Sigil - How to use it? Or don't?

msmith65 · 08-10-2012, 07:56 PM

I'm an experienced technical writer with a good understanding of HTML and XML.

I'm working on my first eBook creation, a cookbook with dozens of pictures. I started out using SharePoint, but hit some walls, then took a forum contributor's advice to try Sigil. Downloaded, installed, brought over my HTML document.

I usually have no problem teaching myself how to use software. This experience has been immensely frustrating.

It takes several minutes just to save a file.

The tutorial's instructions on building a TOC don't work. Menus in the tutorial don't match up with the interface in the software I downloaded (v. 0.5.3), and the TOC I'm trying to build won't appear in the Table of Contents window.

I'm wondering if I made a mistake trying to use Sigil. My goal is to create a file for the Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and a PDF.

Have I taken the wrong path?

Pablo · 08-10-2012, 09:28 PM

Sigil is great for making your ePubs.
The tutorial you refer to is for the not yet released v0.6.
I wrote a tutorial on html/css/ePub creation and Sigil. Version 2 of the tutorial covers Sigil 0.5.3. I think you may find it useful (see my signature)

AlexBell · 08-11-2012, 02:57 AM

For what it is worth I use an HTML editor to produce the files which end up as ePub ebooks and convert to mobi with calibre.

Given that you already have experience with HTML why not use the editor you are already familiar with?

msmith65 · 08-11-2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pablo

Sigil is great for making your ePubs.
The tutorial you refer to is for the not yet released v0.6.
I wrote a tutorial on html/css/ePub creation and Sigil. Version 2 of the tutorial covers Sigil 0.5.3. I think you may find it useful (see my signature)

Pablo, I may have to adopt you as my brother. Thank you.

msmith65 · 08-11-2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexBell

For what it is worth I use an HTML editor to produce the files which end up as ePub ebooks and convert to mobi with calibre.

Given that you already have experience with HTML why not use the editor you are already familiar with?

Alex, thank you for your answer. The SharePoint editor worked but it wouldn't manage the images as well as I needed. I might be able to master that in SharePoint but for now I need a little more turn-key solution on deadline.

Again, thank you.

08-10-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
msmith65 Enthusiast Posts: 31 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2012 Device: Kindle	Sigil - How to use it? Or don't? I'm an experienced technical writer with a good understanding of HTML and XML. I'm working on my first eBook creation, a cookbook with dozens of pictures. I started out using SharePoint, but hit some walls, then took a forum contributor's advice to try Sigil. Downloaded, installed, brought over my HTML document. I usually have no problem teaching myself how to use software. This experience has been immensely frustrating. It takes several minutes just to save a file. The tutorial's instructions on building a TOC don't work. Menus in the tutorial don't match up with the interface in the software I downloaded (v. 0.5.3), and the TOC I'm trying to build won't appear in the Table of Contents window. I'm wondering if I made a mistake trying to use Sigil. My goal is to create a file for the Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and a PDF. Have I taken the wrong path?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sigil 0.4.1 : unwanted span added by Sigil	Bertrand	Sigil	0	09-02-2011 05:28 AM
Sigil 0.3.4 / Sigil 0.4.0 RC1 / Cover in Nook Color	Bertrand	Sigil	13	08-06-2011 04:06 AM
Sigil 0.3.4 / Problème CSS entre Sigil et iPad	Grivels	Software	10	07-03-2011 09:06 AM
Which Ones DON'T have an internet browser? Don't require a bookstore account?	emellaich	Which one should I buy?	10	01-28-2011 02:50 AM

08-10-2012, 09:28 PM	#2
Pablo Guru Posts: 970 Karma: 4999999 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rosario, Argentina Device: SONY PRS-505, PRS-T2	Sigil is great for making your ePubs. The tutorial you refer to is for the not yet released v0.6. I wrote a tutorial on html/css/ePub creation and Sigil. Version 2 of the tutorial covers Sigil 0.5.3. I think you may find it useful (see my signature)

08-11-2012, 02:57 AM	#3
AlexBell Wizard Posts: 3,413 Karma: 13369310 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Device: Sony PRS T3, Kobo Glo, Kindle Touch, iPad, Samsung SB 2 tablet	For what it is worth I use an HTML editor to produce the files which end up as ePub ebooks and convert to mobi with calibre. Given that you already have experience with HTML why not use the editor you are already familiar with?

Advert

Advert