Interactive book or fillable PDF workbook?
A fillable PDF is the simplest way to let readers type into a workbook, and it's free. An interactive book in Truberri works better on phones, keeps every answer in one place across devices, and shows the author which exercises readers complete. If you only need a printable worksheet, use a PDF; if you want readers to finish the book and you want to learn from them, use an interactive book.
Updated
When a fillable PDF is the right choice
- You want a one-page worksheet readers print or fill in on a laptop.
- You don't need to know how readers use it.
- You want no accounts and no app at all.
When an interactive book is the better choice
- Most of your readers are on phones, where PDF form fields are small and fiddly.
- You want answers saved and synced, not left in a downloaded file.
- You want to see which exercises readers answer, skip and come back to, and where they stop.
- You want to sell the workbook directly at a price you set.
Side by side
| Feature | Fillable PDF | Truberri |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to make | Free with most PDF tools | From £19 a month (14-day free trial) |
| Reading on a phone | Pinch and zoom; small form fields | Made for phones, with large answer spaces |
| Where answers live | In the reader's copy of the file | In the reader's account, on every device |
| Question types | Text boxes and tick boxes | Reflections, short answers, choices, ratings, yes/no, checklists |
| What the author learns | Nothing | Answer, skip and drop-off rates, ratings, themes (5+ answers) |
| Editing after release | Readers need a new file and lose answers | Readers keep their answers across new versions |
| Selling | Through a separate shop | Built in, on the web; Truberri keeps 10% |
Truberri prices ex VAT. Themes from written answers are on Author Pro.
Questions, answered
- Can I offer both a PDF and an interactive edition?
- Yes. Some authors keep a printable PDF for people who like paper and offer the interactive edition for phone readers.
- Can readers export their answers from Truberri?
- Yes. Readers can export their answers as a PDF and delete them at any time.