STEP 1 - CONSIDER FILE FORMAT OPTIONS!
The most important step is to consider what file format you're going to upload to the portal. Each of the four main file formats has positive and negative consequences for using them! A quick rundown of each!
Word document (.docx) - These are generally the least preferable choice. In contrast, your document will always come out as you format it, yet it exactly copies it, meaning formatting issues can occur on bigger viewing windows. It also has trouble displaying many formatting options, such as images and line spacing. Mix this is with Microsoft words nasty habit of attaching data to document files that can be, not the best to publish to a fetish community, if you're using Microsoft word, try to use .doc files.
Word document 98 - 03 (.doc) - Many many stories on the portal are uploaded in this format, and for a good reason! 98' Word documents are generally are better treated by the Eka's formatting system, properly indented on larger displays, and widely accessible! It's important to note certain things such as line break width don't display, but for those looking to have a simple format to upload in, this is your choice!
Rich Text Format (.rtf) - My personal recommendation, Rich Text Format. RTF files have the least implicit formatting out of any of the main formats you can upload. Without any proper sculpting, it will look like a worse version of a word document. However, unlike other formats, pretty much every change made on a .rtf file will appear on the portal. With proper usage, this can make for some of the best formattings of documents on Eka's, but it will take work.
Portable Document Format (.pdf) - PDF is widely known, a format that's pretty much accessible everywhere! Eka's portal is no exception! Somewhat. For PC users, PDF is a great format, the text window loading an instance of adobe reader to view the document, formatted in the same way every time. As a file format, it's also pretty ubiquitous, meaning if you upload elsewhere as well, PDF makes keeping up multiple accounts easy! However, it's worth noting PDF is something that will not work for mobile. While the site technically doesn't support mobile devices, this might be something to keep in mind.
Each format (outside of .docx honestly) has its pros and cons, and it's up to you to choose which format you most prefer! My list is...
- .rtf
- .doc
- .docx
STEP 2 - MAKE SOME FORMATTING CHANGES!
Now comes the fun part, actually formatting your story! Formatting documents can always be a bit of a mountain at first, a variety of options with little explanation on how they'll affect the final product. So, the following is a list of considerations to make. Each file format will need different things, so make sure to look out for which ones you need!
Indentation ( .doc, .rtf )
Indentation can be a huge element that is often ignored in formatting, allowing for the reading area to be reduced ever so slightly, and allowing you to keep the edges of the page clear as to not overwhelm the reader! If you want to have a small bit of white space, try setting both the left and right indent in at the same level! Just don't overdo it, as Eka's renders these changes based on the webpage size, meaning too much indent will make it unreadable on smaller windows and mobile!
Line spacing ( .rtf, .pdf)
The space between lines can also be a crucial way not to overwhelm the reader, and the premier reason I use rich text format for my stories. While other formats will compress text, spacing text out can allow the reader to have less on the screen at any given time. Don't make it too big, however, as creating unnecessary scrolling may turn readers away from your content.
Bold/Italics/Underline (All)
While as simple as it seems, using bolding, italicizing, and underlining to accentuate your story can add additional layers of readability and interest to your story. A non-intrusive way to help guide the reader to the more important content, or to symbolize a specific type of content. It can be as simple as italicizing spoken dialogue, or bolding yelling, but try not to go heavy-handed with it!
Font/Font Size (All)
Font choices can add a touch of personality to your story, giving a unique visage to your story unmatched by other users of the portal. Maybe you want to give off a more refined air and use Times New Roman, or maybe a bit more of a clean look and use Verdana. Just be mindful only to use noncustom fonts, as users need to have a font installed to see it. Otherwise, it'll just default to a standard system font! Sadly there is no catch-all for this. You will not find any font installed on all devices (Since Apple products use a different set that non-Apple products), but try to explore what suits you!
Using Images ( .doc, .rtf, .pdf)
Images can also be in your documents! Maybe you create art or have an artist who you can commission, but adding your art or even graphics to a story can liven it up! Don't steal art, though, that's just rude.
Document Margins (at least .rtf?)
I'm not entirely sure of how much of an effect this has on every other document type, however at the bare minimum of rich text format; vertical margins allow for certain content to be higher up on the page than if not made high. Try experimenting for yourself and see!
STEP 3 - TEST TEST TEST!
Test. Test test test test test. You're probably not going to get what you want on your first try, and that's fine! The format I use for my written works took dozens of attempts to get just right, and while it may not take you that many, rarely will you ever get exactly what you want on your first time! And that's ok! If you want to trial types, upload a test document, make sure to make it a scrapbook piece, and set it to private and test away! If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, try this little setup! It gives you a traditional looking compact but fine-looking setup that will look good on nearly any platform! Please note this is for RTF files, make sure to check what settings are relevant to your file type!
FONT: Times New Roman
LEFT/RIGHT INDENT: 1cm
LINE SPACING: 1.5
It's not much, but it can make a world of difference!
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading this, I thought I would throw together a quick little guide on how to think about formatting uploaded word files, if some writers are having trouble with it! It may seem small, but it can bring a whole new depth to your writing, so make sure to give it a go at some point. And, don't use Docx please, I already have enough nightmares to keep me up at night...
~ V. Engineer