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Known Participant
February 12, 2023
Question

Maximum Number of Pages InDesign Document

  • February 12, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 1386 views

I have been working on a history eBook that has progressively grown over the past few months, it now has 600 pages that will be output using In5. I was wondering what is the maximum recommended amount of pages for InDesign documents?

Thanks

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2 replies

Derek Cross
Community Expert
February 12, 2023

It might be best to have a word with Justin Putney of Ajar Productions to discuss the options.

(Presumably you want the interactivity for your book that in5 offers.)

Known Participant
February 13, 2023

Hi Derek,

 

Will do, I really like what In5 does so good to c heck with them.

 

Thanks for your suggestion.

Derek Cross
Community Expert
February 13, 2023

Hi Aldo

To go back a step, you need to understand that there are various eBook formats. These include (and not exclusively) PDF, FXL ePub, Reflowable ePub, InDesign’s Publish Online and In5’s output. Each has advantages (features) and disadvantages, none offers a perfect solution. It’s important for you to understand what features you really need. 

 
You also need to bear in mind any issues with distribution of your chosen format, for example, will a third party vendor accept your selected format, or if you’re selling directly, does the reader have to understand how to open the document or do they have to download special software to access the publication?
 
And of course, you need to consider accessibility - a vital thing nowadays in certain markets.

Lots to think about!
 
James Gifford—NitroPress
Brainiac
February 12, 2023

Lots more than 600. 🙂 Actually, in terms of length and content, I'd worry more about a manageable, cleanly-structured resulting e-book.

 

For many reasons, mostly data loss, editing mistakes and overall project management, you might want to consider splitting your project into multiple INDD files — one per chapter, or maybe one per 'section,' whatever makes logical and content sense. Then use the Book feature to combine and manage them. This makes working on any one part of the book much more streamlined, while imposing only a few hurdles on working across these files or with them as the collected Book.

 

And in any case, have a very robust backup and archiving protocol that you follow with religious devotion. You should never, ever lose more than one day's work in the worst possible event.

 

Known Participant
February 12, 2023

Thanks for the advice. I seem to remember that Ajar Productions (makers of In5) told me that you cannot use the "books" feature with In5, I will check again.

 

Splitting the document in to separate chapters / sections would make sense.

 

😃

James Gifford—NitroPress
Brainiac
February 12, 2023

Not sure; I haven't used In5.

 

Depending on what format you're going to, I'd still be concerned about the length and number of internal links. Watch all the details carefully.