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Old 06-18-2009, 02:59 AM   #1
Stoshi
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Ebook file formats...preferences?

I would like to know opinions based on the following circumstances.
You have a book you want to have scanned into an "Ebook" format. Do you prefer searchable Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Word or HTML files… or some other format?

I am asked this question often and most of the time I advise getting a PDF however the editable text files offer more flexibility for hand held devices and much smaller file sizes.

If you can offer an actual experience related to the above question it would be appreciated.
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Old 06-18-2009, 05:18 AM   #2
rlauzon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoshi View Post
I would like to know opinions based on the following circumstances.
You have a book you want to have scanned into an "Ebook" format. Do you prefer searchable Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Word or HTML files… or some other format?

I am asked this question often and most of the time I advise getting a PDF however the editable text files offer more flexibility for hand held devices and much smaller file sizes.

If you can offer an actual experience related to the above question it would be appreciated.
Go with HTML. All other formats are easily created from that.
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Old 06-18-2009, 08:27 AM   #3
JSWolf
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I agree. A well made HTML can be easily converted into other formats. PDF however should be totally ignored.
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Old 06-18-2009, 09:41 AM   #4
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I´d go with HTML as well since it can easily be converted to whatever format is needed

I agree with JSWolf & rlauzon that pdf should be ignored for ebooks, specially on small devices.
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Old 06-18-2009, 12:23 PM   #5
MickeyC
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Hi Stoshi and welcome to MobileRead.

Sound advice there from rlauzon and JSWolf
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Old 06-18-2009, 12:47 PM   #6
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Welcome to MobileRead, stoshi.

Stand by for 101 opinions!
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Old 06-18-2009, 01:17 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoshi View Post
I would like to know opinions based on the following circumstances.
You have a book you want to have scanned into an "Ebook" format. Do you prefer searchable Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Word or HTML files… or some other format?

I am asked this question often and most of the time I advise getting a PDF however the editable text files offer more flexibility for hand held devices and much smaller file sizes.

If you can offer an actual experience related to the above question it would be appreciated.
Like the others have stated, a well-made HTML is best for converting to another format. That said.. I don't convert yet, so I still choose a format that is compatible with my Sony 505 (preferably lrf or epub). I also avoid pdf.

Are you an author wanting to have your work available in other formats or just want to have your personal library readable on your Reader?
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Old 06-18-2009, 02:24 PM   #8
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I create ebooks as Microsoft Word docs, because that's the program I'm most comfortable with editing. (I'm working up to learning Kompozer enough to edit HTML instead.) Then I convert the file into either LRF or PDF--but I use very specific PDF settings customized for my Reader's pagesize, and my own reading preferences. I wouldn't make PDFs for strangers, and when I make them for friends, I pester them for settings first.

For long-term archiving, I prefer HTML, because it converts best into the other formats.

PDF is an end-use format and should only be considered if the specs used to make it exactly match the user's needs. Almost always, this is not the case--usually, it's made for print layout, which isn't great for any of the best ebook-reading options.
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Old 06-18-2009, 03:37 PM   #9
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You lost me at "format" and "convert," but I wanted to welcome you anyway!

I actually deal mostly with PDF, as that is the format (ooh, I used that word!)my library books come in and I don't convert format. It works for me, but I know it's not the best thing out there. I download freebies from Feedbooks in EPUB.
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