How do ebook readers handle large tables?

hikerguy · 03-26-2015, 10:10 AM

I have some data that would best be put into a table, but since I'm not real proficient at creating HTML tables, I'd like to ask this question before I go through the task of creating a table.

If I create a large table (let's say 15 rows) that will definitely span 2 pages, how does an ebook reader display that info? Will it only display that part that it can on a single page and ignore the rest, or will it span the table across two pages?

If it will span it across two or more pages, will it sill look OK, or will it look a bit "ugly" if it does it that way?

Thanks,

Andy

aleyx · 03-26-2015, 11:57 AM

That depends entirely on the reader's rendering engine, so it's a case by case issue.

If they follow the W3C's specs, they should display the table fine (even repeating the headers by default, IIRC). If not... Well, I fear it's hit and miss.

If you target android/ios tablets, you should be able to test your table easily enough. If you target any eink device, that's another thing entirely.

I can try with my Muse, we'll see how that goes.

N.

theducks · 03-26-2015, 12:26 PM

My devices do tables poorly
My devices do not have a scroll, only a Zoom (+/-) so an Image (of the table) is really not an option

HarryT · 03-26-2015, 03:16 PM

This has absolutely nothing to do with Calibre. Moved to the "Workshop" forum.

dwig · 03-26-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hikerguy

...
If it will span it across two or more pages,

No,it can't, because true ebook formats don't have pages. Ebook reader displays break the book into screens on the fly. Any change in the reader's configuration will change where the screen breaks occur.

Also, ebook readers, in general, are extremely poor at displaying tables and the vary significantly from device to device.

Tex2002ans · 03-29-2015, 05:31 PM

The latest discussion I can recall was an in-depth discussion on SVG (and other) Tables:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=240980

Also, in Post #7, I linked to another Tables in ebooks discussion:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=223062

I believe the pros/cons of all three methods (HTML, SVG, Bitmap Image (PNG/GIF/JPG)) were quite fleshed out (although I am up for even more fleshing if need be

).

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwig

Also, ebook readers, in general, are extremely poor at displaying tables and the vary significantly from device to device.

I agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hikerguy

If I create a large table (let's say 15 rows) that will definitely span 2 pages, how does an ebook reader display that info? Will it only display that part that it can on a single page and ignore the rest, or will it span the table across two pages?

Depending on the data, I would say your best bet is to try to "verticalize" the HTML table. Convert it from a single 15 column wide table into (multiple) HTML tables that are ~4 columns wide.

You have to remember that some users may be reading with very large font sizes, and other users may be reading on smaller devices (think cell phone). These reading devices are typically limited in the amount of width real estate you have.

03-26-2015, 10:10 AM	#1
hikerguy Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2015 Device: Kindle	How do ebook readers handle large tables? I have some data that would best be put into a table, but since I'm not real proficient at creating HTML tables, I'd like to ask this question before I go through the task of creating a table. If I create a large table (let's say 15 rows) that will definitely span 2 pages, how does an ebook reader display that info? Will it only display that part that it can on a single page and ignore the rest, or will it span the table across two pages? If it will span it across two or more pages, will it sill look OK, or will it look a bit "ugly" if it does it that way? Thanks, Andy

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03-26-2015, 11:57 AM	#2
aleyx Addict Posts: 250 Karma: 20386 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: France Device: Bookeen Diva, Kobo Clara BW	That depends entirely on the reader's rendering engine, so it's a case by case issue. If they follow the W3C's specs, they should display the table fine (even repeating the headers by default, IIRC). If not... Well, I fear it's hit and miss. If you target android/ios tablets, you should be able to test your table easily enough. If you target any eink device, that's another thing entirely. I can try with my Muse, we'll see how that goes. N.

03-26-2015, 12:26 PM	#3
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 30,891 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	My devices do tables poorly My devices do not have a scroll, only a Zoom (+/-) so an Image (of the table) is really not an option

03-26-2015, 03:16 PM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	This has absolutely nothing to do with Calibre. Moved to the "Workshop" forum.

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