Convert Typst to EPUB3

Why Convert Typst to EPUB3?

Converting Typst to EPUB3 produces ebooks using the most advanced open ebook standard available. EPUB3's support for MathML makes it particularly well-suited for Typst documents containing mathematical expressions -- the math from your Typst source can be rendered natively in EPUB3 readers without resorting to images or text approximations.

EPUB3 builds on HTML5 and CSS3 technologies, providing modern web-standard capabilities within an ebook package. This means your converted Typst documents benefit from advanced typography, SVG graphics support, and potential JavaScript interactivity. For technical and scientific authors, EPUB3 is the ideal ebook format because it handles the complex content that simpler formats cannot.

The accessibility features of EPUB3 are another compelling reason for this conversion. EPUB3 supports WCAG accessibility guidelines, enabling screen reader navigation, alternative text for images, and semantic markup that assistive technologies can interpret. This makes your Typst content accessible to readers with visual impairments or other disabilities.

Key Benefits of Converting Typst to EPUB3:

• MathML Support: Native mathematical equation rendering in EPUB3 readers
• HTML5 Content: Modern web technologies for rich formatting
• Accessibility: WCAG-compliant for assistive technology support
• CSS3 Styling: Advanced typography and layout capabilities
• SVG Graphics: Scalable vector graphics embedded in the ebook
• Semantic Markup: Rich HTML5 elements for document structure
• W3C Standard: Future-proof, vendor-neutral open standard

Practical Examples

Example 1: STEM Textbook with Math

Input Typst file (textbook.typ):

= Calculus: An Introduction

== Limits
The formal definition of a limit:

$ lim_(x -> a) f(x) = L $

means that for every $epsilon > 0$, there
exists a $delta > 0$ such that:

$ |f(x) - L| < epsilon "whenever"
  0 < |x - a| < delta $

== Derivatives
The derivative is defined as:
$ f'(x) = lim_(h -> 0) (f(x+h) - f(x)) / h $

Output EPUB3 file (textbook.epub):

EPUB3 with MathML:
- Equations rendered via MathML elements
- Limit and derivative formulas displayed
- Greek letters (epsilon, delta) native
- Chapter navigation with TOC
- Accessible math for screen readers
- Readable on Apple Books, Kobo
- CSS3 styling for professional look

Example 2: Interactive Programming Guide

Input Typst file (guide.typ):

= Python Data Structures

== Lists
Python lists are *ordered*, _mutable_
collections:

```python
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
fruits.append("date")
print(len(fruits))  # Output: 4
```

== Dictionaries
#table(
  columns: 3,
  [Method], [Description], [Returns],
  [`keys()`], [All keys], [dict_keys],
  [`values()`], [All values], [dict_values],
  [`items()`], [Key-value pairs], [dict_items],
)

Output EPUB3 file (guide.epub):

Modern EPUB3 ebook:
- HTML5 semantic markup
- Code blocks with CSS3 styling
- Table rendered with HTML5 elements
- CSS3-styled headings and layout
- Responsive to reader font settings
- EPUB3 nav document for navigation
- Accessible code examples

Example 3: Scientific Publication

Input Typst file (paper.typ):

#set document(
  title: "Quantum Computing Primer",
  author: "Dr. Elena Quantum",
)

= Quantum Computing Primer

== Qubits
A qubit state is represented as:
$ |psi angle.r = alpha |0 angle.r
  + beta |1 angle.r $

where $ |alpha|^2 + |beta|^2 = 1 $.

#figure(
  image("bloch-sphere.svg"),
  caption: [Bloch sphere representation],
)

Output EPUB3 file (paper.epub):

EPUB3 scientific publication:
- MathML for quantum state notation
- SVG image embedded natively
- Metadata with title and author
- EPUB3 accessibility annotations
- Screen reader friendly math
- Scalable vector graphics support
- W3C standards compliant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between EPUB and EPUB3?

A: EPUB3 is the latest version of the EPUB standard. Key improvements over EPUB 2 include HTML5 content (instead of XHTML 1.1), CSS3 styling, MathML for math equations, SVG graphics, JavaScript support, media overlays for audio, and enhanced accessibility features. EPUB3 uses the same .epub file extension.

Q: Are Typst math expressions rendered with MathML in EPUB3?

A: Yes. EPUB3 natively supports MathML, so Typst math expressions can be converted to MathML elements that render properly in compatible readers. This provides much better math display than EPUB 2, which had no native math support. Apple Books and Kobo have strong MathML rendering.

Q: Which e-readers support EPUB3?

A: Most modern e-readers support EPUB3, including Apple Books (iOS/macOS), Kobo devices, Google Play Books, Thorium Reader, and Readium. Older e-readers may have partial EPUB3 support. Amazon Kindle does not natively support EPUB but accepts EPUB for conversion during KDP publishing.

Q: Does EPUB3 support accessibility features?

A: Yes. EPUB3 has comprehensive accessibility support aligned with WCAG guidelines. This includes ARIA roles, alternative text for images, semantic HTML5 elements, page navigation, and accessibility metadata. The DAISY Consortium's Ace tool can check EPUB3 accessibility compliance.

Q: Can EPUB3 contain interactive content?

A: EPUB3 supports JavaScript for interactive elements like quizzes, interactive diagrams, and dynamic content. However, JavaScript support varies across reading systems, so interactive features should degrade gracefully. Static content from Typst converts without issues.

Q: How are Typst figures handled in EPUB3?

A: Typst figures are converted to HTML5 <figure> elements with <figcaption> for captions. SVG images are embedded natively (EPUB3 supports SVG), while raster images are included as PNG or JPEG. Image alt-text is added for accessibility.

Q: Can I validate the EPUB3 output?

A: Yes. Use the W3C's EPUBCheck tool for structural and content validation, and DAISY's Ace tool for accessibility checking. Both are free and open source. Valid EPUB3 files are required for most ebook distribution platforms.

Q: Is EPUB3 backward compatible with EPUB 2 readers?

A: EPUB3 includes a fallback mechanism for older readers, but advanced features like MathML, SVG, and JavaScript will not be available on EPUB 2-only readers. Basic text content and formatting are generally accessible. For maximum compatibility, our EPUB (non-EPUB3) converter produces EPUB 2 output.