On this page:
Formats of this publication
I use 'single-source publishing'1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-source_publishing to manage this publication efficiently and to compile a range of formats for you to choose from. Use whichever format you prefer — the rules content is identical for all formats at any particular release version.
Formats — choose what works best for you
Responsive website (HTML5)
Get it from: https://thehobby.zone/resources/e40k-compendium
This is the simplest and most reliable way to get this publication at the most up to date version.
Mobile app for Android devices (HTML5)
Get it from: https://thehobby.zone/resources/Downloads/E40kCompendium-release.apk
This is the best way to use this publication when you have an Android device and may need offline access to the rules.
More about the app
I'm not an expert in Android app development, but this app should work on most devices that use the Android operating system. I've used it without problems on a range of Android phones, tablets and other devices.
There is no app for Apple iOS. I'm not exactly sure how I'd need to approach that, and I don't have a suitable device test on. Sorry!
Updates
This app is not in the Google Play app store (or any other app store for that matter), so you can only install or update by side-loading2https://www.howtogeek.com/313433/how-to-sideload-apps-on-android — and you won't get automatic updates either. I will update this publication from time to time, so please occasionally check the website for new versions as I don't have any alternative notification method in place at the moment.
Portable Document Format (PDF) file
Print/PDF output is a lot more hassle than the HTML outputs, and I don't even use it myself. So, I won't always update the PDF to the latest version of the project that you see in the website and/or Android app.
Get it from: https://thehobby.zone/resources/Downloads/E40kCompendiumPDF.pdf
Use this version if you really want to print the whole thing out. It is sized for A4 paper, but you should be able to scale it to fit whatever paper size suits you best.
Print individual topics from the website
If you only want to print a few individual topics, you can print from the website. The print-outs get similar styling to the PDF file.
If the topic you're printing has an FAQ block or other 'expanding' content, be sure to expand that first unless you don't want it in your print-out.
Addicted to paper?
I encourage you to give the HTML5 formats a good try. I like physical paper documents as much as anyone else, but the HTML5 formats have strong advantages over 'dead tree format' and on-screen PDF:
- More ways to navigate and quickly find the rules you want to check — not only table of contents/navigation menu but also a handy search tool, hyperlinks to related information and quick access panels on the home page.
- Better page flow — no need to squint at the PDF or pan and zoom, no awkward page breaks.
- Less visual clutter — content that you'll probably want to see less often, such as FAQ sections, are folded up by default (just tap to unfold).
- Easy to have the latest version at all times — no printing required.
- No weighty tome to carry around — just use the smartphone you probably already carry.
If you still really want a hard copy then I suggest you use a good printing and binding service to process the PDF for you. I use www.doxdirect.com for this sort of thing as they provide a good service at a good price. It may be less competitive for you if you're not in the United Kingdom — check https://www.doxdirect.com/help/international-shipping.
I suggest you be kind to the environment and to your wallet by printing only occasionally, after significant updates. I'll try to keep sensible release notes at What's new, which should help you to decide when there is enough change to warrant a new print-out.