Flow is designed to convert PDFs into responsive, mobile-friendly publications by analyzing the content and reconstructing it into a flexible, single-column layout. While every PDF can be processed, the accuracy of the initial conversion depends on how the original document has been created and structured.
This article explains the factors that can influence the quality of a Flow conversion and why some publications may require more editing than others.
PDF Structure
Flow analyses the structure of a PDF to determine the logical reading order of its content. Documents with a clear and consistent layout are typically converted more accurately than those with complex or highly decorative designs.
Simple reports, brochures, and single-column documents often require minimal editing, while publications with multiple columns, floating elements, or unconventional layouts may need additional refinement after conversion.
Text Content
PDFs containing selectable text generally produce the best results, as Flow can identify and reconstruct text directly from the document.
If text has been flattened into images, such as in scanned documents or exported artwork, Flow uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to identify the text where possible. While OCR is effective in many cases, the quality of the extracted text depends on the clarity and resolution of the original images.
Images and Graphics
Flow extracts images from the PDF and places them within the responsive layout. Large decorative images, background graphics, or complex page designs may require repositioning or resizing to create the best reading experience on smaller screens.
In most cases, images that support the surrounding content translate well into Flow, while purely decorative elements may be better removed or repositioned during editing.
Page Complexity
Publications designed for print often contain elements that rely on precise positioning rather than a logical reading order. Examples include:
- Multi-column layouts
- Sidebars and callout boxes
- Overlapping content
- Complex infographics
- Decorative page elements
These layouts can be converted successfully, but they are more likely to require manual adjustments to optimize the Flow experience.
Reading Order
One of Flow’s primary objectives is to create a logical, top-to-bottom reading experience. During conversion, content is reordered based on its position and structure within the PDF.
Where the intended reading order is unclear, particularly in complex page layouts, you may need to rearrange content blocks manually within the Flow editor.
Designed for Responsive Reading
It’s important to remember that Flow is not intended to reproduce a PDF exactly. Instead, it transforms the content into a format that is optimised for responsive reading across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
As a result, the Flow version of a publication may look different from the original PDF while still containing the same information in a more accessible and readable format.
The quality of a Flow conversion is influenced by the structure and complexity of the original PDF rather than the publication itself. Simpler layouts typically require fewer adjustments, while more complex print designs may benefit from additional editing. Regardless of the source document, Flow provides a flexible starting point for creating a responsive digital reading experience.