The navigation file or navigation document—which is almost always called either nav.xhtml or toc.xhtml in EPUB 3—is an XHTML file that offers a few different ways of navigating a book. It usually contains a table of contents (that is different from the textual table of contents – the contents page that appears in the book), a set of landmarks, and sometimes a page list. Reading systems and software use the navigation file to create the list of links that are usually accessed through a sidebar or top menu.
When you have a navigation file that is as robust as possible, it ensures that all readers will be able to quickly and easily navigate the book.
Components of the Navigation File
The table of contents shows the complete list of the headings of the book, and uses a nested list, like:
Title Page
Half Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Epigraph
Introduction
Part One
Chapter One
Subsection One
Chapter Two
Index
Bibliography
About the Author
Also by the Author
Etc.
The landmarks section links to major points of the book’s contents, like the Cover, Front matter, Start of Reading, and Back matter. It does not link to individual parts, chapters, or subsections. When you export from InDesign, the EPUB always has one landmark: to the Cover of the book. This is a great start, but you are encouraged to add more!The page list will link to all the pages of the book. This is a super helpful method of navigation, and is highly recommended! In order to make a page list, you first have to add page breaks to the book – see [Next Steps] for help on that!
Checklist for a Great Navigation File
Download the Checklist
Download a PDF checklist for a great navigation file.
Guide to Including Accessibility Features in OPF Metadata
Introduction to OPF Metadata
The OPF file contains a lot of important metadata, including basic information about the book, accessibility metadata, and evaluation and conformance metadata! This resource discusses what to include, and how to include it.
Subject(s): Ebook Production
Resource Type(s): Step-by-Step
Audience:
Introduction
2
Introduction to Accessibility Certification
Resource Coming Soon
We haven’t finished creating this resource yet. Click here to learn how to request a resource, contact our Accessible Publishing Librarian, or discuss with the community.