Question about iBooks

Nantes · 08-01-2012, 10:37 AM

Hello guys,

I am Brazilian, and my parents have for many years been translators of documents (from English to Portuguese) for pharmaceutical representatives over here to use in their job. Yesterday my mom called me saying that there's now a tendency towards the use of iPads by these professionals, and thus it would be quite wise for my parents to start accounting for this by making their files readable on iPads. My mom entrusted me with finding out how to do this, as I have more free time and online research skills. However I have little clue about this subject, I need your help!

As far as I'm aware, my parents primarily export their translations in PDF format, since the documents usually have garish formatting and visual elements, and they usually come in PDF to start with. Otherwise they use .doc files. Are PDFs fully readable on iPads?

In the case they are not, what about ePub format for iBooks? My mom mentioned something about them possibly needing to buy a Mac just so that they could run iBooks Author. Is there no good alternative for this program for Windows? It'd be quite a waste to buy a Mac for the sole purpose of making files for iPads if there's a viable alternative for Windows.

Thank you very much.

ilovejedd · 08-01-2012, 11:38 AM

If the documents need fixed layout/formatting, then PDF works. There are a number of PDF reader apps available for the iPad. Both Safari and iBooks also support PDF.

susan_cassidy · 08-01-2012, 12:26 PM

If you want an ebook format, use ePub, which is readable in iBooks, and several other reader apps.

desertgrandma · 08-01-2012, 12:42 PM

If the translations use charts, diagrams, lots of pictures, PDF's are read beautifully on the Ipad Ibooks app.

Adobe Reader is free, and is another option to read PDF's.....

Amazing how many schools, doctors, etc are switching to Ipads......

desertgrandma · 08-01-2012, 12:43 PM

OH..........and Welcome to MobileRead, Nantes!

Delotte231 · 08-01-2012, 04:13 PM

I agree. PDF works for most cases in many different devices. It is kind of a universal format. The only thing you would have to make sure of is that the formatting of the size is right for the iPad screen dimensions to maximize screen space.

Nantes · 08-06-2012, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the answers people. I have forwarded them to my parents, and my dad answered that their clients already know that iPads can read PDF and that those files are easily synchronizable via iTunes. Apparently, they want something more elaborate, such as ePub and iBooks Author. My dad is thinking about purchasing a Mac just because of the latter, I think it's unnecessary. Is there any real need for iBooks Author over Windows alternatives?

Valkrider · 08-07-2012, 03:35 AM

I don't know about iBooks author as I use a PC. I suggest that your dad check out Jutoh which is an ebook creation editing programme for PC, Mac and Linux. You can download a free trial so that he can check it out. It will create books in all the popular formats and isn't very expensive and imho does a far better job than Sigil.

ilovejedd · 08-07-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nantes

Thanks for the answers people. I have forwarded them to my parents, and my dad answered that their clients already know that iPads can read PDF and that those files are easily synchronizable via iTunes. Apparently, they want something more elaborate, such as ePub and iBooks Author. My dad is thinking about purchasing a Mac just because of the latter, I think it's unnecessary. Is there any real need for iBooks Author over Windows alternatives?

If he wants some interactive stuff then yes, he's going to need a Mac because I don't think iBooks Author will work on non-Macs (well, might work on Hackint0sh but he doesn't need that headache when you can get a Mac Mini for $500 or so).

kyteflyer · 08-07-2012, 04:11 PM

I wouldnt recommend iBooks Author, its hideously restrictive in use and in what you can do with the finished product.

Delotte231 · 08-14-2012, 12:43 PM

At least it will have a better integration with the iPad that they will test it on (which is also restrictive), right?

08-01-2012, 10:37 AM	#1
Nantes Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2012 Device: iPad	Question about iBooks Hello guys, I am Brazilian, and my parents have for many years been translators of documents (from English to Portuguese) for pharmaceutical representatives over here to use in their job. Yesterday my mom called me saying that there's now a tendency towards the use of iPads by these professionals, and thus it would be quite wise for my parents to start accounting for this by making their files readable on iPads. My mom entrusted me with finding out how to do this, as I have more free time and online research skills. However I have little clue about this subject, I need your help! As far as I'm aware, my parents primarily export their translations in PDF format, since the documents usually have garish formatting and visual elements, and they usually come in PDF to start with. Otherwise they use .doc files. Are PDFs fully readable on iPads? In the case they are not, what about ePub format for iBooks? My mom mentioned something about them possibly needing to buy a Mac just so that they could run iBooks Author. Is there no good alternative for this program for Windows? It'd be quite a waste to buy a Mac for the sole purpose of making files for iPads if there's a viable alternative for Windows. Thank you very much.

08-07-2012, 03:35 AM	#8
Valkrider Addict Posts: 316 Karma: 1250000 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK Device: Kobo Libra, iPadAir2, PRS600, iPhone 6, iPod, Palm TX	I don't know about iBooks author as I use a PC. I suggest that your dad check out Jutoh which is an ebook creation editing programme for PC, Mac and Linux. You can download a free trial so that he can check it out. It will create books in all the popular formats and isn't very expensive and imho does a far better job than Sigil. Last edited by Valkrider; 08-07-2012 at 03:39 AM.

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08-01-2012, 11:38 AM	#2
ilovejedd hopeless n00b Posts: 5,126 Karma: 19597086 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: in the middle of nowhere Device: PW4, PW3, Libra H2O, iPad 10.5, iPad 11, iPad 12.9	If the documents need fixed layout/formatting, then PDF works. There are a number of PDF reader apps available for the iPad. Both Safari and iBooks also support PDF.

08-01-2012, 12:26 PM	#3
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	If you want an ebook format, use ePub, which is readable in iBooks, and several other reader apps.

08-01-2012, 12:42 PM	#4
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462843 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	If the translations use charts, diagrams, lots of pictures, PDF's are read beautifully on the Ipad Ibooks app. Adobe Reader is free, and is another option to read PDF's..... Amazing how many schools, doctors, etc are switching to Ipads......

08-01-2012, 12:43 PM	#5
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462843 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	OH..........and Welcome to MobileRead, Nantes!

08-01-2012, 04:13 PM	#6
Delotte231 Connoisseur Posts: 96 Karma: 1998 Join Date: Jun 2012 Device: None	I agree. PDF works for most cases in many different devices. It is kind of a universal format. The only thing you would have to make sure of is that the formatting of the size is right for the iPad screen dimensions to maximize screen space.

08-06-2012, 12:13 PM	#7
Nantes Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2012 Device: iPad	Thanks for the answers people. I have forwarded them to my parents, and my dad answered that their clients already know that iPads can read PDF and that those files are easily synchronizable via iTunes. Apparently, they want something more elaborate, such as ePub and iBooks Author. My dad is thinking about purchasing a Mac just because of the latter, I think it's unnecessary. Is there any real need for iBooks Author over Windows alternatives?

08-07-2012, 04:11 PM	#10
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,845 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	I wouldnt recommend iBooks Author, its hideously restrictive in use and in what you can do with the finished product.

08-14-2012, 12:43 PM	#11
Delotte231 Connoisseur Posts: 96 Karma: 1998 Join Date: Jun 2012 Device: None	At least it will have a better integration with the iPad that they will test it on (which is also restrictive), right?

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