In the world of eBooks, there are two main formats that every author, publisher, and reader should be aware of: ePub fixed layout vs reflowable. Both of these eBook formats have their own strengths and weaknesses and are suited for different types of eBooks. However, choosing the right option can be tricky, especially for new publishers and writers. As we move further into the digital age, eBooks have become increasingly popular.

This makes it a sizeable market, and the increasing popularity with the push from businesses towards more digital mediums means publishers and writers should consider making their print copies available in digital formats for their customers.

In 2026, the choice between reflowable and fixed layout is no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about Accessibility compliance. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) now in force, 82% of publishers are pivoting toward reflowable formats to ensure their content is inclusive and searchable across all devices.

This blog post will dive deeper into the differences between these two eBook formats, their advantages and disadvantages, and which format you should choose for your next eBook project.

Table of Contents:

What are Fixed-Layout eBooks?

Fixed layout eBooks are digital books designed to preserve the same layout as their print counterparts, with images, text, and other elements arranged in a fixed position on the page.

In other words, the layout of each page is predetermined and fixed, so readers can’t adjust the font size, line spacing, or margins.

These eBooks are ideal for books with complex layouts, such as children’s books, graphic novels, cookbooks, travel guides, and technical manuals, as they allow for precise placement of text, images, and other visual elements.

Fixed layout eBooks have several benefits and can be created in several formats, including EPUB, PDF, and Amazon’s KF8 format.

However, it’s important to note that fixed-layout eBooks may not be compatible with all devices and platforms. They require a specific layout and may not adapt well to different screen sizes or resolutions. So, it is recommended to understand the benefits of fixed layout vs. fluid to make the correct choice.

What are Reflowable eBooks?

Reflowable eBooks are designed to adapt to the screen size and font size selected by the user. This means that the text, images, and other elements will reflow based on the screen size, making them a good choice for novels, non-fiction books, and other text-heavy books.

In addition, reflowable eBooks are typically created in EPUB or MOBI format, and they can be read on a wide range of devices that support these formats.

Reflowable eBooks are the most common type of eBooks widely used in the digital publishing industry. They are created using HTML and CSS codes, which makes them flexible and adaptable. They can be read on any device, from smartphones to tablets and e-readers.

Reflowable eBooks allow the reader to change the font size, line spacing, and margin width according to their preferences, making the reading experience more comfortable and personalized. Thus, they are ideal for text-heavy books like novels, biographies, and non-fiction.

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Differences between Fixed Layout and Reflowable eBooks

Now that we know what fixed layout and reflowable eBooks are, here is a look at the key differences between the two:

1. Layout

The most obvious difference between ePub fixed layout vs reflowable eBooks is the layout. Fixed layout eBooks have a predetermined layout, meaning that the layout of each page cannot be changed by the reader.

On the other hand, reflowable eBooks have a flexible layout that adapts to the screen size and orientation of the device being used to read the eBook.

2. Designed for a Particular Category

Fixed layout eBooks are typically designed for books that have a lot of images or complex layouts, such as children’s books, cookbooks, or graphic novels.

Reflowable eBooks are designed for books with a simpler layout, such as novels, non-fiction, or poetry.

3. Font Size

With fixed-layout eBooks, the font size is set and cannot be changed by the reader. However, in reflowable eBooks, the reader can easily adjust the font size to fit their preferences.

4. Compatibility

Fixed layout eBooks are not compatible with all devices and eReaders. They are typically designed for specific devices, such as the iPad or Kindle Fire.

Reflowable eBooks are compatible with a wider range of devices and eReaders, including smartphones, tablets, and eReaders.

5. File Size

Fixed layout eBooks tend to have a larger file size than reflowable eBooks. This is because fixed-layout eBooks contain images and other elements not present in reflowable eBooks.

The “20-Second” Decision Framework

Expert Choice: Which should you use?

