How to make TXT files into kindle with chapters?
February 16, 2012 9:56 PM Subscribe
How do I turn a TXT file to a Kindle file (with chapters), using OpenOffice in between?
I'm trying to convert some TXT files into my Kindle (with some chapters to move around easily). There appears to be a dearth of info on how to do this. I found this guide:
http://dark-neon.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-create-kindle-table-of-contents.html
But I don't have Microsoft Word, just OpenOffice. I did find a way to put chapters in OpenOff fairly similar to the directions. But I can't save it as filtered HTML like the directions, just normal HTML. And the directions on MobiPocket Creator appear to be for a past version (should I d/l a past version?). All attempts so far have a kindle file with no chapters.
I'm trying to convert some TXT files into my Kindle (with some chapters to move around easily). There appears to be a dearth of info on how to do this. I found this guide:
http://dark-neon.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-create-kindle-table-of-contents.html
But I don't have Microsoft Word, just OpenOffice. I did find a way to put chapters in OpenOff fairly similar to the directions. But I can't save it as filtered HTML like the directions, just normal HTML. And the directions on MobiPocket Creator appear to be for a past version (should I d/l a past version?). All attempts so far have a kindle file with no chapters.
Calibre is really what you want. It's a bit awkward but great for converting ebooks, and it'll make a table of contents for you with a little prodding.
posted by neckro23 at 11:23 PM on February 16, 2012
posted by neckro23 at 11:23 PM on February 16, 2012
Yup. Calibre is the way to go.
I just got my first E-reader for Christmas and am already madly in love with Calibre. I've already converted hundreds of books with ease.
posted by GlassHeart at 11:39 PM on February 16, 2012
I just got my first E-reader for Christmas and am already madly in love with Calibre. I've already converted hundreds of books with ease.
posted by GlassHeart at 11:39 PM on February 16, 2012
Response by poster:
Hyperlink is made.
And I have tried Calibre with not much luck at this point. I'm looking for answers about making sure chapters can show up while converting. That's the focus.
posted by lankford at 11:48 PM on February 16, 2012
Hyperlink is made.
And I have tried Calibre with not much luck at this point. I'm looking for answers about making sure chapters can show up while converting. That's the focus.
posted by lankford at 11:48 PM on February 16, 2012
Maybe try using Sigil to create an epub (with chapters) then use Calibre to change formats?
posted by lilnemo at 12:39 AM on February 17, 2012
posted by lilnemo at 12:39 AM on February 17, 2012
Here's an extensive guide to converting with Calibre. Scroll down a bit and there's a detailed bit about marking up TXT documents to create a Table of Contents.
You might not have had much luck with it so far (it's a classic example of open source 'design' being basically just a big ol' pile of features with little or no explanation), but there is heaps of documentation and it reliably produces excellent outputs.
You'll want to output as a .mobi file rather than a .azw file, for maximum compatibility. Kindle reads both (and .azw is just Amazon's proprietary verson of .mobi anyway).
posted by Happy Dave at 1:38 AM on February 17, 2012 [1 favorite]
You might not have had much luck with it so far (it's a classic example of open source 'design' being basically just a big ol' pile of features with little or no explanation), but there is heaps of documentation and it reliably produces excellent outputs.
You'll want to output as a .mobi file rather than a .azw file, for maximum compatibility. Kindle reads both (and .azw is just Amazon's proprietary verson of .mobi anyway).
posted by Happy Dave at 1:38 AM on February 17, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I would probably do this with Sigil, to create an EPUB book, and then convert it to MOBI for the Kindle with Calibre.
Here is a guide to creating an EPUB from a text document. Basically, you open it, edit the TOC (using the 'TOC Editor') and then save it as an EPUB. It's pretty straightforward.
You can then load that into Calibre and convert it and load it on your device. Calibre is a great conversion tool, but IMO not that great as an authoring tool. Sigil is better if you are starting from what is basically a clean typescript.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:44 AM on February 17, 2012
Here is a guide to creating an EPUB from a text document. Basically, you open it, edit the TOC (using the 'TOC Editor') and then save it as an EPUB. It's pretty straightforward.
You can then load that into Calibre and convert it and load it on your device. Calibre is a great conversion tool, but IMO not that great as an authoring tool. Sigil is better if you are starting from what is basically a clean typescript.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:44 AM on February 17, 2012
« Older Where to get cheap bento boxes in Los Angeles | How do I pursue my career and not leave my husband... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 10:08 PM on February 16, 2012 [1 favorite]