"How do you like your PDFs?" Topic

I think lots of internal links and references is a given (though so many seem to not add these simple, but necessary features)

My question more relates to how the book is formatted…
Would you prefer a version that is just an electronic copy of the physical rulebook. i.e. all the backgrounds, images and fancy artwork is all still in place, even though this might mean a bigger rulebook?

Or would you prefer a version more directed towards gameplay, less of the fancy artwork and backgrounds which means that it takes up less space and it's easier/quicker to use on a tablet for example.

Would the option to choose from both be preferable?
- a 'formatted for tablet' slime line version (but that still retains all the rules and diagrams) and
- a copy of the rulebook in electronic format, with all the artwork and original layout.

I'd prefer a "choice from both" option- the slimline version for my kindle, and the "full-fat" version for my laptop/desktop.
I don't think that adding all the eye-candy is necessary for a kindle/tablet- it is usually distracting. Backgrounds will also often make it difficult to read the actual content.

for PDFs backgrounds are Awful; they consume ink, and add clutter to the page, totally unecessary. Also big black banners for chapter headings are a waste too.

Crisp & Clean, black & white (colour is nice, but a Black & white version is cheaper to print).

PDFs should have a high degree of reading clarity (as they end up on small screens, i.e. ipads, etc), and be printer Friendly!

Internal links great, Black and white and color.
William

Backgrounds that can be turned off or on are best. If that is not possible then clear, concise, uncluttered is best.

Black and white. No background colors or images.

In the best of possible worlds, I would like the full color version for reading on my laptop, along with a stripped down black and white version for printing.

Just the rules with diagrams of play.

I'm not a fan of backgrounds and fancy artwork (not needed to explain the text) in a printed book; so no, not in the PDF either.

Full copy. Graphics and all.

Mix, if possible, like Texas Jack. Otherwise, the full book with ability to create "quick play" charts.

EDIT: Also searchable text. That's as good as reference links for me.

Must have:

Bookmarks in table of contents format.
Internal page references are links.
Searchable text.
Where color is important, color diagrams. Many diagrams (examples!) become much less understandable in grayscale.

I definitely prefer having both fully-decorated and "plain" versions of the book. Some people will want to print it, and they'll want the plain version. Some people have iPads with Retina displays. They'll want the the luxury version.

I want the full copy graphics and all as I have a high quality printer and I want the rules to look nice. But that said there are plenty of people who want simple black and white output.

Best option for me is both, a printer friendly version for hard copy or tablet, and a fully loaded version to look at on my PC screen, so I don't feel like I'm missing out.

Using layers so that graphic embellishments can be turned off for printing, and a thoughtful layout that avoids putting a few lines of essential rules on the same page as lots of eye candy or fluff, can work well too.

A plain, black and white copy, with very little black, for printing.

Some people put huge headers, borders, etc., in black, since they think it looks good, but all it does is bleed my ink cartridges dry.

A color copy option, is nice too.

ETenebrisLux is bang on the money, as far as I'm concerned.

All the best,

John.

A copy of both, full graphic version and a printer friendly version with white background.

Shaken, not stirred.

I like to see both full layout and 'stripped for printing,' especially if there are pictures.

Backgrounds and images do eat up ink. Regarding color or not, you have the option to print in black and white, grayscale or full color. Colored text shouldn't be a problem but backgrounds and images will eat up print ink.

Excellent guys.

Thanks for all your input, given me lots to think about!

Many released PDFs these days come in Full Copy, and printer friendly mode.

The Printer Mode, is no or very light background, mostly all in gray scales for art.

Depending on how busy the background, I use these on screen as well sometimes, as I like the non cluttered look.

Also on a PDF you can link through the doc, the few that have done this make it nice to find stuff, takes more work, but it is nice.

Look at Two Fat Lardies new tablet enhanced PDFs to see what I mean.

Lee

I prefer the rules as HTML or EPUB. If it must be PDF for some reason, at least skip the background images (for printing) and make sure it is formatted in a single column (for reading on-screen). But really, HTML with modern CSS (print-stylesheets etc) is a much better format.