EPUB files are a lot like wildflowers: they’re pretty much everywhere if you stop and pay attention. But since we see them all the time, we don’t usually think too much about them. Until we’re stuck with a massive EPUB file that can’t seem to be opened or read. 😅
Good news! EPUB files can be easily converted into other formats so they’re easy to read on any device (and easier to share, too!).
All you have to do is:
- Upload your EPUB file to conversion software like Zamzar
- Convert it to PDF so it can be easily viewed
- Download your new file and open it on your device
We’ll take a closer look at everything you should know about converting EPUB format to PDF, complete with step-by-step guidance and suggestions for opening your files, so you get the most out of your conversion.
Features of EPUB files
EPUB files are exactly what you might think: electronic publications of books (also called ebooks). Textbooks, e-zines, novels, and scientific papers and journal entries are some examples of the types of content EPUB files can contain.
3 popular use cases for EPUBs:
Since EPUB files are such a versatile format, you can use them for practically anything and everything. Here are a few practical applications for EPUB files:
- Fiction books. You just want to kick back and relax with the latest instalment in your favourite series.
- Textbooks. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a teacher’s aid, it helps to have your textbook in an easily accessible digital format.
- Manuals. Maybe you’re DIY-ing a dryer repair, or perhaps you actually design dryers for a living. Either way, having a virtual manual on your phone or computer makes it simple and easy to dive into the details.
There are lots of reasons why EPUBs exist:
- They’re cheaper to edit than PDFs. If you’re handy with HTML code, you can quickly make changes and edits on the go (no Adobe subscription required).
- They’re ‘reflowable’, which means they adapt to whatever sized screen you happen to use. You can think of it like a miniature website that adjusts to your device so you can read without pinching or adjusting your screen.
- They’re compatible with rich media files. And we don’t just mean images. Unlike other file formats, EPUBs embed both audio and video files so readers can enjoy a more interconnected experience.
- They’re compatible with several ereader devices. Apple’s iBooks, Amazon’s Kindle, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook all support the EPUB format.
- They’re packaged with built-in accessibility features. This includes the ability to adjust the text font size for viewing, support for screen readers, and even navigation aids based on structural metadata (which most assistive technologies require).
But while there are all sorts of benefits to using EPUB files, they’re not necessarily always the best format for reading and sharing. You’re probably familiar with a few of the biggest drawbacks of EPUB files:
- You can’t open EPUBs on all devices. You need special software to open EPUB files on computers and smartphones, and this often comes with a cost or means installing extra applications.
- EPUBs might restrict you to a specific device. For example, some EPUB files have a digital rights management (DRM) layer, which prevents them from being copied, printed or shared. This is a generally a good thing for publishers worried about copyright-infringement, but frustrating for legitimate readers who have downloaded an EPUB file on one device and then want to be able to read it on another device.
- Some EPUB files are insanely large. And by ‘insane’, we mean 50+ MB files depending on the images and page sizes you’re reading. This makes it difficult to transport or read.
Thankfully, Zamzar can help you get around some of these limitations by converting your EPUB to a PDF, so you can quickly read and share your ebook without struggling with the EPUB format.
But before we jump in to how to do this with Zamzar, let’s take a quick look at your options for how to view EPUB files on different devices.
How to open an EPUB file
Hint: it’s not as easy as with a PDF. But there are still a few ways to get the gist of your EPUB file. Let’s break it down:
How to read an EPUB on a Windows computer:
- Convert the EPUB to PDF. Using an online tool like Zamzar to convert your EPUB to PDF format (see below for a step-by-step guide) provides you with a file you can view with an internet browser or with other software programs you may already have on your computer (including Microsoft Word). This avoids the need to install specialist ebook applications, which can be especially annoying if you only have a few files to view.
- Use an EPUB viewer for Windows. If you’re wondering how to open an EPUB on a Windows computer, then another option is to download and install a dedicated EPUB viewer for Windows, like Adobe Digital Editions.
How to read an EPUB on a Mac computer:
- Click to open with Apple Books. This application is pre-installed on Mac computers, and can be used to view EPUB files.
