Templates

Part of the ease involved in writing for iBooks is the use of templates. iBooks Author offers multiple templates for writers to use.

Introducing templates

A template can be thought of as a prefabricated container for text, images, and media content. iBooks Author has options for landscape with portrait or portrait only, depending on the orientation that best suits the work.

The current styles are: (landscape with portrait) Basic, Contemporary, Modern Type, Classic, Editorial, Craft, Photo Book, Antique, Cookbook, (portrait only) Classic Text, Photo Book, Modern Basic, Gazette, Biography, and Charcoal.

Apple iBooks Author provides samples of each type of template.

Customizing templates

Almost all of the elements of the template are customizable depending on the user’s level of skill, but there are alternate solutions as well. Websites like iBooks Author Templates offer various designs that can be purchased and edited in the same manner as Apple’s initial templates.

The template starts with a uniform style (fonts and layout) that can be changed at any time by the user. If something is changed, it can easily be reset back to the original as needed using Inspector. Any modifications that have been made can be saved as a brand new template that can be selected for other projects.

Choosing templates

Different templates work better for different projects. Add text to a template to preview the layout and design. Trial and error remains the best way for a user to find a template that complements the content.