1. Introduction

This guide explains the normal behaviour of modern reflowable EPUB eBooks. Many concerns reported by authors are actually expected characteristics of the format rather than conversion errors.

2. What is a Reflowable eBook?

A reflowable EPUB automatically adapts to different screen sizes, devices and reader preferences. Readers can change font size, margins, orientation and sometimes fonts.

3. Why EPUBs Differ from PDFs and Printed Books

Unlike PDFs and printed books, EPUBs do not preserve a fixed page layout. Their purpose is readability across many devices rather than exact visual replication.

4. Images, Captions and Layout

Images and captions may occasionally appear on different screens because content reflows dynamically. This is normal behaviour. Combining captions into images can prevent separation but reduces accessibility and searchability.

5. Fonts and Typography

Readers often have the ability to override fonts. Some reading systems ignore embedded fonts entirely. Therefore, font appearance may vary between devices.

6. Device and App Differences

The same EPUB may display slightly differently in Apple Books, Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books and Adobe Digital Editions because each uses a different rendering engine.

7. Cover Images and Thumbnails

Cover thumbnails may not appear immediately on all devices. Some applications generate thumbnails only after importing, indexing or reopening the eBook.

8. Copyright and Imprint Pages

When presented as live text, these pages may span more than one screen. This is expected in a reflowable environment.

9. Searchable Text vs Image-Based Text

Live text supports searching, copying, accessibility features and resizing. Text converted into images loses these advantages.

10. Fixed Layout vs Reflowable EPUB

Fixed-layout EPUBs preserve exact positioning but are less flexible. Reflowable EPUBs prioritise accessibility and compatibility.

11. Reviewing Your eBook

Review the EPUB on more than one device or reading application whenever possible. Focus on readability, navigation, image quality and overall functionality.

12. Common Misconceptions

Differences in page breaks, spacing, line endings and image placement do not necessarily indicate problems with the EPUB.

13. What Constitutes a Genuine Conversion Issue?

Missing content, broken links, navigation errors, corrupted images, formatting inconsistencies caused by conversion and EPUB validation failures should be reported.

14. Author Checklist

Before reporting an issue, check whether the concern may be caused by device settings, font size changes, app-specific rendering or other normal reflowable EPUB behaviour.