4 Replies Latest reply: Mar 16, 2014 9:55 AM by SueCampbell54 RSS

    Can I make table with tiled image in a cell and text on top, exported to epub?

    SueCampbell54 Community Member
    SueCampbell54 Mar 15, 2014 11:28 AM

      I want to make a table that will export to a flowable epub that has three cells: a top and bottom cell each with a unique image in them. A center cell with text and a repeating tiled background image. Is there a way I could do this in InDesign and have it export to epub? I've managed to do it in CSS without the tiled image. Looks like this:

      SB.jpgimageSB.jpg

      If it worked it would something like the second image.

      I haven't managed the repeating tiled image in the cell. If I could do it in Indesign it would be so much faster. Can't stack a text box on top in an epub. And I want it to tile so that if the user chooses a different font size the box would adjust. This will be a flowable epub not a fix layout one.

       

      Any ideas?

       

      Sue Campbell


        • 1. Re: Can I make table with tiled image in a cell and text on top, exported to epub?
          Willi Adelberger Community Member
          Willi Adelberger Mar 16, 2014 12:35 AM (in response to SueCampbell54)

          Reflowing text with that image? No. But you can group it and handle with the Object Export Options to export it as an image with text.

           

          BTW: Any question—specially those connected to EPUB—require more information:

          • Version and Dot-Version of InDesign
          • Language version
          • Operating System and version
          • 2. Re: Can I make table with tiled image in a cell and text on top, exported to epub?
            SueCampbell54 Community Member
            SueCampbell54 Mar 16, 2014 9:42 AM (in response to Willi Adelberger)

            Thanks, Will, for the response. It's version InDesign 9.2 CC, on a Mac, 10.8.5. To EPUB 3.0, English. It's complicated a little bit in that the EPUB will be incorporated in an app and deployed on iOS and Android mobile devices (and Kindle Fires). The programmers will take care of compatibility issues. My job is to make sure the content displays as intended. The text must flow and be searchable as it contects to a database. So, the "object export as image" won't work, though is handy for other things. I just learned about that option! 

             

            The background image is not essential, but it would be really nice. The first version sorta works. Though, it would be nice if I could get a better visual result coming directly out of InDesign without having to futz with the CSS so much. I do not know CSS and I am learning it on the fly—under deadline—most painfully. The table does not look this nice coming out of InDesign. It loses the background color, and for some reason epub always wants to put a 1px black stroke on tables or boxes. Once I get all my styles perfected, I hope to have master CSS files to apply to each epub of this type—there will be many.

             

            Looking for some whiz-bang solution—Adobe, everythings going e-mobile so, help me out!!

             

            Thanks!

            • 3. Re: Can I make table with tiled image in a cell and text on top, exported to epub?
              Ellis home Community Member
              Ellis home Mar 16, 2014 9:49 AM (in response to SueCampbell54)

              Have you tried grouping and using Window/Articles. You'll need to use EPUB Export Options/General/Content Order/Same as Articles Panel.

              • 4. Re: Can I make table with tiled image in a cell and text on top, exported to epub?
                SueCampbell54 Community Member
                SueCampbell54 Mar 16, 2014 9:55 AM (in response to Ellis home)

                HI Ellis,

                 

                I'm not sure how using Content Order would help me. The table (or indeed grouped boxes—tried that too) is anchored in text and appears just where it should in the epub. The issue is a rescalable box/cell with a tiled image and live text on top.

                 

                Thanks,

                Sue