I have found a problematic bug for .epub files exported from InDesign and opened in Adobe Digital Editions. The fixed layout epub file is not searchable.

To note, an epub file exported from InDesign and marked as re-flowable does work.

This is a SIGNIFICANT issue for me and here's why. I have a 700 page interactive book (includes embedded hyperlinks, videos, audio files) that needs to be distributed and opened by the general population and searchable.

1) The design of the book is formatted per page and needs to remain as laid out in InDesign. This means we can NOT use the re-flowable option.

2) For years, we've exported as INTERACTIVE PDF. This allowed users to open with the FREE Adobe Reader and enjoy all the embedded media and search. However, as an exported pdf format, Adobe Acrobat uses flash to play video and audio rather than a different means and as I'm told, due to the removal of flash, Adobe Reader will no longer allow for interactive pdfs to have audio and video controls. So that makes a PDF format not usable for this project. (infuriating!)

3) Next Option: Publish to Online. However, this option does not allow for search and does not include password protection. Again, making this exported format not usable for my client.

4) Next option: .Epub. On my mac, the same mac that creates the Indesign file, within Adobe Editions, the epub file works as expected. However, it does not work on any PC that we've tested. The fixed-format has an error and is not searchable and on some computers, the epub file will NOT even open in Adobe Digital Editions. Again, making this exported .epub file format unusable.

IMPORTANT: Where does this leave me? What format can I use and distribute from InDesign?

This seems LIKE A HUGE ISSUE for ADOBE and is very detrimental to my professional work.

I've been told that Adobe Digital Editions is an end-of-life product and no longer has support. What application is InDesign exporting epub files to work in then? What other viewing options does my client have?

Please help!