Fixed Layout vs Reflowable ePub: Which is the Best eBook Layout?

The world is moving significantly towards the digital age, and the book publishing industry is no exception. With over 24% of readers prefer eBooks over paper books, you are missing a huge audience if you don't have a digital version of your book. While you decide to convert your book to an eBook, a question might arise: which layout will be best for me? With two distinct options, choosing the suitable eBook layout becomes crucial. To simplify your job, we have created this guide on fixed layout vs reflowable ePub format to help you choose the perfect fit.

In this article, we will understand the differences between these two eBook layouts and explore their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

What is an eBook Layout?

With the rise of digital platforms and a wide range to choose from, readers can access your books from anywhere. Therefore, the presentation of your eBook becomes more important. A good eBook layout combines several elements, including fonts, images, and other visual elements. How the story is presented significantly impacts the reader's experience and keeps them engaged with your content. Therefore, choosing the right layout that complements your content and resonates with your reader is essential.

What is a Reflowable Layout ePUB?

Reflowable layout ePUB is popular among publishers, particularly when the content is text-heavy. Various reading devices widely support this eBook layout, which is also convenient for readers. A reflowable layout ePUB enables the text and images to automatically fit the device's screen size. This characteristic makes it an ideal format for eBooks such as fiction, non-fiction, biographies, memoirs, and business brochures.

This format also supports bookmarking, highlighting, and easy navigation, making it an excellent option for readers who want to engage with the content actively. Additionally, the reflowable layout allows readers to adjust the font size, margins, and line spacing to their preferences, resulting in a comfortable and personalized reading experience. Publishers can use reflowable ePUB conversion services to convert their content into reflowable eBooks and ensure compatibility with various devices. 

Pros

Here are some advantages of reflowable layout ePUBs.

• Compatibility: Reflowable eBooks are compatible with all types of reading devices worldwide. This makes it easier for readers to access your content, regardless of their device.
• Easy updates: Reflowable eBooks take less time to update after you finish publishing an online book. This means you can quickly change your eBook and publish updated versions without hassle.
• Reader control: The reader controls the text and display in reflowable ePUB format. This means that readers can change the font and image size per their device and the comfort of reading, making the reading experience more personalized.
• Cost-effective: Reflowable layout is cheaper while self-publishing online. Since it doesn't require specialized formatting or design, it can be produced at a lower cost, which is especially beneficial for independent authors and small publishers.
• Smaller size: Reflowable eBooks are produced in smaller sizes, so that publishers can sell their eBooks at a cheaper rate than print books. This can make eBooks a more affordable option for readers.

Cons

While there are multiple advantages of these formats, some of their limitations include:

• Multi-columns are not available: Reflowable layout can't support multi-column text formatting. This means that if you want to display text in columns, it will not happen with this layout. It can be a disadvantage for publishers who want to create eBooks with complex layouts, especially for books with many images, tables, or charts.
• No content will be positioned: With a reflowable layout, the position of the content is determined by the reading device and the font size the reader selects. This means that if you want to position text or images in a specific way, you won't have full control over their position. For instance, if you want an image to appear before the text, it may end up at the bottom of the page if the reader has selected a larger font size.
• Fewer options while embedding fonts: In a reflowable layout, there are fewer options for embedding fonts. Embedding fonts can ensure that the eBook looks the same on all devices, but a reflowable layout doesn't allow for this level of control. This means the fonts may display differently across all devices, which can disadvantage publishers who want a consistent look and feel for their eBooks.

What is a Fixed-Layout ePUB?

Fixed-layout ePUB is a preferred choice for eBooks that require precise placement of content, such as recipes, children's books, or interior design books, where the placement of the pictures is essential. With this eBook layout, the location of texts, visuals, images, and designs remains fixed. It allows readers to see the displayed picture exactly how the designer has designed it in the layout. Publishers can choose fixed-layout ePUB conversion services to convert their content to fixed-layout eBooks and maintain the same design and layout across various devices and screen sizes.

Pros

Here are some advantages of fixed-layout ePUBs.

• Colored Background: Fixed-layout eBooks can offer a colored background, which can be used to create a more immersive reading experience.
• Total Control over Layout: With a fixed layout, the designer has complete control over the placement of content, allowing for precise positioning of text and images.
• Double-Page Spread: Fixed layout eBooks can display content over a double-page spread, allowing for more intricate and detailed layouts.
• Text Above Images: Text is displayed above images in a fixed layout, allowing a clearer view of the text and the image.
• Multi-Columns: Fixed layout eBooks can have multi-columns, making them a great choice for publications such as magazines or catalogs.

