Convert ADOC to EPUB

Why Convert ADOC to EPUB?

Converting AsciiDoc to EPUB is the standard workflow for authors who want to publish e-books while maintaining a plain-text, version-controlled source. AsciiDoc's book-oriented features (chapters, sections, cross-references, indexes) map naturally to EPUB's structure, making it ideal for technical books, manuals, and documentation.

EPUB (Electronic Publication) is the dominant open e-book standard, supported by virtually all e-readers except Amazon Kindle (which uses MOBI/AZW). The format is based on web technologies (XHTML, CSS), allowing reflowable content that adapts to different screen sizes and user preferences like font size and line spacing. This makes EPUB perfect for reading on phones, tablets, and dedicated e-readers.

The conversion process transforms your AsciiDoc document structure into EPUB's chapter-based XHTML files, generates navigation documents (NCX for EPUB 2, NAV for EPUB 3), creates the required metadata files, and packages everything into a properly structured ZIP archive. Images, tables, code blocks, and formatting are all preserved in the output.

Key Benefits of Converting ADOC to EPUB:

• E-Reader Distribution: Publish to Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and more
• Reflowable Content: Text adapts to any screen size and user preferences
• Professional Publishing: Industry-standard format for digital books
• Accessibility: Screen reader support and text-to-speech compatibility
• Offline Reading: Complete books downloadable for offline access
• Small File Size: Efficient compression for fast downloads
• Self-Publishing: Direct upload to major e-book platforms

Practical Examples

Example 1: Technical Book

Input AsciiDoc file (programming-guide.adoc):

= Python Programming Guide
John Smith
:doctype: book
:toc:
:sectnums:
:imagesdir: images

[preface]
== Preface

Welcome to the Python Programming Guide.

== Getting Started

=== Installation

Download Python from https://python.org[the official website].

=== Your First Program

[source,python]
----
print("Hello, World!")
----

TIP: Use a virtual environment for projects.

== Data Types

Python supports multiple data types:

* Strings
* Numbers
* Lists
* Dictionaries

Output EPUB file (programming-guide.epub):

Professional e-book with:
✓ Cover page with title and author
✓ Clickable table of contents
✓ Numbered chapters and sections
✓ Code blocks with monospace formatting
✓ Tip callouts styled distinctly
✓ Hyperlinks to external sites
✓ Navigation for e-readers (NCX/NAV)
✓ Ready for Apple Books, Kobo, etc.

Example 2: Novel/Fiction

Input AsciiDoc file (novel.adoc):

= The Mystery of Echo Valley
Jane Author
:doctype: book
:front-cover-image: cover.jpg

[dedication]
For my family.

== Chapter One: The Arrival

The train pulled into the station as the sun set behind
the mountains. Sarah stepped onto the platform, her
suitcase heavy with secrets.

"You must be the new teacher," said a voice from the
shadows.

== Chapter Two: First Impressions

The schoolhouse stood at the edge of town, its windows
dark despite the early hour.

Output EPUB file (novel.epub):

Novel-ready e-book with:
✓ Cover image embedded
✓ Dedication page
✓ Chapter-based navigation
✓ Clean prose formatting
✓ Reflowable text for all devices
✓ Metadata for bookstores
✓ Compatible with all e-readers
✓ Print-replica quality

Example 3: Documentation Manual

Input AsciiDoc file (user-manual.adoc):

= Product User Manual
:doctype: book
:toc:
:icons: font

== Introduction

This manual covers all features of ProductX.

== Installation

=== System Requirements

[cols="1,2"]
|===
|Component |Requirement

|OS |Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Linux
|RAM |4GB minimum
|Storage |500MB free space
|===

=== Quick Start

. Download the installer
. Run setup wizard
. Launch application

WARNING: Always backup data before upgrading.

== Features

image::dashboard.png[Dashboard Screenshot]

The dashboard provides an overview of all activities.

Output EPUB file (user-manual.epub):

Documentation e-book with:
✓ Interactive table of contents
✓ Tables with proper formatting
✓ Numbered instruction steps
✓ Warning callouts with icons
✓ Embedded images
✓ Chapter-based structure
✓ Searchable content
✓ Downloadable for offline reference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is EPUB format?

A: EPUB (Electronic Publication) is the standard e-book format developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF), now part of W3C. It's essentially a ZIP file containing XHTML content, CSS styles, images, and metadata. EPUB supports reflowable content that adapts to different screen sizes and user preferences.

Q: Will my EPUB work on Kindle?

A: Amazon Kindle devices don't natively support EPUB - they use MOBI/AZW formats. However, you can convert EPUB to MOBI using Calibre or our ADOC to MOBI converter. Alternatively, the Kindle app on iOS/Android can import EPUB files, and Amazon's "Send to Kindle" service can convert EPUB automatically.

Q: Is my formatting preserved?

A: Yes! The conversion maps AsciiDoc elements to EPUB/HTML equivalents. Chapters become separate XHTML files, sections create proper heading hierarchy, code blocks are styled with monospace fonts, tables are converted to HTML tables, and images are embedded. Admonitions (NOTE, TIP, WARNING) become styled callout boxes.

Q: What's the difference between EPUB 2 and EPUB 3?

A: EPUB 2 uses XHTML 1.1 and is widely supported by older e-readers. EPUB 3 uses HTML5, supports audio/video, JavaScript interactivity, better accessibility (ARIA), and vertical text for Asian languages. Most modern e-readers support EPUB 3, which is recommended for new publications.

Q: Can I add a cover image?

A: Yes! Include `:front-cover-image: cover.jpg` in your AsciiDoc header, and the image will be set as the EPUB cover. The cover appears in e-reader libraries and bookstore listings. Use a high-resolution image (at least 1400x2100 pixels) for best results on retina displays.

Q: How do I publish my EPUB to bookstores?

A: Upload your EPUB directly to platforms like Apple Books (via iTunes Connect), Google Play Books (via Play Console), Kobo Writing Life, Barnes & Noble Press, or aggregators like Draft2Digital and Smashwords. Each platform has metadata requirements (ISBN, description, categories) but accepts standard EPUB files.

Q: Can I edit the EPUB after conversion?

A: Yes! EPUB files can be edited with tools like Sigil (free, cross-platform), Calibre's editor, or Adobe InDesign. Since EPUB is essentially HTML/CSS in a ZIP file, you can even unzip it and edit the XHTML files directly. However, it's usually better to edit the AsciiDoc source and reconvert.

Q: What about DRM protection?

A: The converter produces DRM-free EPUB files. If you need DRM (Digital Rights Management) for copy protection, it must be applied by the distribution platform (Apple, Kobo, etc.) during the publishing process. Many authors choose DRM-free distribution for better reader experience and compatibility.