Guides
Checking EPUB structure and reading order before handoff
Check the distribution EPUB with a validator and target readers, recording chapter order, navigation, referenced resources and display differences.
Which format should you choose?
Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.
- Fix the edition and target reading systems
- Validate structure and references
- Read in actual target readers
Fix the edition and target reading systems
Record source materials, publication identity, edition, language, reflowable or fixed layout and target reading systems. Check usage conditions for images, fonts and CSS, and external references. Keep source materials separate from the delivery EPUB.
Validate structure and references
Save results from EPUBCheck or another validator, its version and how warnings and errors were addressed. Check manifest resources, the spine's default reading order, navigation and content links. Opening the ZIP is not publication-structure validation.
Read in actual target readers
Check chapter order, navigation, images, tables, footnote links, fonts and text. Test text resizing for reflowable content, viewport fit for fixed layout, and required vertical writing or RTL. Inspect external-resource dependencies and offline gaps. A validator pass does not certify accessibility or display on every device.
Formats to consider
EPUB
Good for: Delivering a structured publication to compatible readers
Less suitable for: Passing the reading experience from an extension or ZIP extraction
Good for: Delivering a separately checked fixed-display viewing copy
Less suitable for: Expecting a PDF copy to preserve EPUB reading order and features
Before you export
- Keep sources, export settings, validation reports and checksums. Repeat validation and representative-device reading after changes.
- Handle scripted publications or external connections in a trusted environment. Check with legitimate access rights, not by bypassing encryption or rights management.