PDF to Epub via Indesign

In some cases, an EPUB will display better than a PDF--for instance, on an ereader. An EPUB is essentially an HTML document, and so it will reflow nicely at different window sizes.

You can make an instant conversion of PDF to EPUB using a number of different applications. A very good one is the Opensource program, Calibre.

A PDF is often formatted for a larger sized output. You may want a bit more control over the way in which the document displays at smaller sizes such as on a cell phone.So here's a step-by-step that worked for me. YMMV.

1. Export the PDF to a MS Word DOC file from Acrobat. This file will crash Indesign CS5, as will an RTF exported in the same way. So upload the file to Google Docs, then download it as a MS Word DOC file. The downloaded version will not crash Indesign. (Go figure.) If you don't have Indesign, you can open the document in Word directly from the PDF. You can probably get to EPUB from there, but I've never tried it.

2. In Indesign, create a document that is approximate to the size of your reader. Be sure to include as many pages as you will need, and click off of "Facing Pages."

3. Place the DOC file, selecting "Show Import Options." Hold down the Shift/Alt keys (PC) or Shift/Option on those funny computers.

4. Click in the upper left hand corner of the margin guide on the  first page. The text will magically fill the document. Check to make certain that everything came in as expected, and make whatever adjustments that may be necessary.

That's it. You're done.
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SEE ALSO:

• The Alkido Reader. This app works great for displaying EPUBs on my Android phone.