subject: How To Create An Epub Document [print this page] Creating an epub document isn't the most difficult thing to do on the Internet. One of the easiest platforms to use is Adobe Illustrator, but there are several options available. All you have to do is figure out the best choice for you and then utilize it appropriately.
Here is how you can create an epub document:
#1 Know what devices accept epub
Figuring out what devices can use epub is just as important as the steps it takes to make them. If you're not sure whether or not you have the right device, take a look at all the variations below:
* Android * iPad * iPhone * iTouch * Kobo Reader * Nook * Sony * and several others
One device an epub will not support is Amazon Kindle. So, if you have more than one device, you can utilize an epub to download the book in more than one area.
#2 Purchasing the Software
Earlier we mentioned Adobe Illustrator as one of the best choices for creating an epub document. When finding the right software for your epub documents, it's important to find something that is easy to use. It's one of the many reasons why we suggested Adobe Illustrator in the beginning.
However, we do recommend looking over all the options first. This way you feel comfortable about the decision you made.
#3 Creating a Directory
In order to bring your epub document together it starts by creating a directory. Here you will need a mimetype file and must be positioned in the first section of the ZIP archive. You also need to make sure the name is "mimetype." You will have to use comments that are common later on, but for now just keep it handy.
#4 container.xml
There will be a directory needed that is called the META-INF directory. This is where the container.xml has to be there or the epub won't be able to do the proper work. Both this and the mimetype files are controlled with a stricter process than any of the others.
It's a good idea to keep all your other files separated from these two mentioned above.
#5 Everything Else
Even though this is only considered the starting point for creating an epub document, there is a lot more work to be done. You will need to have an Open packaging format so the epub can read all the content, as well as many other guidelines. This approach is only if you're willing to start an epub document from scratch.
Taking a different approach
The point to the steps above is just to show you how complex this can be on your own. Most of us need help where everything is a click-and-point approach. Purchasing software will alleviate this problem and allow you to create epub documents with ease.
They also allow you to select different settings for security, printing, and several other areas. Our best recommendation would be starting out with something like the Adobe Illustrator. This way you can see whether or not it's the easiest approach for you.