Cons

Same as reflowable layout, fixed-layout ePUBs also have their own set of limitations:

• Larger File Size: Fixed-layout ePUBs have a larger file size than reflowable eBooks, making them slower to download and more expensive to distribute.
• Small Font Size: If smaller fonts are used in conjunction with images, readers may find it difficult to read the text.
• Limited Device Support: Not all reading devices support fixed-layout eBooks, which can limit their distribution and availability.
• Limited Distribution Opportunities: Some distribution channels may not support fixed-layout eBooks, limiting their distribution options.
• Higher Production Costs: Due to the complex nature of fixed-layout eBooks, they can be more expensive to produce and update.

Comparison: Reflowable vs. Fixed Layout eBooks

Here are some differences between these formats to help you find the suitable one for your books.

Differences	Reflowable Layout	Fixed Layout
Content Readability	Flexible text size and style. Content is automatically adjusted to fit the screen size.	Rigid text size and style. The content will not adjust with the screen. Readers must zoom in and out and scroll left and right.
Compatibility	Supported by various reading devices.	Supported by limited devices.
Suitability	Suitable for readers to easily zoom in and highlight the text.	Suitable for eBooks where images and graphics with text are a priority.
Cost-Effective	More cost-effective.	More expensive.
Convenience	Broader distribution and scope, making it a preferred choice for publishers.	Fewer people are interested because of its specific limitations.

Content Readability:

Reflowable layout ePUBs offer text size and style flexibility, as the text adjusts itself to fit the screen size. Readers can easily adjust the font size and style to suit their needs. In contrast, fixed layout ePUBs will not adjust with the screen, so readers must zoom in and out and scroll left and right to read the text.

Device Compatibility:

Reflowable eBooks are supported by most reading devices, including Amazon, Apple iBooks, Nook, and Kobo, making them accessible to a wider audience. However, fixed-layout eBooks are only supported by some devices.

Suitability:

A reflowable layout is best suited for eBooks that do not require synchronization of images and illustrations, as readers can easily zoom in and highlight text. But, if images and graphics with text are a priority, then a fixed layout is better. Text and images remain linked with a fixed layout, making it ideal for comics or other storytelling formats.

Cost-Effective:

Reflowable layouts are more cost-effective, requiring less time and fewer people to produce, making them popular among small publishers and independent authors. Conversely, fixed-layout eBooks are more expensive due to the larger number of people involved in their production.

Convenience:

Reflowable layout eBooks have a broader distribution and scope, as all reading devices, including Kindle, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops support them. In contrast, due to some of the drawbacks of the fixed layout, fewer people are interested in using it while opting for online book publishing.

After reviewing the comparison, you will understand which eBook layout suits your conversion. However, it wouldn't be fair to favor one layout over the other, as the eBook selection format should be solely based on the nature of your content.

Advantages of Professional eBook Conversion:

Professional eBook conversion service providers like Alpha eBook go beyond most self-publishing companies' standard ePUB and Mobi conversions. Our experts ensure your converted eBooks are accessible on all popular and lesser-known devices, including Kindle, Nook, Google, and iBooks.

Advantages of Getting eBook Conversion Services From Us:

• We use optimal advanced eBook conversion tools that produce exceptional outcomes.
• Reasonable pricing for conversion packages.
• 24/7 customer support, even after completion and delivery of your project, to address any doubts or requirements on content.
• Prioritize the security of your data to keep your content safe.
• Deliver the final conversion on time, even if converting your PDF into an eBook is challenging.

We understand what it takes to finish well-written content and value your hard work and creativity in writing a unique story. To ensure your hard work gets the result it deserves, our team follows several best practices during the conversion process, such as:

• Sticking to one font style throughout the content
• Using small and uniform margins with left-justified or focused text.
• Set indents using the “Paragraphs” setting instead of using the ‘Tab' key
• Use tiny, embedded images or visuals that don't interfere with the text flow.
• Use paragraphs and pointers to make your content look interesting and engaging.

Once we've completed the conversion process, your eBook will be more reader-friendly and engaging. You'll have the final say on the eBook cover image, and we'll provide objective suggestions to help you make the best decision. Ultimately, your eBook will be ready for distribution and well-equipped to stand out in the crowded digital marketplace.

So whether you need a reflowable or fixed layout format for your eBook, Alpha eBook's ePUB conversion services can help you create an outstanding masterpiece.