Convert a Physical Textbook to Digital

How Do I Convert a Physical Textbook to Digital?

The crossover from print to digital textbooks has ushered in a new era for publishers and K12 learners. Prioritizing convenience and accessibility, this shift has widened the reach of eBooks.

At the same time, it has eliminated the need to store books physically and maintain them. Further, digitization has made it possible to reproduce and distribute eBooks effortlessly.

Converting a physical textbook into a digital one isn’t a challenge anymore. With digital textbook platforms like KITABOO, you can easily convert your physical textbooks into digital formats. This platform comes with advanced DRM protection and customization options to ensure your content is always secure and is designed to meet your needs.

In this post, we’ll explore how to convert a physical textbook into a digital format in a few simple steps. Read on!

Table of Contents:

I. Steps to Convert Physical Textbooks to Digital Format

II. How Do I Convert a Physical Textbook to Digital?

III. To Wrap Up

Steps to Convert Physical Textbooks to Digital Format

To convert a physical K12 textbook into a digital format, you first need to convert your book into an accessible format. After that, you can produce a digital copy of it. The right platform can help you carry out this conversion efficiently and ensure that your digital textbooks are secure and tailored to your requirements.

Here’s how you can do it:

Convert Your Physical Book to PDF

You can convert a physical book into PDF format in several ways. For instance, you can use your mobile phone, a document scanner, or a smartbook scanner. This way, you can digitize your book’s content and prepare it for further conversion into a digital format.

Create PDF Using Your Mobile Phone

Your smartphone can help you convert your physical book to PDF format. You will need a document scanner app for this purpose.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Install a document scanner app on your phone.
  2. Use the app to capture the pages of your physical book.
  3. Once done, you can save the captured pages as PDFs.

Depending on the app you use, you can even edit the photos before saving them.

Create PDF Using a Traditional Scanner

You can use a traditional scanner for the conversion. After you scan the pages, you can convert them into a PDF. For scanning, you can use a flatbed or a sheet-fed scanner. The process is different for both scanners. 

In a flatbed scanner, you have to scan each page separately. In a sheet-fed scanner, you have to remove the binding of your book before scanning.

Here are the steps to follow.

  1. Scan all the pages of the book using your chosen scanner.
  2. Compile the images.
  3. Convert them into a PDF using suitable software.

Create PDF Using a Smart Book Scanner

A smart book scanner is another tool you can use to convert your book into a PDF. It offers a faster way of scanning a book.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Start the smart book scanner.
  2. Set your scanning preferences.
  3. Begin scanning the book.
  4. Create a PDF of the captured images.

How Do I Convert a Physical Textbook to Digital?

Once you have the PDF, the answer to this question is fairly simple. Follow the steps below to begin your conversion process.

Choose the Right Platform

With the right eBook creation platform, you can minimize your efforts to convert your PDF file. When selecting a platform, you will have to factor in a few parameters.

For instance, you need to check the customization and compatibility features. Another feature to check is whether the platform allows access to eBooks through multiple devices. Such features will help your K12 students access your digital textbooks easily through multiple devices.

Upload the PDF

This is when you have to upload your PDF to the platform. After that, you need to convert it to ePub format. This is the standard format used for digital books. These converted eBooks can be downloaded and read across devices.  

Select the Layout Template

You have to choose a layout template for your digital book. Consider choosing a template that matches your needs. Select the font style, color, size, etc. 

Add Multimedia Elements

One of the advantages of eBooks is that they offer multimedia features. While converting your physical book, you can add such features to your eBook. For instance, you can add interactive videos, audio clips, quizzes, etc., to improve the overall learning experience.

KITABOO, is a top digital publishing platform that enables educators and publishers to convert physical textbooks into digital formats effortlessly. With multimedia features and advanced DRM protection, this platform ensures that your K12 digital textbooks are secure and engaging.

Add a Table of Contents

By creating a table of contents, you can organize your book and make it easier for students to navigate. Once you create this table, link each page to the contents mentioned there. This will allow learners to jump straight to a portion that they want to read.

Add a Cover Image

An attractive cover image helps draw the attention of your learners. Make sure to pick a high-quality image that is relevant to your content.

Set License Validity

When you convert a physical book to a digital, you have to determine the terms and conditions for its access. You have to select the duration for which the user will have access to your book. You also need to activate DRM protection for your eBook. This will protect you against piracy, unlawful access, and illegal downloads.

Preview and Publish Your Digital Book

Previewing ensures that everything appears as intended before publishing. Once you’re done customizing your digital textbook, make sure you preview it thoroughly before publishing to ensure a seamless reading experience.

To Wrap Up

When it comes to converting a physical K12 textbook into a digital form, the process can be streamlined into simple steps using modern tools and technologies. Make sure you follow a strategic approach and ensure that you have the necessary tools at your disposal. 

KITABOO, a leading digital textbook platform, enables easy conversion of PDFs to eBooks, allowing educators and publishers to efficiently transform their physical textbooks into engaging digital formats.

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Mike Harman

Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at KITABOO. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships. More posts by Mike Harman