What reflowable means
In a reflowable ebook, readers can change font size and often margins, typeface, spacing, and orientation. Text moves to fit the screen. That makes reflowable EPUB the normal choice for novels, memoir, narrative nonfiction, business books, and many general trade titles.
What fixed layout means
A fixed-layout publication preserves the spatial relationship of elements on the page. It is useful when the page itself carries meaning, such as some illustrated children’s books, comics, art books, or highly designed instructional material.
Accessibility and device tradeoffs
Fixed layouts can be harder to make flexible for readers who need larger text or customized presentation. They also require more device and retailer testing. The visual need should justify the added complexity.
Decision rule
If the book still makes sense when the reader enlarges the text and the screen changes size, reflowable is usually the better choice. If moving an object destroys meaning, investigate fixed layout.
Primary sources
- W3C EPUB 3.3 — EPUB publication requirements
- Kobo EPUB overview — retailer explanation of reflowable and fixed-layout EPUB