Choose Reflowable IF: Your primary goal is readability. If you are publishing a novel, a business book, or a scholarly journal, Reflowable is the only way to ensure your readers don’t have to “pinch and zoom” to see your words.

Choose Fixed Layout IF: Your design is the story. If the text must sit in a specific spot on top of an illustration (like a Comic Book, Children’s Picture Book, or a complex Technical Diagram), Fixed Layout is your only option to preserve that artistic intent.

As of 2026, 79% of all digital content consumption occurs on mobile devices under 6.7 inches, making Reflowable Layouts the primary requirement for 92% of new eBook contracts.

In Summary: Which One to Choose?

Still not sure about which option to choose, reflowable or fixed layout?

To conclude the blog, the choice between a epub fixed layout vs reflowable depends on the specific needs and preferences of the reader and the publisher.

Fixed layout eBooks are best for content that requires precise layout and design, such as children’s books, cookbooks, and graphic novels. On the other hand, reflowable eBooks are more versatile and accessible, with the ability to adjust to different screen sizes and font sizes.

Whether you’re a reader or a publisher, choosing the suitable eBook format can make all the difference in creating a successful and enjoyable reading experience.

So, make sure you pick the right option, and if you need professional guidance, consider an eBook transformation partner like Hurix Digital to help you take the right steps and reach your readers effectively.

Further, read about the 5 Factors to Consider While Choosing the eBook Conversion Service Provider and get started with your digital publishing journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which layout is better for meeting the European Accessibility Act (EAA) standards?

The Reflowable Layout is significantly better for meeting EAA and WCAG 2.1 standards. Because reflowable text allows users to adjust font size, change color contrast, and use text-to-speech without losing the reading order, it is the preferred format for accessibility compliance. Fixed Layouts often act as “digital images,” which can be difficult for screen readers to navigate and impossible for low-vision users to resize without horizontal scrolling (pinching and zooming).

Q2: Can I convert a Fixed Layout eBook into a Reflowable one?

Yes, but it requires a complete structural teardown. Since Fixed Layouts use absolute positioning (CSS “top” and “left” coordinates), you cannot simply “switch” them to reflowable. Instead, you must extract the raw text and images, remove the coordinate-based styling, and rebuild the file using semantic HTML5. This process is essential if you want to move a legacy print-replica PDF or fixed ePub into a modern, mobile-responsive format that works on small smartphone screens.

Q3:Why does my Fixed Layout eBook look different on Kindle vs. Apple Books?

This happens because different eReaders use proprietary rendering engines. While Reflowable ePubs are standardized, Fixed Layout ePubs often require device-specific “meta tags” to tell the screen how to scale the page. For example, Amazon uses the KF8 (MOBI/AZW3) format for fixed layouts on Kindle, while Apple uses standard ePub3 with specific viewport settings. If these meta tags aren’t perfectly calibrated, the eBook may appear with large black bars (letterboxing) or cut off portions of the page on different devices.

Q4:Is Fixed Layout or Reflowable better for comic books and manga?

Fixed Layout is the industry standard for comic books, manga, and graphic novels. In these genres, the relationship between the dialogue bubble and the illustration is the story. If you used a Reflowable layout, the text could break away from the image, ruining the narrative flow. However, many modern comic publishers now use a “Hybrid” approach called Region Magnification, which is a fixed layout that allows users to double-tap on a panel to zoom in on specific text without reflowing the entire page.

Q5:How do file sizes compare between Fixed Layout and Reflowable ePubs?

Fixed Layout ePubs have significantly larger file sizes, often 5 to 10 times larger than Reflowable versions. This is because Fixed Layouts typically use high-resolution, full-page images (often 300 DPI) to ensure the text remains crisp when users zoom in. Reflowable ePubs primarily consist of lightweight HTML text and CSS, with images used only where necessary. Larger file sizes can lead to higher “delivery fees” on platforms like Amazon and slower download times for readers on limited data plans.