Creating an EPUB out of a Word document isn't easy. If you get an error message, take a deep breath and read this section, we’ll help get you through it. Taking the time to get this right now will mean a better result later.
How does the EPUB conversion process work?
When you upload your file in the eBook Wizard, the Lulu EPUB Converter will attempt to convert it into EPUB format. As part of the process, we automatically find and fix most of the common formatting mistakes. Sometimes, however, we find errors that require you to make changes and re-upload. The EPUB Converter will display a message detailing exactly what you need to do next. There are three (3) potential outcomes:
- Success, no issues found!
A publish-ready EPUB was created, no formatting issues were found. Download and review your EPUB to ensure you are happy with the result. Proceed to the next step in the eBook Wizard.
- Success, but we fixed some issues for you.
We were able to create an EPUB, but you should download and review to ensure you are comfortable with the changes we had to make. Take note of the messages detailing what was fixed before navigating away from this screen.
- Failure, we couldn’t convert your file.
We found some problems in your source file that we couldn’t automatically correct. Take note of the errors we found, fix them, and upload again. We also list any issues we automatically fixed for you so you can review these changes while reformatting. Compare the list against the possible error messages listed in this guide for further instructions.
I’ve got an EPUB editor. Can I just edit and re-upload the EPUB file?
Do NOT attempt to fix and re-upload the EPUB file we generated for you. Many EPUB editors introduce “helpful” elements that will cause errors in the eBook Wizard. We strongly encourage you to fix your source file, re-upload, and let Lulu handle the conversion. This will produce the cleanest EPUB.
Conversion Errors: Things We Couldn’t Fix
There are a handful of formatting issues we can’t automatically fix for you that will result in errors. You will need to fix them in your source file, and upload again. With each error message, we have provided a possible solution.
Error:
Text boxes were found in the document and must be removed.
Solution:
Each text box will need to be removed from your document, and the text should be added back to your document inline. You can use specialized styles to achieve a similar look. See 'Preparing your Document for creating EPUBs'.
Error:
Tables were found in the document and must be replaced with images of the table contents.
Solution:
The easiest way to fix this problem is to take a screenshot of the table and use the image instead of the table itself. Learn how to insert images: Fonts and Images in your Document for Creating EPUBs
Error:
Columns were found in the document and must be removed.
Solution:
You will need to remove the columns before you can resubmit the file for conversion. See 'Styling your Document's Paragraphs for Creating EPUBs' to learn how to syle your paragraphs.
Conversion Messages: Things We Could Fix
We automatically find and fix most common formatting mistakes. If the Lulu EPUB Converter returns any of the messages below, it means we successfully generated an EPUB for you. Please download and review your EPUB to ensure you are comfortable with the changes we made. If not, you can reformat your source file and upload again until you are satisfied with the result.
Message:
We removed multiple blank lines found in succession.
What we did:
You added space between paragraphs by hitting return more than twice. We have removed extra returns. Look over your EPUB and if you are unhappy with the results, you will want to change your paragraph style or add Headings to create space.
Message:
We removed whitespace at the beginning of paragraphs that were not properly indented.
What we did:
If you used the tab key or space bar instead of creating a paragraph with first line indents, we changed it to indents for those paragraphs. Look over your EPUB and if you are unhappy with the results, you will want to remove the spaces or tabs and add first line indents.
Message:
We adjusted all image formatting to be set inline. To create an EPUB, images must be centered inline in the document.
What we did:
Your image was not centered inline with the text. We centered your image and moved the text above and below. Look over your EPUB to ensure it looks the way you would like.
Message:
We converted all unsupported fonts to Times New Roman. Times New Roman, Arial, and Garamond are the only fonts supported in the EPUB format.
What we did:
When we converted your document to EPUB we changed the font to Times New Roman. If you are unhappy with that font, you will want to change the font in your document to either Arial or Garamond and upload it again for conversion. See 'Fonts and Images in your Document for Creating EPUBs' for more information.
Message:
We have stripped all headers and/or footers in your document. Headers and footers are not supported in the EPUB format.
What we did:
We removed the Headers and Footers, but you should review your EPUB. Remove the headers and footers from your document and upload again for conversion.
TIP: Some of Word’s default headers and footers include text boxes. Although we automatically strip headers and footers, we cannot strip out any text boxes embedded in them. If you continue to receive this message after manually stripping your headers and footers, see 'Preparing your Document for creating EPUBs' for details on how to hunt for and remove text boxes.
Message:
Your file “XXX” uses optional hyphens, which is currently not supported. We have converted the file anyway, but it may contain formatting errors. Please review the result.
What we did:
We removed all optional hyphens from your document. This message is applicable for print books that do not have reflowable text. You can safely ignore this warning as it will not affect the formatting of your EPUB.
Warning:
We found an unusually high number of chapters, suggesting you may have improper chapter divisions in your document. Please ensure your chapter divisions are correct.
What we did:
The Lulu EPUB Converter assumes that Heading styles are chapters. If you have multiple headings in a row, it will see them as separate chapters and will insert each into the EPUB Table of Contents. This will break up a page and may look bad in the EPUB. Review the EPUB Table of Contents and make sure we got the chapters correct. If not, you need to change the style of some of the headings in your document and upload again for conversion. See 'Settting up your EPUB Table of Contents for creating EPUBs'.
Important:
Failure to address this warning may result in your eBook being rejected by our retail distribution partners.
Warning:
We found an unusually low number of chapters, suggesting you may have improper chapter divisions in your document. Please ensure your chapter divisions are correct.
What we did:
The Lulu EPUB Converter uses headings to populate the EPUB Table of Contents. Our retail distribution partners require that the EPUB Table of Contents include an entry for each major chapter and section in your eBook. Review the EPUB Table of Contents and make sure we got the chapters correct. If not, you need to change the style of some of the headings in your document and upload again for conversion. See 'Settting up your EPUB Table of Contents for creating EPUBs'.
Important:
Failure to address this warning may result in your eBook being rejected by our retail distribution partners.
How do I preview my EPUB file?
When the conversion process is completed, you will see a page listing the errors and messages discussed above. From here, you can download the EPUB file:
Please note: Downloading your file at this step may show an incorrect title. Don’t worry! Once you publish your file, we will use the title you provided in the first step of the eBook Wizard.
13 ways of looking at an EPUB
Every device and EPUB reader will display your eBook slightly differently. Readers can tailor their reading experience by changing font types, font sizes, and even the page background color or theme.
The look and feel of your file will vary depending on which EPUB reader is used. Don’t get hung up on this, the important thing here is to ensure there are no major issues in the CONTENT of the file (missing sections, blacked out images, missing entries in the EPUB Table of Contents).
To open and review the file, you will need to install an EPUB reader or plug-in. If you don’t have one already, there are many free tools available to help.
TIP: To see your file exactly as readers will see it, you must load your EPUB on an e-reader.
