We’re excited to announce a cool enhancement to our WordPress plugin that will benefit ebook publishers! Our latest update now supports the addition of XHTML watermarks to EPUB files, providing a powerful way to protect your digital content and enhance your branding.
For many years we have wanted to say that we helped protect “ebooks” in general, but of course not all ebooks are PDFs. Now that we cover EPUB, we are a little closer to being able to declare that. EPUB and PDF still remain the most widely used ebook formats due to their unique features and compatibility across various platforms.
What Are XHTML Watermarks?
EPUB files are written in XHTML, a programming language similar to HTML, and styled with CSS. With PDF Ink we can now add watermark text to EPUB files in XHTML format, styled with CSS. Watermarks, whether visible or not, help ensure that your content is recognized and attributed to you, even when shared or distributed. This feature is particularly useful for authors, publishers, and businesses looking to maintain their brand identity and protect their intellectual property. If invisible to your average EPUB user, it can still be viewed using any text editor. In that way, if you find a rogue file, you can use watermarks to track down the pirate.
Because PDF Ink allows the addition of straight XHTML (you format) to EPUB files, you could technically add more than just a text mark. For example, you or your developer, if familiar with XHTML, could add an image watermark to your EPUBs.
Why Watermark EPUB Files?
Watermarking your EPUB files offers several advantages. First, thoughtfully-placed EPUB watermarks can add a professional touch to your documents, making them look polished and well-prepared. There are a lot of different things your watermark might say, using PDF Ink magic tags: the current date, the file purchase date, the customer’s name, address, phone number, email, the product name, SKU, the order number… and more. Maybe you just add a message that says, “Welcome, Sarah! Thanks for purchasing my e-book. If you have questions, please reach out to us at email@url.com” Your customers might be delighted to find their file has been personalized in such a way.
A visible watermark can deter unauthorized sharing or copying of your content, helping to maintain the integrity of your work. By adding your brand name, customer’s name, phone number, email or other identifying information as a watermark, you can protect your intellectual property and ensure that your copyright, licensing, or ownership is asserted, even if the document is shared or distributed. Collection of customer data can be done using WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, Download Monitor or one of PDF Inks included forms.
Key Features of the New Watermarking Functionality
- Easy Integration: Our plugin makes it simple to add watermarks to your EPUB files without any technical expertise. Just a few clicks, type your watermark text, and you’re ready to go.
- Customizable Options: Choose from various fonts, colors, font styles, and placements for your watermarks. Whether you need a subtle touch or a bold statement, you can customize it to fit your needs.
- Flexible Positioning Options: Choose where your watermark appears on the page—whether it’s centered, in the corner, or at the bottom or top.
- Support for Existing EPUB Files: Not only can you add watermarks to new EPUB files, but you can also apply them to your existing library, ensuring all your content is protected.
- Find EPUB Files Inside ZIP Archives: Sometimes we sell ZIPped bundles of files. If you have ZIP unarchiving enabled in PDF Ink, it will look inside for EPUB and/or PDF files, and mark them.
- Dynamically Generated Marks: Each EPUB can have a unique mark based on data collected during sale: customer name, contact details, order ID, date, qty purchased, etc.
How to Get Started 🔧
More detail about the EPUB stamping feature is included in the PDF Ink documentation.
- Update PDF Ink: Ensure you have the latest premium (paid) version of our WordPress plugin installed. If your license key is activated, you can do this from your WordPress plugins screen.
- Access the EPUB Settings: Navigate to the Integration settings and scroll to the new EPUB settings section.
- Customize Your Watermark: Type your desired text, adjust the style, and select the placement within your EPUB files.
- Apply to Your EPUB Files: Save your settings and view the mark on downloaded EPUB files.
With the addition of EPUB watermarking to PDF Ink, you can now protect your ebook content more effectively while enhancing your brand visibility. We’re thrilled to bring you this feature and can’t wait to see how you utilize it in your EPUB files!
Thank you for being a part of our community, and happy watermarking!