Convert RST to EPUB3
Max file size 100mb.
RST vs EPUB3 Format Comparison
| Aspect | RST (Source Format) | EPUB3 (Target Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format Overview |
RST
reStructuredText
Lightweight markup language developed by the Python community in 2001. Primary format for Python documentation, Sphinx, and Read the Docs. Emphasizes simplicity and readability with explicit, consistent syntax for technical documentation. Python Standard Sphinx Native |
EPUB3
Electronic Publication 3.0
Modern eBook standard released in 2011, now maintained by the W3C. Built on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Supports multimedia, interactivity, and advanced accessibility features. The future of digital publishing. HTML5 Based Multimedia Support |
| Technical Specifications |
Structure: Plain text with indentation-based syntax
Encoding: UTF-8 Format: Docutils markup language Processor: Sphinx, Docutils, Pandoc Extensions: .rst, .rest, .txt |
Structure: ZIP with XHTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
Encoding: UTF-8 (required) Format: Open Container Format 3.0 Standard: EPUB 3.3 (2023) Extensions: .epub |
| Content Structure |
RST document structure: Document Title
==============
Chapter One
-----------
This is **bold** and *italic*.
.. code-block:: python
def hello():
print("Hello")
.. note::
Important information here.
|
EPUB3 features: <!DOCTYPE html>
<html xmlns="..."
xmlns:epub="...">
<head>
<link rel="stylesheet"
href="styles.css"/>
</head>
<body>
<section epub:type="chapter">
<h1>Chapter</h1>
<audio src="audio.mp3"/>
<video src="demo.mp4"/>
</section>
</body>
</html>
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| Content Support |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Version History |
Introduced: 2001 (David Goodger)
Maintained by: Docutils project Status: Stable, actively maintained Primary Tool: Sphinx (2008+) |
EPUB 3.0: 2011 (IDPF)
EPUB 3.1: 2017 EPUB 3.3: 2023 (current) Maintained by: W3C |
| Reader Support |
Sphinx: Native support
Docutils: Reference implementation Pandoc: Full support IDEs: PyCharm, VS Code (extensions) |
Apple Books: Full EPUB3 support
Google Play Books: Full support Kobo: Good EPUB3 support Readium: Reference implementation Thorium Reader: Full support |
Why Convert RST to EPUB3?
Converting reStructuredText (RST) documents to EPUB3 format creates modern eBooks with advanced features that go far beyond traditional eBooks. EPUB3 is built on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, enabling rich multimedia content, interactivity, and superior accessibility.
EPUB3 represents the future of digital publishing. Unlike EPUB2, it supports embedded audio and video, making it perfect for tutorials that include screencasts, presentations with narration, or educational materials with multimedia content. Your RST documentation can become an interactive learning experience.
Accessibility is a key strength of EPUB3. The format supports ARIA roles, media overlays for text-audio synchronization, and semantic markup that works with screen readers. This makes your technical documentation accessible to readers with visual impairments or learning differences.
EPUB3's support for MathML means mathematical equations from your RST documents render beautifully and are accessible to screen readers. For scientific and technical documentation, this is a significant advantage over EPUB2's image-based equation handling.
Key Benefits of Converting RST to EPUB3:
- HTML5 Foundation: Modern web technologies for rich formatting
- Multimedia Support: Embed audio, video, and interactive elements
- Superior Accessibility: WCAG compliance and screen reader support
- MathML Equations: Native mathematical formula rendering
- JavaScript Interactivity: Quizzes, animations, and dynamic content
- CSS3 Styling: Advanced layouts, animations, and typography
- Media Overlays: Synchronized text and audio narration
- Fixed Layout: Option for precise page design
Practical Examples
Example 1: Interactive Tutorial
Input RST file (tutorial.rst):
Python Tutorial
===============
Introduction
------------
Welcome to the **Python Tutorial**.
Watch the introduction video below.
.. raw:: html
<video src="intro.mp4" controls></video>
Basic Syntax
------------
.. code-block:: python
print("Hello, World!")
Output EPUB3 features:
tutorial.epub (EPUB3) ├── HTML5 semantic structure ├── Embedded video playback ├── Syntax-highlighted code blocks ├── CSS3 responsive styling ├── ARIA accessibility labels └── Navigation document (nav.xhtml)
Example 2: Mathematical Documentation
Input RST file (math_docs.rst):
Algorithm Analysis ================== Time Complexity --------------- The algorithm runs in :math:`O(n \log n)` time. The recurrence relation is: .. math:: T(n) = 2T(n/2) + O(n)
Result: EPUB3 with native MathML rendering, accessible to screen readers and displaying properly on all modern e-readers.
Example 3: Accessible Documentation
Use Case: Convert Sphinx documentation to EPUB3 for visually impaired users.
EPUB3 Accessibility Features: ├── Semantic HTML5 (article, section, nav) ├── ARIA roles and labels ├── Alternative text for images ├── Proper heading hierarchy ├── Media overlays for audio sync └── Screen reader compatible tables
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between EPUB2 and EPUB3?
A: EPUB3 is built on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, while EPUB2 uses XHTML 1.1 and CSS2. EPUB3 adds support for audio, video, JavaScript interactivity, MathML, SVG, media overlays, and advanced accessibility features. EPUB3 is the recommended format for modern content.
Q: Will my EPUB3 work on older e-readers?
A: EPUB3 includes backward compatibility features, so basic content will display on older readers. However, advanced features like audio/video, JavaScript, and media overlays require modern readers. For maximum compatibility with older devices, consider EPUB2.
Q: Can I include videos in my EPUB3?
A: Yes, EPUB3 supports embedded video using HTML5 video elements. Recommended formats are MP4 (H.264) and WebM. Note that not all e-readers support video playback - it works best on tablets and reading apps.
Q: What is a media overlay in EPUB3?
A: Media overlays synchronize text with audio narration. As the audio plays, the corresponding text is highlighted. This is valuable for language learning, children's books, and accessibility for visually impaired readers.
Q: Does EPUB3 support mathematical equations?
A: Yes, EPUB3 natively supports MathML for mathematical notation. Equations are rendered properly and are accessible to screen readers. This makes EPUB3 ideal for scientific and technical documentation with complex formulas.
Q: Which e-readers best support EPUB3?
A: Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Kobo have excellent EPUB3 support. For desktop, Thorium Reader and Readium are great choices. The Amazon Kindle ecosystem has limited EPUB3 support but is improving.
Q: Is EPUB3 accessible for screen readers?
A: Yes, EPUB3 was designed with accessibility in mind. It supports ARIA roles, semantic HTML5, and the EPUB Accessibility specification. When properly created, EPUB3 documents can be fully accessible to users of screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Q: Can I add interactivity with JavaScript?
A: EPUB3 supports JavaScript for interactivity, though reader support varies. You can create quizzes, interactive diagrams, and dynamic content. For compatibility, JavaScript should enhance but not be required for core content access.