5 Replies Latest reply: Aug 9, 2013 11:28 AM by BobLevine RSS

    epub vs. app?

    unioman Community Member

      I'm totally new to digital publishing. We have a client that said they may want to go the epub route rather than print for their newsletters. From things I've seen (maybe outdated), it seems epub is very limited.

       

      When you create an app through Folio Builder and Viewer Buidler (so it can be viewed on an iPad or Android), does that let you go far beyond the epub regarding formatting (multi columns if desired, image placement, ...)? Is it also a standalone app (so that you don't need an app to view it)?

       

      It seems people say epub cannot do multi-column (don't want it on a phone, but you might on a larger device). But examples I've seen on some YouTube videos show multi-column layouts when using DPS.

       

      Can someone give some clarity? Thanks.

       

      Don

        • 1. Re: epub vs. app?
          BobLevine CommunityMVP

          Layouts in DPS apps are limited pretty much only by your imagination and

          InDesign skills. EPUB has its place but is more limted as far as layout

          goes.

          • 2. Re: epub vs. app?
            unioman Community Member

            Thanks for the response. I thought that was probably the case. Is the main issue designing for the different sized devices? I'm thinking if the design is somewhat complicated, you would have to design based on size (simpler design for phones, more complicated for tablets is okay).

             

            Do you need to go through the Cloud to use the Folio Builder or Viewer Builder or can you work on your local computer?

             

            Thanks.

            • 3. Re: epub vs. app?
              BobLevine CommunityMVP

              Unless you have a pro or enterprise account you will be designing for

              iPad only.

               

              With Creative Cloud you get unlimted DPS Single Edition apps otherwise

              you'll pay $395 for each one.

               

              You can use all of the tools free of charge until you want to put an app

              on the app store. At that point you'll need an Apple Developer account

              and a Mac.

              • 4. Re: epub vs. app?
                unioman Community Member

                Can the apps one can create with DPS be opened on computers (Windows/Mac OS) or just on other devices like tablets and phones?

                 

                Are the apps considered an "Open Publication Structure" like an ePub? A client seems to be wanting an "Open Publication Structure" and I'm not sure if an app can qualify.

                 

                Thanks.

                • 5. Re: epub vs. app?
                  BobLevine CommunityMVP

                  Apps are created using a proprietary format and intended for iPad only.