Benefits of XML conversion

Most of the companies are not sure whether to opt for XML or not. They in fact are least acquainted with the great benefits of XML conversion. Using XML avails you a discipline in the process of publishing. It provides an archival file format to the publication possessions. With extensible markup language, integration of eBook production into workflow of print production can be facilitated. Besides, specialized outputs can be created for all specific purposes. Let’s look into the details. 

Publishing process disciplining

When in XML workflow, you are preparing for production, higher discipline level is anticipated. It will be good for the entire process. To say, usually XML workflows need to use character and paragraph styles to format. When XML workflow is adopted, styling of publications has to be done in a better manner. This applies to all types of documents, whether it is technical book, learning materials or else fiction and nonfiction books. 

You can create a script in normal Word document or else in the InDesign file that check a manuscript for listing the styles used as well as the rigidly coded non-style formatting which has to be addressed. These type of ordered, disciplined and well-organized systems can easily be created within workflow or apart from it. 

Getting an archival future-proof document

Extensible Markup Language is future-proof; publishers know that. It is in fact a textual format which makes use of tags in the text for representing the formatting as well as semantic data regarding the content. The content is normally coded as UTF-8 text or ASCII. This is something that differential XML from application files; the latter are usually binary and can’t be used external to the application. Thus when you adopt XML for creating digital books, the publication assets can be made available for application available now and for those in future. 

Underlying file formats will surely be readable for decades to come and you can therefore confidently save the documents in these formats. 

• Word .docx
  
• InDesign .idml
  
• Adobe .pdf
  
• Adobe .dng
  
• .jpg, .png, .tiff
  

Making the production of eBook easier

When an XML file archive is produced from the publishing process, creating eBooks can be really simpler. Most of the digital conversion service providers promise the same. However, achieving it has always been expensive and elusive.  Underlying points, if considered can be quite illuminating when it comes to eBook production process.  

• InDesign can be regarded as the right place for maintaining the publication’s canonical archival edition. 
  
• EPub export of InDesign is in fact worthless and it’s not advisable to use it. 
  
• InDesign can hold all structures you need to appear in the eBook with InDesign publication context. 
  
• InDesign .idml can serve as source for the production workflow of eBooks.
  
• EPubs are .zip files with .css and .xhtml together with several eBook structure docs. 
  
• You can create Kindle eBooks from ePub files, produced by ePub conversion. 
  

Specialized outputs creation 

For specific channels, specialized outputs can be generated with XML workflow. It is actually the best way to make sure that content can be provided in such a format so as to meet the particular requirements. Companies providing artwork services can be benefited immensely. 

When it comes to digital content, it can have several entities within text itself that are tagged as well as indexed. Often, tagged text is used in apps and eBooks where it is expected for scripture references to act as links. The way we store such tags, particularly in case of workflow that is InDesign-centric is still a matter to be solved for meeting publisher needs. 

Among the advantages of using XML files and workflow detailed above, only two are directly related to it- reorganizing and normalizing the production of eBooks as well as specialized outputs creation.  In both, it serves as the medium via which content transports and it is transformed into another format. For eBooks, the entire content structures that are needed can be obtained within a workflow that is InDesign-centered. At the same time, content structuring for online database is dependent completely on requirements of the specific database. 

Other advantages detailed are not directly associated with the XML workflow usage. However, they can be easily achieved in a conventional publishing workflow. Still, it can be interpreted that if XML workflow is adopted, it can be of great help in obtaining these benefits.  Thus in short, future of XML technology seems more promising. 

There are a surfeit of digital publishing companies offering eBook conversion services and XML conversion services.  Rely only on those who have a specialized team for carrying out XML conversion process and all related procedures. You will have to carry out an extensive research but its worth the effort taken and time invested. 

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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