Convert TEX to FB2

Why Convert LaTeX to FB2?

Converting LaTeX documents to FB2 (FictionBook 2) format is particularly useful for distributing content in Russian-speaking markets and Eastern Europe. FB2 is the dominant e-book format in these regions, supported natively by popular e-readers like PocketBook and reader apps like FBReader.

FictionBook was created by Dmitry Gribov in 2004 as an open XML-based format designed for fiction and non-fiction books. Unlike layout-focused formats, FB2 emphasizes semantic structure - it describes what content IS rather than how it looks, allowing e-readers to optimize display for their specific screens.

For academic authors targeting Russian-speaking audiences, FB2 offers excellent metadata support including author information, genres, series data, and annotations. This rich metadata makes books easily discoverable in digital libraries like Flibusta, Lib.rus.ec, and other popular book archives.

While FB2 doesn't natively support mathematical notation like LaTeX, equations can be converted to images for display. For text-heavy academic works, historical analyses, or literary criticism, FB2 provides an excellent reading experience on e-ink devices that are gentle on the eyes.

Key Benefits of Converting TEX to FB2:

• Russian Market Access: Reach millions of readers in Russia and CIS countries
• E-Ink Optimization: Perfect for PocketBook and similar devices
• Rich Metadata: Include detailed author, genre, and series information
• Self-Contained: Single XML file with embedded images
• Open Format: No DRM, easily editable and convertible
• Cyrillic Support: Native UTF-8 support for Russian text
• Library Integration: Compatible with major Russian e-book archives

Practical Examples

Example 1: Academic Book Chapter

Input TEX file (chapter.tex):

\chapter{History of Russian Literature}

\section{The Golden Age}
The nineteenth century marked a
\textbf{golden age} of Russian literature.
Writers like Pushkin, Gogol, and Tolstoy
transformed world literature.

\subsection{Alexander Pushkin}
Often called the founder of modern
Russian literature, Pushkin's works
include \textit{Eugene Onegin} and
\textit{The Bronze Horseman}.

Result: FB2 e-book with proper semantic structure, readable on PocketBook, FBReader, and other FB2-compatible devices.

Example 2: Translated Academic Work

Input TEX file (thesis.tex):

\documentclass{book}
\usepackage[russian]{babel}
\title{Introduction to Quantum Computing}
\author{Dr. Elena Sokolova}

\begin{document}
\maketitle

\chapter{Quantum Bits}
Unlike classical bits that can be
either 0 or 1, quantum bits (qubits)
can exist in a \textbf{superposition}
of both states simultaneously.

This property enables quantum computers
to perform certain calculations
exponentially faster than classical
computers.

Result: FB2 file with full Russian language support and proper metadata for discovery in digital libraries.

Example 3: Literary Analysis

Input TEX file (analysis.tex):

\section{Symbolism in Dostoevsky}

Dostoevsky's use of urban landscapes
in \textit{Crime and Punishment}
serves as a reflection of
Raskolnikov's psychological state.

\begin{quote}
The heat in the street was terrible:
and the airlessness, the bustle and
the plaster, scaffolding, bricks,
and dust all about him...
\end{quote}

This environmental oppression
mirrors the protagonist's inner
turmoil and guilt.

Result: Well-formatted FB2 document preserving quotes, emphasis, and scholarly structure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is FB2 format?

A: FB2 (FictionBook 2) is an open XML-based e-book format created in Russia in 2004. It's designed for fiction and non-fiction books with a focus on semantic structure rather than visual layout. FB2 is the dominant e-book format in Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries.

Q: Can I read FB2 files on Kindle or Apple devices?

A: Kindle doesn't support FB2 natively - you'll need MOBI or AZW3 format. For Apple devices, you can use FBReader app (available on iOS) or convert to EPUB. Calibre can easily convert FB2 to other formats if needed.

Q: What happens to LaTeX equations in FB2?

A: FB2 doesn't have native math support like LaTeX. Mathematical equations are converted to inline images that display correctly on e-readers. For math-heavy documents, consider whether FB2 is the right target format, or use it for text-focused sections only.

Q: Will my images be included in the FB2 file?

A: Yes, images are embedded in the FB2 file using Base64 encoding. This makes the file self-contained - you don't need to distribute separate image files. The images will display on any FB2-compatible reader.

Q: Which e-readers support FB2?

A: PocketBook devices have excellent native FB2 support. Other options include Onyx Boox readers, and software readers like FBReader (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS), CoolReader, and Moon+ Reader. Calibre can also read and convert FB2 files.

Q: Can I include Russian/Cyrillic text?

A: Absolutely! FB2 uses UTF-8 encoding and was specifically designed with Cyrillic support in mind. Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and other Cyrillic scripts are fully supported. Just ensure your LaTeX source uses UTF-8 encoding.

Q: How does FB2 compare to EPUB?

A: Both are open e-book formats, but FB2 is simpler (single XML file vs. ZIP container) and more popular in Eastern Europe. EPUB has broader international support and is required for Apple Books and most Western platforms. For Russian audiences, FB2 is often preferred.