List of Topics

SfC Home > Entrepreneurship > Self-Publishing >

 

Exporting InDesign Book to a PDF eBook

by Ron Kurtus (13 July 2011)

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:

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.

Note: I noticed that InDesign will often confuse book files that are in a different folder with one in the original folder. I suggest you change the names of all files intended for a PDF version. What I have done was to simply add a "p" to each title.

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

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

Ron Kurtus' Credentials

Websites

Publishing Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Self-Publishing


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.


Share

Click on a button to bookmark or share this page through Twitter, Facebook, email, or other services:

 

Students and researchers

The Web address of this page is:
www.school-for-champions.com/publishing/
exporting_indesign_book_to_pdf_ebook.htm

Please include it as a link on your website or as a reference in your report, document, or thesis.

Copyright © Restrictions


Where are you now?

School for Champions

Self-Publishing topics

Exporting InDesign Book to PDF eBook




Self-Publishing topics

Organize business

Decide to start business

Start publishing business

Run business

Publish hardcopy book

Printing preparations

Complete manuscript

Design book

Send to printer

Sell books

ePublishing

Prepare to market

Convert format

Check Copy in eReader

Submit

Also see



Let's make the world a better place

Be the best that you can be.

Use your knowledge and skills to help others succeed.

Don't be wasteful; protect our environment.

You CAN influence the world.





Live Your Life as a Champion:

Take care of your health

Seek knowledge and gain skills

Do excellent work

Be valuable to others

Have utmost character

Be a Champion!



The School for Champions helps you become the type of person who can be called a Champion.