Fixed Layout or Reflowable?

Fixed Layout or Reflowable?

In making ePub formatting decisions, the nature of the print book should be taken into account.

The standard and most flexible ePub format is 'Reflowable," because it presents a page display that is adaptable to the device on which the book is being viewed. 

To make the "Fixed or Reflowable" decision, two factors should be considered: page integrity and typesetting "significance."

Page integrity:  If print layout and pagination needs to be preserved, fixed layout must be chosen.

Typesetting significance: If typesetting carries a message in the book, then fixed layout should be considered. 
(Concrete poetry, for instance, uses typesetting and layout to reflect meaning.) 
In such a case, it's best to opt for a fixed layout file to preserve the original form. 
On the other hand, formatting anomalies like indented verse lines can be reflected in the reflowable format.

If there is doubt about format choice, you could consider producing both formats.



    • Related Articles

    • Comparing Accessible PDF and Accessible ePub3

      When it comes to digital accessibility, both Accessible PDF and EPUB3 formats are widely used. However, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different use cases. This document provides a comparison of the pros and cons of ...

    • Services and Prices

      These are the services and packages offered by DPS, with per page pricing. Service CAD$ / Page 1 Universal Publishing Package for Print and ePub $1.90 Includes items (3 or 6) and 4 and 5 More information here. 2 ePub Distributor Package $1.10 ...

    • ePub Distributor Package

      The package provides the two formats used by virtually all distributors and aggregators for reflowable eBooks, assuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms as well as an enhanced reading experience for users with disabilities. It ...

    • Accessible PDF

      Accessible PDF Accessible PDFs are designed to ensure usability by individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities. While PDF formats maintain ...

    • PDF/UA

      As of April 2024 the PDF format is not certifiable as "Accessible" because by definition the PDF format is "fixed layout." To be qualified as an "Accessible" format, the file must render to the reading device in "reflowable" form. A dyslexic reader ...