePub Without Layout Shifts?

[CollieMollie]

I have an indd book (11 sections) that was produced for print. I would like to convert to fixed format ePub displaying as spreads (facing pages - single page beginning and end is okay).  It looks like I would need to change document setup to Facing Pages first, but my layouts and images shift when I do that.  How can I avoid that? And should I export the entire book (700 pages) to ePUB all at once or by chapters?

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[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @CollieMollie, 

Thank you for reaching out with your query. I understand how frustrating it can be when your layouts and images shift during the conversion process.

To maintain your layout when changing to Facing Pages, try the following steps:

1. Adjust Layout: Go to File > Document Setup and check Facing Pages. Then, use Layout > Margins and Columns to adjust your margins and columns to fit the new layout.
2. Anchor Images: Ensure your images are anchored properly to avoid shifting. You can do this by selecting the image and using the Object > Anchored Object > Options menu.

Reference:Create and manage pages and spreads in InDesign (https://adobe.ly/3AptSRk)

Could you provide more details on how your layouts and images are shifting? Screenshots explaining the issue would be helpful.

Keeping the Discussion open for our community experts for more suggestions. 

Also, please provide the InDesign version and the operating system details. 

Thank you, 

Abhishek Rao

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

I am not certain there's any simple way to get an EPUB with page spreads; you may be thinking of PDF export, which does offer the option.

Unless the spreads are reconfigured as (basically) 2-up pages, I think any such display would be dependent on the EPUB reader, as is so much else with the format.

And, just in very general, from your sketchy description — conversion to EPUB, even the (largely obsolete and problematic) FXL form, requires a well-structured InDesign document. EPUB does not simply "dump to page" the way printing and PDF export do; it follows document structure and unless the layout and flow and meticulously managed, the export won't even come close to page facsimiles. That you say everything shifts around when you change the page mode sends up a red flag, for me, that the document as created for print is not nearly rigorously enough created to successfully export to EPUB.

To start with, though — why are you choosing fixed-page export? If it's in any way based on the idea that FXL is "easier" or an obvious option like PDF, you might want to back up and consider the options. FXL is almost 100% pass/fail, very hard to manage if there are any document or export issues, and highly dependent on which EPUB reader is used (maybe even more so than for reflowable).

Also consider that, unlike reflowable which adapts to any screen size, FXL needs a minimum screen size for readable display — and to double that to spreads means nothing short of a large tablet or full desktop display is likely to be adequate.

You probably have a major project ahead of you; it will help to know your best-outcome goals in advance.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@CollieMollie

Can you confirm your layout by posting a screenshot? 

Do you want to achieve what my tool has done here - "fake" spreads -> real spreads: 

 

but in reverse? 

[Derek Cross]

You may have very good reasons for wanting to reproduce your print version as an eBook in FXL ePub as facing pages, but if not perhaps you might reconsider. As a format, the FXL ePub has issues of choice of ePub Readers; for example, users may need to download a reader and maybe reluctant to do so. Also the varous readers vary in quality.

Regarding facing pages, many publications are now accessed on iPads and other kinds of tablets and smartphones, and facing pages would make the content difficult to navigate and read.

I suggest you consider PDF output as single-page continous or InDesign's Publish Online, which is HTML5 and which can include additional features..

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

It may not be the answer the OP wants, but I'd concur. If you want page facsimiles, PDF is simple, almost foolproof and (barring viewers that don't support advanced features) as near to universal as any doc format we have. Its one and only real drawback is that it's all but impossible to copy-protect.

If the OP is choosing EPUB because it can be given reasonably strong DRM, that's one thing. But if it's to mimic PDF on a different platform... it's a very poor choice. More information needed.

(And at that, not all EPUB platforms support DRM; SmashWords, which is going away, has always been proud to be DRM-free. The world of e-book reader/collectors is also militantly anti-DRM because it keeps them from converting books among eight different formats and platforms as they wish. So there are too many tools out there that ignore DRM or break it — even Calibre has a plug-in that removes DRM. So the whole wish to publish or release something in digital form and have copy protection without a high-end, server-based management system is... wishful thinking.)