Convert ORG to EPUB3

Why Convert ORG to EPUB3?

Converting Org-mode documents to EPUB3 gives you access to the most advanced e-book format available. Unlike EPUB2, EPUB3 supports HTML5, CSS3, embedded audio/video, MathML equations, and JavaScript interactivity. This makes it ideal for creating rich, interactive digital publications.

EPUB3 is the standard for modern educational content. If you're creating textbooks, tutorials, or courses in Org-mode, EPUB3 preserves your LaTeX math as native MathML, ensuring equations display perfectly on any device. Screen readers can also interpret MathML for accessibility.

The format excels for multimedia content. You can embed video tutorials, audio explanations, and interactive diagrams directly in your e-book. This is perfect for language learning materials, music instruction, or any content that benefits from audio-visual elements.

Accessibility is a key advantage of EPUB3. Built-in support for ARIA attributes, semantic HTML5, and text-to-speech makes your content accessible to readers with disabilities. Many publishers now require EPUB3 for accessibility compliance.

Key Benefits of Converting ORG to EPUB3:

• Multimedia Support: Embed audio, video, and interactive elements
• Math Equations: LaTeX converts to native MathML
• Modern Styling: Full CSS3 for professional typography
• Accessibility: ARIA, SSML, and screen reader support
• Interactivity: JavaScript for quizzes and dynamic content
• Vector Graphics: SVG support for scalable illustrations
• Future-Proof: W3C standard with ongoing development

Practical Examples

Example 1: Educational Content with Math

Input ORG file (physics.org):

#+TITLE: Introduction to Physics
#+AUTHOR: Prof. Richard Feynman

* Chapter 1: Mechanics

** Newton's Second Law

The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration:

$$F = ma$$

Where:
- $F$ is force in Newtons
- $m$ is mass in kilograms
- $a$ is acceleration in m/s^2

** Energy Conservation

Kinetic energy: $E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$

Potential energy: $E_p = mgh$

Output EPUB3 features:

- LaTeX equations rendered as MathML
- Screen readers can speak equations
- Equations scale perfectly on any screen
- No images needed for math
- Works offline on all devices

Example 2: Multimedia Textbook

Input ORG file (language.org):

#+TITLE: Learn Spanish
#+AUTHOR: Language Academy

* Lesson 1: Greetings

** Vocabulary

Listen to the pronunciation:
[[file:audio/greetings.mp3]]

Watch the conversation:
[[file:video/dialogue1.mp4]]

| Spanish       | English     |
|---------------+-------------|
| Hola          | Hello       |
| Buenos dias   | Good morning|
| Adios         | Goodbye     |

Output EPUB3 features:

- Audio files play inline with controls
- Video embedded with HTML5 player
- Tables styled with CSS3
- Works on tablets and e-readers
- No internet required after download

Example 3: Accessible Documentation

Input ORG file (manual.org):

#+TITLE: Accessibility Guidelines
#+AUTHOR: A11Y Team

* Introduction

This document follows WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

** Screen Reader Support

All images include descriptive alt text:

#+CAPTION: Workflow diagram showing three steps
[[file:workflow.svg]]

** Keyboard Navigation

Press Tab to navigate between sections.

Output EPUB3 accessibility features:

- Semantic HTML5 structure
- ARIA landmarks for navigation
- Alt text preserved from captions
- SVG graphics scale infinitely
- Text-to-speech ready
- High contrast CSS support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between EPUB and EPUB3?

A: EPUB3 is the modern version with HTML5, CSS3, audio/video, MathML, and JavaScript support. EPUB2 uses XHTML 1.1 and has no multimedia capabilities. Most modern e-readers support EPUB3, though some older devices only support EPUB2.

Q: Will my LaTeX equations convert properly?

A: Yes! EPUB3 supports MathML, so LaTeX equations from your Org document are converted to native MathML. This means perfect rendering on any device without relying on images. Screen readers can also interpret the equations for accessibility.

Q: Can I embed videos in EPUB3?

A: Yes, EPUB3 supports embedded HTML5 audio and video. However, not all e-readers have good video playback. Apple Books, Thorium Reader, and tablet apps generally handle multimedia well. Dedicated e-ink readers may not play video.

Q: Which e-readers support EPUB3?

A: Kobo devices have excellent EPUB3 support including JavaScript. Apple Books fully supports EPUB3 features. Google Play Books supports most features. Amazon Kindle doesn't natively support EPUB but converts EPUB3 to Kindle format with some feature loss.

Q: Is EPUB3 good for accessibility?

A: EPUB3 is the best e-book format for accessibility. It supports ARIA attributes, semantic HTML5, MathML for readable equations, and SSML for text-to-speech guidance. Many accessibility regulations now require EPUB3 for digital publications.

Q: Can I add interactive quizzes?

A: EPUB3 supports JavaScript, so interactive elements like quizzes, flashcards, and form inputs are possible. However, JavaScript support varies by reader. For maximum compatibility, keep interactivity optional or provide fallbacks.

Q: Will the file size be larger than EPUB2?

A: If you embed multimedia (audio, video), yes, the file will be larger. For text-only content with MathML and SVG, the size is comparable to EPUB2. Consider optimizing media files and using appropriate compression.

Q: Can I create fixed-layout EPUB3?

A: Yes, EPUB3 supports both reflowable (text adapts to screen) and fixed-layout (pixel-perfect positioning) modes. Fixed layout is useful for comics, children's books, and design-heavy content. The default conversion creates reflowable layout.