How to Create a Flipbook from InDesign

A digital flipbook is an online publication (online magazine, online catalog, digital brochure, etc) that mimics the look and feel of an actual, physical book (or anything else that has pages you can physically turn). They’re typically used in lieu of static PDFs and paper publications like magazines, reports, brochures, and catalogs. While digital flipbooks are great, people are naturally hard-wired to flip through paper pages (and may even prefer it). And that’s great because online flipbooks retain the same page-flipping experiences we’ve all come to know and love!

Flipbooks: they’re flippin’ awesome

Here’s the process:

Once you've created your awesome digital magazines, catalogs, and brochures in InDesign, you can easily transform it into a digital flipbook with Joomag's InDesign Plugin. Then, add interactive elements like videos, quizzes, and charts in just a few clicks. It’s a simpler, more direct way to make PDFs more exciting and engaging for your readers.

After your flipbook is ready, dive into Joomag’s Crater™ Design Studio Editor. Here, you can enhance your publication with videos from YouTube or Vimeo, dynamic charts, quizzes, surveys, and even embed websites directly into your pages. Want to make it easy for readers to find a certain page? Add a one-click jump widget. It’s really that simple.

Wondering how to start? Follow these 4 easy steps with Joomag:

1. After finishing your flipbook in InDesign, go to the 'Window' menu, find the 'Extensions' section, and select the Joomag Plugin. Then, connect your Joomag account to InDesign.
2. You'll see two choices: publish as a new project or update an existing one.
3. Once you move your project to Joomag, you can make your flipbook come alive with links, videos, interactive charts, and more, like polls, surveys, and even chatbots.
4. Publish and share your content anywhere you like. Put it on your website, spread the word on social media, showcase it in your branded app, or use links that are easy to share.

But wait: You might be wondering why you should convert PDFs into HTML5 content in the first place. We’ve got you covered:

Benefits of converting PDFs into HTML5 digital publications

Digital publications are available on multiple devices

And they’re responsive, too. HTML5 technology is accessible and can transform any PDF into a responsive digital publication regardless of the viewing device. It enables readers to zoom in on the tiniest details and find relevant content more quickly. Converted flipbooks also retain every link, email, and predefined element of the original PDF. And with razor-sharp text and image quality, what’s not to love?

There’s branding

Static PDF content can’t be dynamically branded. HTML5 content can incorporate rich, brand-specific media that encourages viewers to get to know your company. A well-branded publication helps your brand stand out from the crowd.

HTML5 content is interactive and engaging

An HTML5 flipbook provides a unique viewing experience. You can flip through its digital pages with ease. A visually striking format encourages an engaged, “locked-in” user experience. Businesses can add clickable videos, links, lead capture forms, interactive charts, web embeds, dynamic widgets, and other interactive elements to provide more information about a particular product or service, which is great for content marketing.

Distribution is fast, easy, and cheap. Incredibly simple to distribute

HTML5 flipbooks help companies cut down on hefty print, distribution, marketing, and advertising costs. Use share links, embed publications anywhere on the internet, or leverage various email marketing and CRM tools that digital publishing platforms like Joomag can provide.

You can track everything

Information is power, and leveraging the right kind can work wonders for your content. Granular analytics tell meaningful stories about your content and who sees it. You’ll know which parts of your publication are read most, where readers come from, how they’re interacting with specific pages, and which links are clicked on the most. A data-driven strategy is the best way to improve sales and marketing initiatives

With technology continuing to evolve every year, PDFs aren’t enough anymore. The rules have changed; every piece of content you create HAS to be responsive, user-friendly, and engaging. That’s why more and more businesses are choosing to convert their PDF files into HTML5 content with Joomag.

Interested in learning more about Joomag's InDesign plugin? Watch this video!