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Make an ebook

The Ebook tab makes an EPUB, the file every ebook store takes: Apple Books, Kindle (KDP), Kobo and Google Play. It carries your cover, the book's own pages and a contents list reading apps can use, set in the same design as the printed book.

Make the file​

  1. Open the project's Export page and choose Ebook.
  2. Choose the Design. It's the same one the printed book uses, so the two match.
  3. Read the check, and fix anything it lists.
  4. Choose Preview, then Ebook, to page through it as a reading app would.
  5. Press Export EPUB and choose where to save it.

How an ebook differs from print​

Readers choose their own type size, font and screen, so an ebook reflows: there are no fixed pages, no page numbers and no running heads. What carries over from the design is everything that isn't the page:

  • the typefaces, which φ embeds in the file;
  • how chapters open: the chapter number and title together, then a drop cap or the first words in small capitals;
  • the ornament between scenes;
  • the title page, copyright page, dedication, epigraph and "About the author".

What the stores look for​

The check covers what stores reject a book for:

  • A cover. Stores list a book by it. It should be at least 1600 pixels on its long side; 2560 is best. Set it at the top of the project's page.
  • Descriptions for pictures (alt text), for readers who can't see them.
  • An ISBN, if you have one for the ebook: add it as ISBN (ebook) in Book details. KDP and Google Play don't need one.

The EPUB is checked against the EPUB standard as it's made.

See also​