- Install a specialist ebook software. You could also download and install a software like the Kobo desktop app to open your EPUB files with.
How to open an EPUB on an iPhone or Android phone:
- Try the NeatReader app. This EPUB app can be installed on your smartphone and is free to use, although bells and whistles cost extra. You also have to deal with in-app ads unless you’re willing to pay for their Premium subscription.
- Use the Apple Books app. If you’re using an iPhone, then this app comes built-in and can be used to open your EPUB files.
- Convert to PDF. This can be done in just a couple of minutes, and you can then view the PDF contents with your phone’s internet browser. Jump down to ‘How to convert EPUB to PDF in 10 minutes or less’ to see the step-by-step process.
How to view an EPUB online:
- Try a specialist website. There are sites like epub-reader.online that can help you view EPUBs online. This does require an internet connection, which isn’t ideal if you want to be able to read the contents while on the go.
- Use a browser extension. Chrome extensions like EPUBReader can be installed on your device and then used to view your EPUB files.
- Change EPUB to PDF. This provides you with a PDF version that is easier to view and share, and can be read offline. You can skip to the steps below if you’re curious about how to do this.
How to read EPUB files on a Kindle device:
So, can a Kindle read EPUB files? Surprisingly, not natively. You’ll have to convert your files to AZW3 first, or use the ‘Send to Kindle’ service to transfer the files and have them converted to AZW3 by Amazon.
How to convert EPUB to PDF in 10 minutes or less
We’ve broken this down into two different segments – EPUB conversion on your computer, and EPUB conversion on your phone – so just jump to the part you need.
Convert EPUB to PDF on a Mac or Windows computer
It’s probably easier than you’d think to convert an EPUB file to PDF on your computer.
1. Hop over to zamzar.com/convert/epub-to-pdf/ to access Zamzar’s EPUB-to-PDF converter.
2. Tap Choose Files and upload the EPUB you wish to convert.
3. Make sure PDF is selected as the format to convert to at Step 2.
4. Tap Convert Now when you’re ready to get started. Be sure to check the Email when done? box if you want to get an email notification once the file is converted.
5. As soon as the converted file is ready, click the blue Download button to transfer the PDF to your computer.
Ta-da! You should’ve received a freshly-minted PDF you can read from anywhere (with or without a WiFi connection).
Now, you can easily view the converted PDF on your computer by:
- Opening it with a web browser like Google Chrome.
- Using software already on your device, like Apple Preview or Microsoft Word.
- Pulling up specialist PDF software, like Adobe Acrobat, if you already have a subscription.
Convert EPUB to PDF on a mobile
Here’s how to convert an EPUB file to PDF on your Android or iPhone device:
1. Pull up zamzar.com/convert/epub-to-pdf/ in your mobile device’s web browser.
2. Tap the green button that says Choose Files. From here, you can select EPUB files from your device, a URL, or a third-party host like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.
3. Make sure you have PDF selected under Step 2. This will help to make sure you generate the right file and aren’t accidentally converting it into another format.
4. Tap Convert Now under Step 3. If you don’t want to wait around for the conversion process to end, you can always check the box that asks Email when done? and then you can close the tab as soon as the file’s uploaded.
5. Wait for your EPUB file to convert. (This usually takes less than a few minutes, although it may require a little more time if you have a particularly big file.) Then click the blue Download button to transfer your new PDF to your device.
And that’s it! You’ll see your converted file ready to rumble, and you can easily read it using the internet browser on your cell phone or tablet device.
Let’s get converting!
EPUBs aren’t the easiest files to read or share, but they can be converted to other formats like PDF in five steps or fewer. All you need is a computer or cell phone, an internet connection, and a couple of minutes (and maybe a hot tea or tasty snack for when you sit down to read your PDF!).
With Zamzar, it’s never been easier to convert from EPUB to PDF online. You can convert ebooks and magazines, textbooks and novels, and practically anything else, to get EPUBs on everyday screens.
Visit zamzar.com/convert/epub-to-pdf/ to experience the magic and convert your first EPUB file to PDF.
[Cover photo by Vitaly Gariev]