In recent years, reading digital versions of novels and articles on computers and handheld devices has become more and more popular. This guide will explain what the eBook format is and also highlight common eBook file types, what are they used for, as well as their pros and cons.
eBook files are digital files that contain books in a digital format. They are designed to be viewed on various electronic devices, such as eReaders, tablets, computers and smartphones. Although eBook files will primarily be text-based in most cases, you can find images, audio and even videos in many of them.
Currently, there are over 60 eBook file types available on the market. Many of these eBook file formats are open and can be viewed on multiple devices, while some are proprietary, which means they can only be accessed by using specific hardware or software.
Common eBook file extensions include .EPUB, .PDF, .AZW3, .MOBI, .IBA and .RTF.
Authors and publishers use eBook files to create eBooks from scratch, publish them and sell them in eBook shops. You can create your own eBook and export it to the eBook file format of your choice using various software. Design applications like Adobe InDesign or even webpage editing software like Dreamweaver, can be utilised here.
Although eBook files support HTML, CSS and SVG elements, they are primarily used to access and store eBooks. You can buy eBooks through online bookshops and then download the eBook files on your device. To start reading, you’ll need to have install eReader software such as Adobe Digital Editions (ADE).
Many organisations use the eBook format, especially the .EPUB file type, to publish research studies or official business documents. This might especially be the case if they are long, extensive files - and/or designed for public consumption.
By using Adobe's collection of free online tools
Specific eBook extensions each have their own various uses and quirks.
When working with or accessing these file types, there are some benefits and challenges to be aware of.
Advantages.
Disadvantages.
You can turn your eBook into a PDF online, with Adobe Acrobat. To do this:
PDFs can provide a highly versatile, professional and compatible format for eBooks.
Find out more about other document files and types of text files, with Adobe.
One of the most popular eBook file formats out there is .EPUB. It became an official standard in 2007 and is the most used eBook file extension across the digital publishing industry. Publishers send EPUBs to eBook shops for selling and writers are requested to use this format to send their work. You can generally read a .EPUB file on any device that has an eBook reader application install.
An eBook can be exported with many types of file extension, including .PDF. However, while eBooks are mainly designed to be read on an eReader and can adapt to different screen sizes, PDFs are ideal for exchanging and reading documents in general - not just eBooks.
PDF and EPUB are both open standard file formats. Both can be used to support eBooks, however they have different purposes, so choosing one of these two formats to work with depends on what you want to do. EPUB is a widely utilised format for publishing, reading and storing eBooks. But PDF’s ability to let you add pages or merge files together can be useful for building out an extended eBook document. Plus, if you want to design an eBook to then print or make an eBook with lots of illustrations, PDF could be the right format for you.
You can convert almost any document into an eBook using certain software or an online document convertor tool. To do it online, simply:
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PDF files are designed to be readable on any device, making them a great way to share information.
PDFs are a great way for your business to share information – for example menus, price lists, and reports. Displaying these on your Facebook Business page is an effective way of engaging with customers using social media.
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