Exporting InDesign Book to a PDF eBook
About 2 min read
The Adobe PDF format can be read on many ebook reader devices, as well as on your computer. One disadvantage of the PDF ebook format is that text does not flow such that the page width remains constant. However, it is still worthwhile to have your ebook available as a PDF file.
You can convert your Adobe InDesign book the files into the PDF ebook format after you have completed formatting the book for printing. First, you should copy the book files and images into a new folder. Then add a cover page, remove blank pages, and include a hyperlinked table of contents and index. You can also add other hyperlinks within the text. The final step is to export to the PDF format.
Questions you may have include:
- What is the first thing you do?
- What changes are made to the InDesign book file?
- How is the ebook exported from InDesign ?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Copy files and rename book
First of all, copy your book files and image folder to a new PDF version folder.
Thus it is a good idea to rename the book title file name to p_Title_PDF.indb and change the chapter file names to something like p_Front_Section.indd, p_Introduction.indd, etc.
It is a hassle but worth it to avoid problems.
Make changes to book file
Open p_Title_PDF.ind. Then you should:
- Add front cover
- Remove blank pages
- Recompile TOC and Index
- Add other hyperlinks
Add front cover
First, add the InDesign file of your book’s front cover (without the bleed) as the first file in the book.
Remove blank pages
It is good to remove all the blank pages in your book. Blank pages can be annoying to the person reading the ebook.
Recompile TOC and Index
After the cover is added and blank pages are removed, you will need to recompile your Table of Contents and Index.
Add Hyperlinks
If you have any references to other places in your book, such as: “See Chapter 3 for more about this subject,” you should create those hyperlinks, making sure they go to the correct page in your ebook. Likewise, you can create hyperlinks to your website and email address.
Export book
When you export your InDesign book to a PDF file, checking the Include PDF Bookmarks and Hyperlinks boxes. The PDF bookmarks results in the TOC being available on the side column, as well as having the TOC with hyperlinks.
Verify your ebook looks as desired.
Summary
It is worthwhile to have your ebook available as a PDF file, since the format can be read on many ebook reader devices, as well as on your computer.
You convert your Adobe InDesign book the files into the PDF ebook format after you have completed formatting the book for printing. Copy the book files and images into a new folder, add a cover page, remove blank pages, and include a hyperlinked table of contents and index. You can also add other hyperlinks within the text. The final step is to export to the PDF format.
It is always good to be thorough in your actions
Resources and references
Websites
Questions and comments
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
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