The Greatest CSS Tricks Vol. I eBook (PDF and EPUB)

Initially, "The Greatest CSS Tricks Vol. I" existed solely as an online resource, accessible only to website members. Now, however, PDF and EPUB versions are available for free download to members. This entire project served as an experiment in digital book creation. The author prefers the blog-post style of online writing, allowing for interactive content and controlled access. This approach aims to increase writing productivity and potentially lead to a Volume II and other future projects. The author now has a streamlined system for writing, publishing, and distribution.

Creating the Digital Editions

The initial expectation was that PDF creation would be straightforward: using a clean HTML template, applying print-friendly CSS, and then simply using the print-to-PDF function. While this method yielded acceptable results (with adjustments for background graphics), it lacked control over headers/footers and was a manual process.

A more programmatic approach was desired. The author discovered a blog post by Baldur Bjarnason, advertising services for creating book-like websites and converting them into various file formats (PDF, DOCX, EPUB).

Programmatic eBook Generation

Baldur Bjarnason developed an automated system that converts a single local HTML file into PDF, EPUB, and MOBI formats. This system uses open-source tools and is activated via a command-line script. The process required meticulous HTML preparation, utilizing a special URL that outputs the raw content with print-optimized styling.

Tools Used

The technology stack included:

• PDF Creation: Paged.js (chosen over WeasyPrint after comparison).
• EPUB Creation: Pandoc.
• MOBI Creation: Calibre's ebook-convert command-line tool.

Various software dependencies (Python, pango, libffi, etc.) were also required, but Baldur's script simplified their management. The author notes that Percollate is a newer alternative, but it wasn't explored in this project.

Open-Source Repository

Baldur Bjarnason created a public repository (book-tricks) containing a simplified version of the tools and Makefile used, offering a valuable resource for others facing similar eBook creation challenges.

Previewing Builds

PDFs were easily previewed using Preview.app (Mac), EPUBs with Books.app (Mac), and MOBIs with Calibre. The iterative process of CSS adjustments and rebuilds was time-consuming, highlighting the need for improved live preview capabilities.

Web vs. eBook Content Differences

Initially, the author abandoned the idea of print or digital versions. The online version heavily utilized embedded CodePen demos, ideal for web interaction but unsuitable for eBooks. While eBooks support some interactivity (animated GIFs, links), JavaScript and iframes were avoided for reliability. To address this, embedded Pens were hidden in the eBook versions using display: none;. Custom WordPress blocks simplified the creation of eBook-specific content, which was displayed using <div> elements hidden in the online version and shown via print CSS. The eBook CSS avoided the usual print-stylesheet techniques (like adding URLs after links), relying instead on clickable blue links. <p>This project proved to be a valuable learning experience, particularly in the area of digital canvas rendering. The author acknowledges the steep learning curve involved in this type of eBook creation.</p> <p>Download the Vol. 1 eBook</p> </div>

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