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Google Docs Can Now Export EPUB (thestack.com)

Posted by timothy on from the more-is-better dept.

An anonymous reader writes: The EPUB format is now available as an export option from Google Docs. Tests show that the feature can very accurately translate Word-style hyperlinked indexes into EPUB sidebar indices, offering the possibility of updating legacy documents to a more portable and open format. However, despite the completely open XML-based nature of the format, and how much better it handles text-reflow than PDF can, the paucity of easy-to-use editors — particularly in the mobile space — may mean that EPUB continues to be seen as a 'baked' format.

4 of 39 comments (clear)

  1. Not format, product. by Rob+Lister · · Score: 4, Informative

    ... may mean that EPUB continues to be seen as a 'baked' format.

    The original quote was ...

    Because of this, the general perception of the EPUB-formatted e-book is that of a ‘baked and finished’ product, to be consumed rather than amended.

    Which is a good perception in that it generally is. A better fit for novels and leisurely reading on a dedicated device. A lesser fit for anything technical or presentational. Every format has its niche.

    1. Re:Not format, product. by Jahta · · Score: 5, Interesting

      ... may mean that EPUB continues to be seen as a 'baked' format.

      The original quote was ...

      Because of this, the general perception of the EPUB-formatted e-book is that of a ‘baked and finished’ product, to be consumed rather than amended.

      Which is a good perception in that it generally is. A better fit for novels and leisurely reading on a dedicated device. A lesser fit for anything technical or presentational. Every format has its niche.

      EPUB is generally speaking my preferred e-book format. PDFs don't play well on smaller tablets, e-readers and smart phones. Being able to change the font size (and on some readers the typeface) and reflow the text is a big win. Though it's true that those devices are not ideal for technical texts with lots of diagrams.

      Plus it is a open format. EPUBs are just zip files containing markup, css and image files.

    2. Re:Not format, product. by CanadianRealist · · Score: 3, Informative

      EPUB is also my preferred format for use with my Kobo e-reader. Much better than any other format.

      As for the comment in TFA about editors, calibre can create EPUBs for a variety of different sources and allows editing them. sigil is an EPUB editor. Both are free and open source.

  2. Re: well that's changed the calculus. by g01d4 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Think of your data as a bit of straw and the cloud as a giant haystack. The NSA wants it in case it's the needle they're looking for and the others want it because they think they can separate the haystack into manageable piles they can target for advertising. The bigger the haystack the harder it becomes to find the needle and the less significant your bit of straw. You can choose to keep your bit out of the haystack, but it's still just straw.