WHAT IS A FLIPBOOK?
It must have something to do with marketing, right?
The word flipbook originally comes from the word "flipbook" (a simple pad of paper with stick figures drawn on its pages that moved when flipped through), but today it is more commonly used to describe online HTML5 publications. This includes all publications that can be created from PDF files, such as brochures , catalogs , magazines , reports , flyers , and much more. The key features of a flipbook are the page-turning effect and sound, which provide the user with a similar sensory experience to a printed publication.
You may have encountered flipbooks before—for example, browsing digital supermarket brochures or online product catalogs. Another feature of flipbooks is their interactivity, which encourages readers to spend more time on a website or flipbook.
FLIPBOOKS AS A SERVICE - WHAT ARE FLIPBOOK PROVIDERS DOING?
Flipbook providers are typically SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) companies. They offer flipbook software that transforms simple PDF files into interactive, digital flipbooks (e.g., eBooks , manuals , real estate portfolios , etc.). Additionally, many providers, like Paperturn, offer various features that allow users to make the flipbook interactive, for example, through:
- adding images, GIFs and links ,
- the integration of videos ,
- inserting pop-ups ,
- the use of music and sound effects
...and much more .
Other helpful features such as statistics , contact forms , and search engine optimization help increase visibility and reach and allow creators to collect relevant data.
With Paperturn you can test all these features free for 14 days !
WHO CAN USE FLIPBOOKS AND FOR WHAT?
Simply put, anyone can use flipbooks. While many of our customers are companies and business clients, private individuals also use our software to create things like invitations or presentations .
So here's the answer to the question "What is a flipbook?" Let yourself be inspired by examples from our customers:
- Non-profit organizations and schools use flipbooks as informative flyers and brochures
Real estate companies use them for real estate magazines
Hotels and spas have already created catalogs of their services
Companies in every industry use flipbooks to visually enhance their annual reports
...and so much more. Creativity knows no bounds and the options are virtually endless!
HOW CAN FLIPBOOKS BE USED AND SHARED DIGITALLY?
Embed in a website
Flipbooks can be easily integrated into websites, even without programming knowledge. Paperturn offers two options for this:
- If a flipbook is embedded using an iFrame code , it can be browsed directly on the website.
- Alternatively, it can also be integrated as an image with a link so that it can be clicked and the flipbook can then be viewed.
Share via email
Sharing via email is very simple and innovative, as a flipbook doesn't have to be attached to an email like a PDF file. Instead, it can be sent as an image with a corresponding link (as described above), giving recipients a first glimpse. Flipbooks can also be integrated into email signatures , allowing them to be sent to (potential) customers with every email.
Share on social networks
Unlike simple PDF files, flipbooks can be easily shared on social media . Since they're easily accessible on all devices and browsers, opening them on smartphones is also no problem.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PDF FILE AND A FLIPBOOK?
A PDF file is edit-protected and formatted to always appear as originally designed. PDFs only allow for time-consuming scrolling within the document and a text search function. They are also difficult for search engines like Google to index.A flipbook, on the other hand, is formatted to look like a real publication, including page-turning effects, sounds, and a shadow in the center. It is available on all devices , making navigation much easier for users than with a PDF. Interactive elements can also be added to the flipbook to enhance the user experience.
HOW DO YOU CONVERT A PDF FILE INTO A FLIPBOOK?
It's easy! Just follow these 3 steps, and your interactive flipbook will be ready in no time:
1. Create a test account with Paperturn.
2. To make sure everything still looks good after conversion, check out our tips on optimal upload conditions .
3. Upload your PDF file to Paperturn.
That's it! Now you have a page-turning flipbook that you can make interactive using our features and share with the world!
...and you now have an answer to the question of what a flipbook is.