Does Fictionwise use calibre?

Dr. Drib · 05-14-2008, 04:03 PM

I'm asking because I like the kerning on their converted book. (I'm assuming that's what it is; although, could it be a different font than BookDesigner's default font?)

What would I have to do - exactly - if I wanted to format a book to look like Fictionwise's books?

I use BookDesigner exclusively, and I like it. However, I'm in a playful (dangerous?) mood right now and want to experiment.

Also, I don't want anything to get "broken" with Sony's Ebook Library.....so any advice, calibre fiends?

Thanks,
Don

pilotbob · 05-14-2008, 04:16 PM

There was a previous thread where I believe that it was determined or confirmed that yes, they were using it.

Installing calibre will no way interfere with your Sony eBook software, as long as you do NOT install the calibre drivers. I think not installing them is the default on the installer anyway.

BOb

RWood · 05-14-2008, 05:42 PM

Yes, Fictionwise does use calibre. However both Fictionwise and BookDesigner use the same installed base Sony fonts -- "Dutch" (Times) and "Swiss" (Ariel.) I have noticed no difference between the two in the look of the on-screen fonts. Both seem to use the default font spacing and ignore any special kerning data that my be embedded in the font file. Kerning would only be present in the final page display (not the file creation) and that is controlled by the Sony OS when it reads the LRF file. Since both programs create LRS files that are then converted/compiled into LRF files they do not contain kerning data themselves. Even when they contain a special font not normally found on the Sony Reader the reading of that file is still controlled by the Sony OS rendering engine. Also, given the power of the Sony CPU I doubt that it processes kerning data and spaces a line with just the standard glyph offset information.

harrynewman · 05-14-2008, 05:52 PM

I find that the fonts in files created with bookdesigner look to have a more bold appearance than those created with calibre.

HarryT · 05-15-2008, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrynewman

I find that the fonts in files created with bookdesigner look to have a more bold appearance than those created with calibre.

That's because the default paragraph font in BD has the "bold" attribute set. Turn it off if you wish.

harrynewman · 05-15-2008, 07:08 AM

Ahah! Thanks Harry. I don't mind it so much, it was just an observation. Good to know though.

Fiacha · 05-15-2008, 07:23 AM

I work around font files for a living.

Kerning data is stored in the font file by the font designer. All the shaping engine can do is choose to use it or not.

If you like calibre formatted books better, it will be because of the choice of font rather than anything else. That means that youshould be able to tell Book Designer to use the same fonts and get the same appearance.

Rember that most fonts were designed for use on printers that do at least 300 dots per inch while we have only 160 (and computer screens usually run 96). The more dots, the more precise you can be about placeing gyphs next to each other and so the better you can make the text look.

Microsoft has invested a lot in making fonts that look good at 96 dpi. If you get the chance, compare the fonts that were new for Vista with the older ones.

The ony problem with using better fonts is that most people won't have them installed.

Dr. Drib · 05-18-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

There was a previous thread where I believe that it was determined or confirmed that yes, they were using it.

Installing calibre will no way interfere with your Sony eBook software, as long as you do NOT install the calibre drivers. I think not installing them is the default on the installer anyway.

BOb

I own the Sony PRS-505, so there should be no drivers to confuse or compete with calibre....that is correct, right?

I understand this problem was with the Sony PRS-500.

Correct?

Don

pilotbob · 05-18-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I own the Sony PRS-505, so there should be no drivers to confuse or compete with calibre....that is correct, right?

I understand this problem was with the Sony PRS-500.

Correct?

I don't have the 505 but I believe that you are correct. Perhaps someone with a 505 can confirm that you can transfer books from either the eBook Library or Calibre with no driver issues.

BOb

RWood · 05-18-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I own the Sony PRS-505, so there should be no drivers to confuse or compete with calibre....that is correct, right?

I understand this problem was with the Sony PRS-500.

Correct?

Don

Correct.

05-14-2008, 04:03 PM	#1
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 44,747 Karma: 55645321 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One	Does Fictionwise use calibre? I'm asking because I like the kerning on their converted book. (I'm assuming that's what it is; although, could it be a different font than BookDesigner's default font?) What would I have to do - exactly - if I wanted to format a book to look like Fictionwise's books? I use BookDesigner exclusively, and I like it. However, I'm in a playful (dangerous?) mood right now and want to experiment. Also, I don't want anything to get "broken" with Sony's Ebook Library.....so any advice, calibre fiends? Thanks, Don

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05-14-2008, 04:16 PM	#2
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	There was a previous thread where I believe that it was determined or confirmed that yes, they were using it. Installing calibre will no way interfere with your Sony eBook software, as long as you do NOT install the calibre drivers. I think not installing them is the default on the installer anyway. BOb

05-14-2008, 05:42 PM	#3
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	Yes, Fictionwise does use calibre. However both Fictionwise and BookDesigner use the same installed base Sony fonts -- "Dutch" (Times) and "Swiss" (Ariel.) I have noticed no difference between the two in the look of the on-screen fonts. Both seem to use the default font spacing and ignore any special kerning data that my be embedded in the font file. Kerning would only be present in the final page display (not the file creation) and that is controlled by the Sony OS when it reads the LRF file. Since both programs create LRS files that are then converted/compiled into LRF files they do not contain kerning data themselves. Even when they contain a special font not normally found on the Sony Reader the reading of that file is still controlled by the Sony OS rendering engine. Also, given the power of the Sony CPU I doubt that it processes kerning data and spaces a line with just the standard glyph offset information.

05-14-2008, 05:52 PM	#4
harrynewman Member Posts: 24 Karma: 28 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Sony Reader	I find that the fonts in files created with bookdesigner look to have a more bold appearance than those created with calibre.

05-15-2008, 07:08 AM	#6
harrynewman Member Posts: 24 Karma: 28 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Sony Reader	Ahah! Thanks Harry. I don't mind it so much, it was just an observation. Good to know though.

05-15-2008, 07:23 AM	#7
Fiacha Enthusiast Posts: 31 Karma: 376 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pacific NorthWest Device: Kobo H20, Nook Glowlight 3	I work around font files for a living. Kerning data is stored in the font file by the font designer. All the shaping engine can do is choose to use it or not. If you like calibre formatted books better, it will be because of the choice of font rather than anything else. That means that youshould be able to tell Book Designer to use the same fonts and get the same appearance. Rember that most fonts were designed for use on printers that do at least 300 dots per inch while we have only 160 (and computer screens usually run 96). The more dots, the more precise you can be about placeing gyphs next to each other and so the better you can make the text look. Microsoft has invested a lot in making fonts that look good at 96 dpi. If you get the chance, compare the fonts that were new for Vista with the older ones. The ony problem with using better fonts is that most people won't have them installed.

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