MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Aura HD Why No Text Reflow for PDF files.

kumaryu · 05-09-2013, 11:05 AM

Most PDFs do not support reflow. Some do, but they are in the minority.

PDF format was originally intended (1993, yes I was an acolyte :P ) to reproduce the printed page in a digital context. Although reflow tags were implemented, the original specifications never really envisaged dedicated ebook readers that we have now. As a result, the option to use reflow tags remains an option, not a requirement for those creating EPUB or other reflowable documents.

This limitation forces me to use an Android tablet for PDFs and a Kobo Glo for reflowable content. Unfortunate, but given the refresh limitations of current e-ink devices, a necessity. The fact that a device can "display" PDFs have very little to do with whether its practical. Its sad that so much of older digital documents on the net are in un-reflowable PDF format.

Reflowable vs fixed digital formats. Its time to raise the flag!

05-09-2013, 11:05 AM	#7
kumaryu Zealot Posts: 105 Karma: 222128 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Carteya Guadarranque, Andalucia Device: PRS-300, Kobo: Touch, Glo, Arc, Aura, Glo HD, Nexus7, nergy Pro HD	Most PDFs do not support reflow. Some do, but they are in the minority. PDF format was originally intended (1993, yes I was an acolyte :P ) to reproduce the printed page in a digital context. Although reflow tags were implemented, the original specifications never really envisaged dedicated ebook readers that we have now. As a result, the option to use reflow tags remains an option, not a requirement for those creating EPUB or other reflowable documents. This limitation forces me to use an Android tablet for PDFs and a Kobo Glo for reflowable content. Unfortunate, but given the refresh limitations of current e-ink devices, a necessity. The fact that a device can "display" PDFs have very little to do with whether its practical. Its sad that so much of older digital documents on the net are in un-reflowable PDF format. Reflowable vs fixed digital formats. Its time to raise the flag! Last edited by kumaryu; 05-09-2013 at 11:26 AM.