C Format, created by Cambridge University Press, allows reflowable content that adapts to various screen sizes and devices, meaning these books can be read on e-readers, tablets, and smartphones – printing them may require special printers, though.
“Torchback” is an informal term referring to any paperback format other than A and B; more frequently, it refers to paperback editions published simultaneously with their hardback originals in the same format.
These books are typically distributed as PDFs, though some publishers also make them available as EPUB or MOBI files. C Format books can either be DRM-protected (only compatible devices supporting Adobe DRM support it) or DRM-free – those protected with Adobe DRM may only be read on devices compatible with this type of format, while DRM-free books may be read by any device supporting C Format books.
C Format books can be created using various software applications, including Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, and Microsoft Word. Online tools like Bookwright and Pressbooks enable book creators to produce these titles.
Academic and professional publishers typically publish in this format, which is ideal for textbooks, reference books, and scholarly monographs. C Format books are also increasingly being used to produce trade books like novels, cookbooks, and travel guides.
C Format is not mandatory, but many publishers are increasingly adopting it to enhance the readability of their books and make them more accessible to a global audience. Over time, it may become the standard format for books, just as PDF has become the go-to standard format for electronic documents.