Problem with alignment left justify in Epubs file (Indesign)

[fierce_build98A6]

 

Hello Everyone,

I would like to ask. Because I have a problem with aligning text in the Epub fix-layout file (Indesign program).

Setting  Text Paragraph to Alignment is Left Justify, and it will display normally in the program.

But when Preview Epub in the program or Export.

Open in the "Books" app, the text will be aligned to the left. Some spaces between words are stuck, some are overlapping, and some words are cut off strangely (as shown in the attached image and circled in red).

I'm not sure if I made a mistake somewhere, so I would like to ask if there is a way to fix it.

Please help.

Thank you 🙂

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Tagging @James Gifford—NitroPress 

[Laura Brady]

The InDesign fixed-layout export positions each word individually. And that position is abolute — not matter the word spacing. So if, say, the embedded fonts aren't working as expected, then you will have display issues. What's very likely happening here is that you have tracking applied in the InDesign layout. Tracking doesn't preserved as expected in HTML and CSS and will throw off how the content displays. 

Finally, I would strongly suggest that given the amount of text in your examples, that fixed-layout isn't the right format for this EPUB. FXL is meant for image-heavy content like graphic novels, manga, and children's picture books only. It's not a very nice reading experience for text-heavy content. 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Is there some FXL mode or model that does not position words using absolute methods?

[Laura Brady]

In a way, yes. InDesign's FXL export applies spans with positioning information at the word level. This is a bonkers ways to do it and almost inevitably leads to rendering issues, no matter the reading system. It's much more agile to apply positioning CSS at the <div> or <p> level — far fewer display issues as a result. And better for accessibility as well. There are plugins and scripts that allow for this kind of export — CircularFlo, most notably. This blog post may be of interest. 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Noted, thanks.

But we seem to be in agreement that FXL of any stripe should be avoided for 'text' books. 🙂

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

And (would be an ETA but for further posts), I'd recommend against using ID's FXL export for anything of any desired end result, even the few things that are nominally better in fixed format.

It's not what the OP wants to hear, but I'd go as far as suggesting a (dismissible) pop-up for FXL exports along the line of "Dear Newcomer, Fixed-Layout EPUB is probably not a good choice for your project unless you fully understand its demands and limitations. It doesn't work anything like a variation of PDF. Back up and reconsider reflowable export." 🙂

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Looks like I really need to finally finalise ePUB export in my tool 😉 it's almost possible even right now - including Anchoring objects in the text - but a few dedicated rules would be much better for the end user. 

[fierce_build98A6]

Thanks for reply. I understand.

But I only want the text to be alignment text is Left Justify.

I saw some people can do this. If you know how to fix it please tell me. Thanks.

[Laura Brady]

Make sure that the font you are using is OTF or TTF, not postscript. And take any tracking or kerning off in the source InDesign file. Then try exporting again to see what happens. 

[fierce_build98A6]

This file  Demo Epub 

[Laura Brady]

A couple of things:

• You are using InDesign 17.3. Is there a reason you aren't upgrading? That may help. 
• I think I see why you are using FXL but I would strongly suggest that this is the wrong format for this content. You can do pop-ups in a reflowable export.
• I don't read Thai so it's really hard for me to "see" the problem. 
• Do you realize this is tagged as Hebrew? 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

There's been very little change in FXL export for quite some time, AFAIK. For that matter, there were hardly any changes in reflowable until the round of accessibility-focused ones in v20.x.

[Laura Brady]

That's not true. Many of the changes we have engineered for more accessible EPUBs affect how the FXL exports as well.