Convert ADOC to EPUB3

Why Convert ADOC to EPUB3?

Converting AsciiDoc documents to EPUB3 format enables you to create modern, feature-rich e-books that take advantage of the latest web technologies. EPUB3 is the newest version of the EPUB standard, offering significant improvements over EPUB2 including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and enhanced accessibility support.

AsciiDoc's powerful markup capabilities translate well to EPUB3's modern features. Complex document structures, code blocks, admonitions, and cross-references are transformed into semantic HTML5 with proper CSS styling. This ensures your technical documentation and books render beautifully on modern e-readers while maintaining accessibility standards.

EPUB3 is particularly valuable for educational content, technical documentation, and accessibility-focused publishing. It supports MathML for mathematical formulas, SVG for vector graphics, and SMIL for media overlays (enabling read-aloud functionality). The format is also W3C recommended, ensuring long-term viability.

The conversion process uses Pandoc for intelligent document transformation, producing well-structured EPUB3 files with proper navigation, semantic markup, and styling. The resulting e-books work on Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, Nook, and most modern e-reading applications.

Key Benefits of Converting ADOC to EPUB3:

• Modern Web Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript support
• Enhanced Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 compliance and ARIA support
• Rich Media: Embed audio, video, and interactive content
• Mathematical Content: Native MathML support for formulas
• Vector Graphics: SVG support for scalable illustrations
• Media Overlays: Synchronize text with audio narration
• W3C Standard: Open format with long-term support

Practical Examples

Example 1: Interactive Technical Book

Input AsciiDoc file (techbook.adoc):

= Modern JavaScript Guide
Jane Developer
:toc: left
:icons: font
:stem: latexmath

== Introduction

Welcome to modern JavaScript development.

== Core Concepts

=== Variables and Scope

The `let` and `const` keywords provide block scoping.

[source,javascript]
----
const PI = 3.14159;
let radius = 5;
let area = PI * radius ** 2;
----

NOTE: Always prefer `const` when values won't change.

=== Mathematical Formulas

The area of a circle: stem:[A = \pi r^2]

Output EPUB3 file (techbook.epub):

Modern EPUB3 e-book featuring:
- Semantic HTML5 structure
- CSS3 styled code blocks
- MathML mathematical formulas
- Accessible navigation (NCX + Nav doc)
- Note callouts with proper styling
- Works on Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play
- Fully accessible with screen readers

Example 2: Educational Textbook

Input AsciiDoc file (textbook.adoc):

= Biology 101: Cell Structure
Dr. Sarah Smith
:doctype: book
:icons: font

[preface]
== About This Book

This textbook introduces cell biology fundamentals.

== Chapter 1: The Cell

=== Cell Theory

All living organisms are composed of cells.

.Cell Comparison
|===
|Feature |Plant Cell |Animal Cell

|Cell Wall
|Present (cellulose)
|Absent

|Chloroplasts
|Present
|Absent
|===

TIP: Remember the key differences between cell types.

Output EPUB3 file (textbook.epub):

Educational EPUB3 textbook:
- Proper book structure (preface, chapters)
- Tables with responsive styling
- Tip callouts for study aids
- Enhanced accessibility for students
- Navigation landmarks for easy reference
- Compatible with educational platforms

Example 3: Accessible Documentation

Input AsciiDoc file (accessible.adoc):

= Accessibility Guidelines
:author: Accessibility Team
:toc:
:toclevels: 3

== Introduction

This document covers web accessibility best practices.

== Visual Design

=== Color Contrast

Ensure sufficient contrast ratios.

[sidebar]
.Quick Reference
****
- Normal text: 4.5:1 minimum
- Large text: 3:1 minimum
- UI components: 3:1 minimum
****

IMPORTANT: Always test with real users.

Output EPUB3 file (accessible.epub):

Accessibility-focused EPUB3:
- ARIA landmarks throughout
- Semantic HTML5 structure
- Screen reader optimized
- High contrast styling options
- Keyboard navigation support
- WCAG 2.0 compliant structure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is EPUB3 and how is it different from EPUB2?

A: EPUB3 is the latest version of the EPUB e-book standard, now maintained by W3C. Unlike EPUB2, EPUB3 supports HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, MathML, SVG, and media overlays. It offers better typography, enhanced accessibility features, and support for interactive and multimedia content. EPUB3 also introduces fixed-layout support for comics and magazines.

Q: Will my EPUB3 work on Kindle?

A: Amazon Kindle doesn't natively support EPUB3 format. However, you can convert EPUB3 to AZW3 (Kindle format) using our converter or tools like Calibre. Alternatively, use our ADOC to AZW3 converter directly. Note that some EPUB3-specific features like JavaScript interactivity won't transfer to Kindle format.

Q: Are mathematical formulas supported?

A: Yes! EPUB3 natively supports MathML for mathematical formulas. If your AsciiDoc document uses the `:stem:` attribute for math notation, these will be converted to MathML in the EPUB3 output. Most modern e-readers like Apple Books and Calibre render MathML beautifully.

Q: Can I include audio and video in EPUB3?

A: EPUB3 supports embedded audio and video through HTML5 media elements. However, support varies by e-reader. Apple Books has excellent multimedia support, while e-ink devices typically don't support audio/video playback. For audiobook synchronization, EPUB3 supports SMIL media overlays.

Q: What about accessibility in EPUB3?

A: EPUB3 was designed with accessibility as a core feature. It supports ARIA attributes, semantic HTML5 elements, navigation landmarks, and metadata for describing accessibility features. The conversion from AsciiDoc produces semantically structured content that works well with screen readers and assistive technologies.

Q: Which e-readers support EPUB3?

A: Most modern e-readers and apps support EPUB3 including Apple Books (excellent support), Google Play Books, Kobo e-readers and app, Barnes & Noble Nook, Calibre, Adobe Digital Editions 4.5+, and most reading apps. Some older e-ink devices may have limited EPUB3 feature support.

Q: Will code blocks with syntax highlighting work?

A: Code blocks from AsciiDoc are converted to properly formatted HTML with appropriate styling. While full syntax highlighting with colors may depend on the e-reader's CSS support, the code structure and formatting are preserved. E-readers like Apple Books and Calibre display styled code blocks well.

Q: Is EPUB3 better than EPUB2 for my technical documentation?

A: For technical documentation, EPUB3 is significantly better. It offers native MathML support for formulas, better code block styling with CSS3, SVG for diagrams, and enhanced navigation. The semantic HTML5 structure also makes technical content more accessible and better organized than EPUB2.