Did you know that PDF is the world's oldest eBook format? That's right; PDFs were invented in the late 1990s to share documents electronically. Today, PDF is still the go-to format for many eBook lovers. However, ePUB is arguably equipped with more features that make it ideal for reading on electronic devices.
PDF remains a popular format because it can be easily shared and viewed on any device. The file format is also well-suited for printing. For document users who want convenience and portability, PDF is the way to go. This article will show you how to convert ePUB files to PDF.
ePUB vs PDF: What's The Difference?
ePUB is a free and open eBook standard from the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). It is designed for reflowable content, meaning that the text display can be optimized for different device window sizes. This makes it a great format for eBooks, which are often read on devices with small screens such as smartphones, tablets, and e-readers.
In contrast, PDF is a fixed-layout format, meaning that the content is laid out in a specific way and cannot be reflowed for different screen sizes. Opening a PDF file on some devices may require the user to rotate the file for easier viewing. This makes PDFs better suited for documents such as contracts, manuals, and other forms that are meant to be printed or viewed on a computer screen. Webpages can also be easily saved as PDF files.
While neither format is necessarily better than the other, each has distinctive features:
ePUB Features:
- Reflowable content for easy reading on small screens
- Can include audio, video, and interactive elements
- An open standard that can be read on any device
PDF Features:
- A fixed layout that preserves the original document design
- Can be password protected and encrypted for security
- Compatible with all operating systems and devices
- Can be easily shared and emailed
What file formats do eBook readers support?
e-PUB is the most widely supported eBook format. All major eBook readers, such as Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Sony Reader, and Kobo, support ePUB files. This is due to the fact that e-PUB is reflowable and, therefore, can be easily reformatted to screen sizes of different devices.
ePUB files can be accessed on Windows using third-party software such as Calibre, Adobe Digital Editions, and Stanza Desktop. On Mac, the default eBook reader, iBooks can open ePUB files. Tips for downloading and saving PDF files on iPhone can be found here.
PDF files can also be accessed on all major eBook readers. However, because PDF is a fixed-layout format, the content will not be reflowed to fit the device's screen size. As a result, PDF files are often best viewed on larger screens such as computers or tablets.
How To Open ePUB as PDF on Windows and Mac with Calibre
There are a few different ways to open an ePUB file as PDF on Windows and Mac. One way is to use Calibre, which is a free and open-source eBook manager. To convert an ePUB file using Calibre:
If you do not have Calibre installed, download it online and follow the instructions to install the program.
Open Calibre and click on the "Add books" icon in the top left corner.
Select the ePUB file you want to convert and click "Open."
The file will now be added to your Calibre library.
Click on the "Convert books" icon in the top bar.
Under "Output format," select PDF.
Click "OK."
The file will now be converted to PDF and saved in your Calibre library and you can proceed to save it to your desired folder.
How To Open ePUB as PDF on Windows and Mac using Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Digital Editions is a free program for reading and managing eBooks. To convert an ePUB file to PDF using Adobe Digital Editions:
If you do not have Adobe Digital Editions installed, download it online and follow the instructions to install the program.
Open Adobe Digital Editions and click on the "Library" icon in the top bar.
Click on "Add Item to Library" and select the ePUB file you want to convert.
The file will now be added to your Adobe Digital Editions library.
Right-click on the file and select "Convert To PDF."
The file will now be converted to PDF and saved in your Adobe Digital Editions library and you can move it to your desired folder.
How To Open ePUB as PDF on macOS using iBooks
iBooks is the default eBook reader on macOS. To convert an ePUB file to PDF using iBooks:
Open the ePUB file in iBooks.
Click on "File" in the top bar and select "Export."
Select "PDF" as the file format and click "Export."
The file will now be converted to PDF and saved to your chosen location.
You can now open the PDF file in any PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat or Preview.
