Kindle for iOS not supporting all CSS/KF8 features?

Oxford-eBooks · 01-13-2014, 05:44 PM

I've been working on a fairly complex eBook for ePub and Kindle formats and it uses a good sprinkling of CSS compatible with the KF8 format.

So, my eBook looks absolutely beautiful on iBooks for the ePub version and just as fantastic on a Kindle eInk device in its Mobi form as well as holding up pretty well on the Kindle Previewer on the Fire range. It falls dead on the older non KF8 devices but that's okay.

However, when I come to try it on Kindle for iOS, it looks AWFUL (both on the iPad and Previewer). Seems that the FLOAT CSS elements aren't supported or something like that.

Anyone know what the deal is there? I'd be surprised if the Kindle for iOS APP is significantly different.

(stop press)
I just downloaded the very latest version of Previewer and my fully compliant file (I know it is as I use all the right tools to check it) makes the previewer hang... not incredibly impressed at the moment.

jswinden · 01-13-2014, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oxford-eBooks

I've been working on a fairly complex eBook for ePub and Kindle formats and it uses a good sprinkling of CSS compatible with the KF8 format.

So, my eBook looks absolutely beautiful on iBooks for the ePub version and just as fantastic on a Kindle eInk device in its Mobi form as well as holding up pretty well on the Kindle Previewer on the Fire range. It falls dead on the older non KF8 devices but that's okay.

However, when I come to try it on Kindle for iOS, it looks AWFUL (both on the iPad and Previewer). Seems that the FLOAT CSS elements aren't supported or something like that.

Anyone know what the deal is there? I'd be surprised if the Kindle for iOS APP is significantly different.

(stop press)
I just downloaded the very latest version of Previewer and my fully compliant file (I know it is as I use all the right tools to check it) makes the previewer hang... not incredibly impressed at the moment.

Previewer has been acting up for a while now, at least the Mac version.

Unfortunately, Amazon does not seem to support all of KF8 in the Kindle for iOS app. They never have as far as I can tell. I've had issues with rounded boarders and embedded fonts, just to name a couple of things that work well with Kindle eInk devices but not so much in the iOS app. Apparently Amazon doesn't send the actual KF8 book file to your iOS device. It sends a file type only used for Kindle iOS app.

ETA: Amazon sends an AZK file to the Kindle for iOS app. See the MR Wiki on AZK files.

Doitsu · 01-13-2014, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oxford-eBooks

However, when I come to try it on Kindle for iOS, it looks AWFUL (both on the iPad and Previewer). Seems that the FLOAT CSS elements aren't supported or something like that.

AFAIK, the current Kindle Previewer versions (2.9.2) no longer support the preview of iOS versions. Instead they'll generate .azk files that you're supposed to sideload to your iOS devices for testing purposes.

Did you create an .azk file and sideload it to the device?

susan_cassidy · 01-13-2014, 07:37 PM

Should you really be using "float" in an ebook for a 6" screen?

jswinden · 01-13-2014, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doitsu

AFAIK, the current Kindle Previewer versions (2.9.2) no longer support the preview of iOS versions. Instead they'll generate .azk files that you're supposed to sideload to your iOS devices for testing purposes.

Did you create an .azk file and sideload it to the device?

Wow, thanks I had never tried that before. I created a simple one page book with multiple embedded fonts and created the AZK via Previewer then loaded it with iTunes. I can actually see the fonts now!

....

Oxford-eBooks · 01-14-2014, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susan_cassidy

Should you really be using "float" in an ebook for a 6" screen?

Yup, little side icons work just fine. This isn't aimed at the mobile market anyhow.

Oxford-eBooks · 01-14-2014, 05:33 AM

Yes, it seems the answer is to drag your MOBI into previewer, select iOS and let it make an AZK.
In my case it took AGES. I just left my computer on when I went away to eat and it was done, so not sure how long it really took.
Sideloaded by dragging into the file area on iTunes for hte Kindle app and it checks out great so far.

Going to add this little trick to my cribsheet! +1 to all those who also mentioned this trick.

01-13-2014, 05:44 PM	#1
Oxford-eBooks Zealot Posts: 127 Karma: 12096 Join Date: May 2010 Device: Loads!	Kindle for iOS not supporting all CSS/KF8 features? I've been working on a fairly complex eBook for ePub and Kindle formats and it uses a good sprinkling of CSS compatible with the KF8 format. So, my eBook looks absolutely beautiful on iBooks for the ePub version and just as fantastic on a Kindle eInk device in its Mobi form as well as holding up pretty well on the Kindle Previewer on the Fire range. It falls dead on the older non KF8 devices but that's okay. However, when I come to try it on Kindle for iOS, it looks AWFUL (both on the iPad and Previewer). Seems that the FLOAT CSS elements aren't supported or something like that. Anyone know what the deal is there? I'd be surprised if the Kindle for iOS APP is significantly different. (stop press) I just downloaded the very latest version of Previewer and my fully compliant file (I know it is as I use all the right tools to check it) makes the previewer hang... not incredibly impressed at the moment.

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01-13-2014, 07:37 PM	#4
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	Should you really be using "float" in an ebook for a 6" screen?

01-14-2014, 05:33 AM	#7
Oxford-eBooks Zealot Posts: 127 Karma: 12096 Join Date: May 2010 Device: Loads!	Yes, it seems the answer is to drag your MOBI into previewer, select iOS and let it make an AZK. In my case it took AGES. I just left my computer on when I went away to eat and it was done, so not sure how long it really took. Sideloaded by dragging into the file area on iTunes for hte Kindle app and it checks out great so far. Going to add this little trick to my cribsheet! +1 to all those who also mentioned this trick.

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