ConvertAbs2RelCSSValues

A Sigil Plugin

Converts cm, mm, inch, pica and point values to relative 'em' values in the css

Requirements

Plugin Type: Edit

Minimum Sigil requirement: v0.9.3 or higher

Python Requirements: Python 3.4+ (Bundled or External)

OS Requirements: Windows, Linux or OSX

Current Version: "0.1.2"

*** Tested on Windows 7, 8 & 10 only ***

Installation

* Select Manage Plugins from the Plugins menu. In the dialog box, select either the Bundled Python or the External Python(Python 3.4+ should be installed on your computer to run this plugin externally).

* Click Add Plugin and select ConvertAbs2RelCSSValues_vXXX.zip. This will load and install the plugin into Sigil, which you can then select and run it using Plugins > Edit > ConvertAbs2RelCSSValues

Description

This is an edit plugin that automatically converts all absolute values such as cm, mm, inch, pica and point values to relative em values in the epub stylesheet(s). Depending on user choice, this plugin will also convert all shorthand forms of "padding" or "margin" to their long forms(see User Options). This plugin should only be used for standard epubs only(not epub 3).

Examples of the various shorthand forms for 'margin'(it's the same format for 'padding') are shown below:

margin: 0;

margin: 1.5pt 0;

margin 1pt 0pt 1.5pt;

margin 24pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;

The above forms will be converted to the long form. Example shown below:

margin-top: 2em;

margin-bottom: 1.0em;

margin-left: 1.5em;

margin-right: 0em;

The other benefit of converting to the long form is that certain ereaders like the Nook ereader are known to have problems with the shorthand forms of 'margin' and 'padding'. That's why it's much safer to use the long forms -- because using the long forms should never give you any problems on any ereader conversion.

User Dialog

This dialog will ask the user whether or not he/she wants to convert the 'margin' and 'padding' shorthand forms to be converted to their long forms. If 'Yes' is chosen then the shorthand forms will all be converted to the long form as before. But if 'No' is chosen then all the shorthand form values will be converted to 'em' values in place..

Plugin Run

First load your epub into Sigil and then just run this plugin.

Caveats

* This plugin will not convert pixel values or percentage values to 'em' values

* This plugin will not convert 'margin: 0 auto' to the long form.

In the past I've had several problems with sizing and spacing in my epub after I have converted my ebooks to the vendor format. I've read that some Nook readers have problems with the shorthand forms of both 'padding' and 'margin' properties. I've also had some weird problems using absolute values(e.g. pts, cm, mm, pc, etc) in the CSS with my Kindle conversions. Hopefully this plugin should go some way towards both saving you some time and will also help to alleviate most of these sizing and spacing problems in your epubs.

Update:

* Redesigned the absolute to relative value conversion with better precision.

* Added a dialog to choose whether or not to convert the shorthand margin/padding forms to their long forms.

* The plugin will now also convert all forms of shorthand margin/padding values to em values as well.

* Changed and updated the release notes.