{font-size: 75%;} to substitute SMALL CAPS

[chaot]

I got currently an problem with SMALL CAPS: They don't function in my ereader (built 2015/16, so I assume in other ereaders is the same) - CSS font-size does. In calibre File Preview they function both.


SMALL CAPS vs font-size: 0.75em;

span.small_font {font-size: 75%;}

75% (or 0.75em) works fine with the surrounding characters (in ereader). But it's not exactly SMALL CAPS.

What do you think about!?

[Doitsu]

Originally Posted by chaot

I got currently an problem with SMALL CAPS: They don't function in my ereader (built 2015/16, so I assume in other ereaders is the same)

If you're referring to:

 font-variant: small-caps;

it's indeed rarely supported by eInk rendering engines.
In addition to your solution some ebook designers embed a special small caps only font.

[Toxaris]

You would be better off by embedding a small caps font like Doitsu said. That is the only way to get real small caps.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Toxaris

You would be better off by embedding a small caps font like Doitsu said. That is the only way to get real small caps.

But you would also need to embed the main font to be sure you got the correct small cap and the correct main font. Also, it depends on how often the small caps is used as to whether fonts should be used or the fake small caps should be used.

[chaot]

So?

span.small_font {font-variant-caps: small-caps;}

Warning: CSS Property: Unknown Property name

Fonts are Dejavu or Times New Roman: they are already in calibre. Or not?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by chaot

So?

span.small_font {font-variant-caps: small-caps;}

Warning: CSS Property: Unknown Property name

Fonts are Dejavu or New Times Roman: they are already in calibre. Or not?

Do you have a license to embed Time New Roman?

[chaot]

No!

I just look in the internet for free small cap fonts. But only there is this funny stuff, what I don't like.

I would like to have NTRoman, because it's an older book, so an older looking font is what I need. And it must look uniform.

EDIT: Is that not to transfer easily, such a .ttf file?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by chaot

No!

I just look in the internet for free small cap fonts. But only there is this funny stuff, what I don't like.

I would like to have NTRoman, because it's an older book, so an older looking font is what I need. And it must look uniform.

EDIT: Is that not to transfer easily, such a .ttf file?

You have to either have a license to be able to embed the fonts or they have to be public domain or be released under a license like the SIL license.

Now the problem you'll have is if you sell via Amazon, Mobi eBooks do not support embedded fonts and KF8/KFX eBooks default to not showing embedded fonts.

[Turtle91]

Originally Posted by Doitsu

font-variant-caps: small-caps;

Just a small correction:
The code should be:

font-variant:small-caps

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But you would also need to embed the main font to be sure you got the correct small cap and the correct main font. Also, it depends on how often the small caps is used as to whether fonts should be used or the fake small caps should be used.

especially for fake small caps, I download from one US site that puts its headings, captions etc in fake small caps, looks bloody awful on my android tablet using Aldiko or Coolreader - sometimes indecipherable. Fortunately their code is sensible, so its easy to fix.

Small caps okay if usage is limited to front matter but don't bother with faking it, just let it default to real caps.

IMO faking small caps is akin to putting plastic hundreds-and-thousands (US nonpareils) on your kid's birthday cake

BR

[Doitsu]

Originally Posted by Turtle91

Just a small correction:
The code should be:

font-variant:small-caps

You're, of course right. I must have made a mistake copying the rule.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

especially for fake small caps, I download from one US site that puts its headings, captions etc in fake small caps, looks bloody awful on my android tablet using Aldiko or Coolreader - sometimes indecipherable. Fortunately their code is sensible, so its easy to fix.

Small caps okay if usage is limited to front matter but don't bother with faking it, just let it default to real caps.

IMO faking small caps is akin to putting plastic hundreds-and-thousands (US nonpareils) on your kid's birthday cake

BR

I have replaced the fake small caps with real ones when there were enough to bother with. If there's not enough, I won't bother.

[chaot]

Originally Posted by Doitsu

 font-variant: small-caps;

Yes, that was my CSS before (not functioning in ereader).

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But you would also need to embed the main font to be sure you got the correct small cap and the correct main font.

If I understand right: The small caps font and the main font should be the same font family. Of course! I don't will use any different, 'only a little bit similar' looking fonts.

Also, it depends on how often the small caps is used as to whether fonts should be used or the fake small caps should be used.

Probably you mean: Is it worse to buy a related small caps and main font, if using only one? time. Of course not. It's a book for private use only. Not must be 100% correct.

@BetterRed #10 & @JSWolf #12: I don't really understand you both.
After all said above: Is it recommendable for me to continue with 'fake' small caps via

span.small_font {
  font-size: 75%;
}

[JSWolf]

Yes, if you don't have too many instances of small caps and the fake small caps won't be a bother then go ahead and use the fake small caps.

[chaot]

@JSWolf
Thanks! I use them only as a distinctive feature for some headings (to look like old style and original).