InDesign CC to EPUB (2018)

Course details

Learn how to create an ebook in Adobe InDesign. This course helps you convert an InDesign publication to a reflowable EPUB, the open-source ebook format that is the standard for most distribution channels, including Apple iBook Store, Barnes & Noble Nook book store, Google Play Books, Kobo, and OverDrive, and is the basis for Kindle ebooks. Instructor Anne-Marie Concepción explains exactly what an EPUB is, and then steps you through the process of editing and proofing in easy-to-follow stages. Learn how to prepare your InDesign file for EPUB conversion, convert Word manuscripts, optimize text and images, embed fonts, use free scripts, and add special features for accessibility and cleaner HTML and CSS. Anne-Marie reviews the many different export options, providing recommendations on which to choose; shows how to validate and proof your final export on mobile ereaders; and explains how to set up publisher accounts at resellers like the iBook Store and Amazon Kindle Store. Finally, she shows to convert an EPUB to the Kindle format and preview it on the desktop before uploading it to your Kindle Direct Publishing account.

Learning objectives
Fixed-layout vs. reflowable EPUB
EPUB workflow, from manuscript to final upload
Preparing the InDesign file for EPUB conversion
Using styles for text formatting
Mapping styles to HTML and CSS tags
Adding a TOC
Embedding fonts
Optimizing images
EPUB export options
Previewing and testing EPUB files
Converting EPUBs to Kindle format

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know
03 - How to use the exercise files

1. Understand the Nature of EPUBs

04 - Ebook vs EPUB
05 - Fixed-layout EPUB vs. Reflowable EPUB
06 - Crack open EPUBs on Mac and Windows
07 - Specify an EPUB reader for Windows
08 - The internal structure of an EPUB

2. Gather Tools and Resources

09 - InDesign to EPUB workflow - An overview
10 - Make a custom workspace
11 - Install scripts
12 - Essential tools for ebook design

3. Prepare the InDesign File - Structure

13 - What gets included
14 - File prep checklist
15 - Flow in a Word manuscript
16 - Anchor images in the text flow
17 - Manage content export - Layout order
18 - Manage content export - Articles panel
19 - Create a navigation TOC
20 - Create chapter breaks
21 - Work with InDesign book files
22 - Add semantic markup

4. Optimize Text

23 - Maintain text frame spacing
24 - Clean up text
25 - Convert local formatting to styles
26 - Map text styles to HTML and CSS tags
27 - Prepare tables for optimal conversion
28 - Add an in-book TOC
29 - Indexes, footnotes, and endnotes
30 - Embed fonts
31 - Use the free Typekit fonts

5. Optimize Images for EPUB Export

32 - Create a cover image
33 - Specify resolution and appearance
34 - Convert InDesign artwork to images
35 - Set image position controls
36 - Manage object size
37 - Create image wraps
38 - Add ALT tags to images and objects
39 - Use Object Styles for EPUB attributes

6. Export InDesign to EPUB2 and EPUB3

40 - Choose EPUB2 or EPUB3
41 - Select options in the General panel
42 - Text, CSS, and JavaScript options
43 - Object and image conversion options
44 - Add metadata
45 - Adding EPUB viewing apps

7. Preview and Validate EPUB files

46 - Validate EPUB2 and EPUB3 files
47 - Proof the EPUB on ereader devices

8. Convert the EPUB to Other eBook Formats

48 - Explore the Kindle Direct Publishing portal
49 - Convert with Kindle Previewer
50 - Convert EPUB for other ereaders

Conclusion

51 - Next steps