eBook File Formats
About 2 min read
Although there have been a number of e-book file formats available, three main types of e-book files have become industry standards: EPUB, MOBI, and PDF.
Other formats, such as Palm Media PDP, Microsoft LIT, HTML, DOC, and others may still be used, but they are in the minority.
EPUB is the most widely used format, while MOBI is primarily used in the Kindle e-book reader. PDF is used more for sending documents than for use as an e-book format.
Questions you may have include:
- What is the EPUB format?
- What is the MOBI format?
- What is the PDF format?
This lesson will answer those questions.
EPUB
The EPUB (or ePub) format for e-readers is the most popular format, and is considered a standard for e-books. The format can be read on the Barnes & Noble Nook and Apple iPad, as well as many other e-readers.
ePublishers can convert Adobe InDesign files to the EPUB format. Mozilla Firefox has a plug-in that will convert the files. Mobipocket software also allows the conversion.
MOBI (Kindle)
Unlike EPUB, MOBI (also called PRC) is a “closed format” and can only be used on the Amazon Kindle, MobiPocket Readers, and their respective applications. Some people are turned off by the idea of a closed format, although the Kindle remains the best selling reading device.
The Mobipocket Reader has a home page library. Readers can add blank pages in any part of a book and add free-hand drawings. Annotations — highlights, bookmarks, corrections, notes, and drawings — can be applied, organized, and recalled from a single location. Mobipocket Reader has electronic bookmarks, and a built-in dictionary
Mobipocket has developed an EPUB to MOBI converter called KindleGen.
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format created by Adobe Systems to provide a standard form for viewing, sending, and printing documents. It is also a usable format for e-books and can be viewed on most e-readers.
You can create PDF files directly from Microsoft Word documents and Adobe InDesign documents and books.
One negative point of using PDF files in most e-readers is that the text does not flow, and thus font size cannot be not effectively changed.
Summary
EPUB, MOBI, and PDF are the industry standards for ebook file formats.
EPUB is the most widely used format, while MOBI is primarily used in the Kindle ebook reader. PDF is used more for sending documents than for use as an ebook format.
Keep up to date with the latest technologies
Resources and references
Websites
eBook Formats – eBook Architects
EBook File Formats – Blog
How You’re Gonna Get Screwed By Ebook Formats – Gizmodo
Comparison of e-book formats – Wikipedia
How to Produce and Sell eBooks: SPAN’s Tips and Best Practice – SPAN
Questions and comments
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