Suggestion: export to LaTeX

Jellby · 08-31-2009, 11:05 AM

I was trying to find a way to convert (X)HTML+CSS to LaTeX, and couldn't find anything... so I wonder if it could be possible to add LaTeX export functionality to calibre, since it can already read, manage, flatten, etc. (X)HTML+CSS.

The idea is to make it easier to generate good-looking PDFs from other ebook formats, using LaTeX's typographic strengths. Using other features of LaTeX, like cross-referencing, sectioning commands, etc. would be secondary, the primary goal I have in mind is replicating (more or less) the look of the page. This means I would rather translate <h1>Title</h1> as {\Huge\textbf{Title}}, and not as \chapter{Title}.

kovidgoyal · 08-31-2009, 11:23 AM

calibre already has a PDF output plugin. Is that not suitable for your needs?

Jellby · 08-31-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

calibre already has a PDF output plugin. Is that not suitable for your needs?

Actually, I haven't tried it, but I assume it uses some kind of standard HTML renderer to build the PDF pages, right?

I was after a way to calm down typography zealots (and I'm sometimes one of them), so either exporting to LaTeX or using advanced features (good h&j algorithm, ligatures, character protrusion...) would be needed. In other words, while we wait for better typography being implemented in reading software, I thought I could try using LaTeX to convert other ebook formats to PDF as an alternative to distributing the pre-made PDFs.

kovidgoyal · 08-31-2009, 02:51 PM

Ah, I see. Frankly, typography zealots aren't important enough to me

But I'm always willing to help someone get started on something like this.

ahi · 08-31-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Ah, I see. Frankly, typography zealots aren't important enough to me

But I'm always willing to help someone get started on something like this.

Don't worry... most typography zealots I've spoken to are not users of Calibre.

Good luck, Jellby... though I am not clear I understand what you are trying to do... ePub --> LaTeX conversion, or something as such?

- Ahi

kovidgoyal · 08-31-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahi

Don't worry... most typography zealots I've spoken to are not users of Calibre.

Worried, me? Never. I have a special place in my heart for all the typography zealots, directory structure fanatics, toolkit tyrants, my way or the highwayers...

Jellby · 08-31-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahi

Good luck, Jellby... though I am not clear I understand what you are trying to do... ePub --> LaTeX conversion, or something as such?

Yes, something like that, but using LaTeX only as means to get a PDF (i.e., I don't expect nicely structured .tex files).

I mentioned that in another thread, I was thinking of using LaTeX's typographic abilities for rendering ePUB. One would distribute ePUBs and the users who want to can get a good quality PDF customized for his screen size and font preferences. Actually, something like what Feedbooks does.

Jellby · 08-31-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Ah, I see. Frankly, typography zealots aren't important enough to me

But I'm always willing to help someone get started on something like this.

What would be needed? I don't think I can develop a python plugin, but if it's editing a template or something like that (like calibre translations) I can try something.

kovidgoyal · 08-31-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellby

What would be needed? I don't think I can develop a python plugin, but if it's editing a template or something like that (like calibre translations) I can try something.

I'm afraid it does require python code. Basically all that's needed is to run through the HTML and output corresponding LaTeX (calibre will already have taken care of parsing/flattening the CSS).

Nate the great · 08-31-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

calibre already has a PDF output plugin. Is that not suitable for your needs?

The PDF output leaves a lot to be desired. (I don't want to use it, so don't fix it on my account.)

user_none · 08-31-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

The PDF output leaves a lot to be desired. (I don't want to use it, so don't fix it on my account.)

I don't use it either but I do want to fix it. Could you open a ticket with your qualms for me? Oh, and I already know the TOC and links do not work.

08-31-2009, 11:05 AM	#1
Jellby frumious Bandersnatch Posts: 7,522 Karma: 19000001 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Spaniard in Sweden Device: Cybook Orizon, Kobo Aura	Suggestion: export to LaTeX I was trying to find a way to convert (X)HTML+CSS to LaTeX, and couldn't find anything... so I wonder if it could be possible to add LaTeX export functionality to calibre, since it can already read, manage, flatten, etc. (X)HTML+CSS. The idea is to make it easier to generate good-looking PDFs from other ebook formats, using LaTeX's typographic strengths. Using other features of LaTeX, like cross-referencing, sectioning commands, etc. would be secondary, the primary goal I have in mind is replicating (more or less) the look of the page. This means I would rather translate <h1>Title</h1> as {\Huge\textbf{Title}}, and not as \chapter{Title}.

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08-31-2009, 11:23 AM	#2
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 44,161 Karma: 22670164 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	calibre already has a PDF output plugin. Is that not suitable for your needs?

08-31-2009, 02:51 PM	#4
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 44,161 Karma: 22670164 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	Ah, I see. Frankly, typography zealots aren't important enough to me But I'm always willing to help someone get started on something like this.

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