what file types do you need to sell ebooks?
Over the years, there have been many file types used to create books, from eBooks to Print Books.
Those file types evolve, some are discontinued, merely one in particular currently reigns supreme. (Hint: it rhymes with GLEEHUB).
In this article, you lot will larn:
- The nigh common file types for eBooks and impress
- Other file types common for ebooks
- Which file types you should apply
Table of contents
- EPUB (.epub)
- When Should Yous Utilize an EPUB file?
- PDF (.pdf)
- When Should You Use a PDF?
- MOBI (.mobi)
- AZW3 (.azw3) and KPF (.kpf)
- Other Formats
- What is the All-time File Format for Books?
- For Ebooks
- For Print
In that location are 3 primary book file types that you should be familiar with, though ane of them is already on its way out.
EPUB (.epub)
An EPUB file is the most widely used, and best supported format for an eBook. Information technology plays on virtually all devices, including:
- Kindle
- Nook
- Computers
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Most ebook readers
Virtually EPUB files are reflowable, which means that the text and images will shift to fit the screen size of the device.
All the same, this doesn't have to be the case. EPUBs are versatile enough that they can be programmed to accept fixed layouts if needed.
A stock-still layout usually has designs that are dependent on the layout of the text and images. These layouts are common in children's books, image/infographic-heavy non-fiction books, and comic books.
Thankfully, you lot can have both reflowable and fixed layout books with EPUB.
EPUB book files are based on coding standards such as XHTML, XML, CSS, and compatible with HTML5, MathML, JavaScript, and vector graphics like the popular SVG file type.
In other words, it's a powerful file.
Formerly, EPUBs were not published on Amazon, requiring the MOBI instead. Simply that has since changed. EPUBs tin can now exist used on Amazon, and are now the recommended ebook type there.
When Should You Use an EPUB file?
Since almost all eBook vendors use EPUB files these days, you should default to the EPUB in almost every instance where you would demand an eBook. Thankfully, programs like Atticus will automatically generate an EPUB file for you when you're ready to format and publish your book.
Print, nevertheless, uses a dissimilar file format…
PDF (.pdf)
PDFs are another common type of book file. However, they are meliorate served in amalgam your impress books, and not as eBooks.
The PDF was a file type created by Adobe, and has gained widespread apply ever since. They are useful for any book that requires a fixed layout, especially in impress.
When Should You Use a PDF?
You lot should utilise a PDF when uploading a print volume to Amazon, IngramSpark, or some other print service. They should never be used every bit eBooks. If yous need the fixed layout that a PDF can provide, use the fixed EPUB format.
Creating a print-ready PDF can exist tricky, which is why programs like Atticus or Kindle Create are essential tools when formatting your book.
Atticus will non only permit you create beautiful PDFs with all the formatting guidelines in place for Kindle Direct Publishing or IngramSpark, but is also bachelor on nearly every platform, and is a lifetime purchase choice so you go all hereafter updates for free (and believe me, there are many amazing updates coming downward the pipeline).
MOBI (.mobi)
Previously, the MOBI file was another of import file type to exist aware of, as it was the chief file used for uploading a volume to Amazon's KDP Marketplace.
Yet, all that has changed.
Amazon now accepts, and even recommends, that y'all upload your book every bit an EPUB.
We nevertheless include MOBI files here, though, because they are still accepted past Amazon for fixed-layout books, which y'all might want. Since the conversion procedure of one eBook format to another tin crusade problems in the layout, this could be a great style of ensuring that everything looks right before submitting to Amazon.
That said, the MOBI is all merely dead.
Amazon now has two other eBook formats, AZW3 and KPF, which are the primary book file formats that Amazon uses on the user cease.
When you lot submit a MOBI, EPUB, DOCX, or any other accepted file blazon to Amazon, it will usually convert to AZW3 or KPF.
Which is better, MOBI or EPUB? In today'southward marketplace, EPUB is the better eBook format to use, but there might be some special circumstances where a MOBI file is warranted.
AZW3 (.azw3) and KPF (.kpf)
AZW3 and KPF are worth knowing because they are the chief file types used by Amazon today, using their ain digital rights management (DRM) system..
- AZW3, also known as KF8 is the eBook file that Amazon uses on its devices. It tin can only be viewed on Amazon devices.
- KPF, a variant of the older KFX file, is a file blazon generated using Amazon's ain book formatting software, Kindle Create.
In addition to the EPUB, KDP too recommends using a KPF file blazon because information technology will integrate seamlessly with their devices. That said, doing and so is non required, and Amazon will automatically convert your EPUB to the correct format upon upload.
If you want to get the extra mile, you can convert your ebook to a KPF format alee of time and confirm that everything works the mode information technology should, then submit to Amazon.
However, you don't need to worry much about AZW3 and KPF, since these are but file types that are used on Amazon'due south end, and the EPUB is more sufficient for submitting to Amazon.
Other Formats
In addition to the five formats mentioned above, here are a handful of other book file types you might run into, though none of them are peculiarly pregnant for most authors.
- Mobipocket: An older eastward-book format used by Amazon that was officially discontinued in 2016.
- AZW: An older version of AZW3.
- Md/DOCX: These volition work every bit ebooks when uploaded to KDP, but if you take fifty-fifty a modest corporeality of formatting, it very often doesn't translate well.
- RTF/TXT: These file types will also (technically) piece of work with KDP, simply have no advanced formatting features.
- IBOOKS: This file type is used by Apple, but you tin still utilise an EPUB when submitting to Apple Books.
- FB2: This is a popular ebook file type in Russian federation.
- Comic Book Archive: There are a number of file extensions that you'll find for comic books, such equally .cbz, .cbr, .cb7, and more. These are essentially ZIP files that tin be unzipped to see a series of images.
For a comprehensive list of book file types, visit this page.
What is DRM?
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management, and is a form of digital protection that vendors similar Amazon or Google use to protect their eBooks from widespread piracy. Basically information technology keeps the digital files from being copied and used on other devices.
While most eBooks accept some form of DRM, Amazon does give you the option of removing it from your eBook formatting files
What is the Best File Format for Books?
The best eBook format is EPUB, and the all-time impress file is a PDF. Nosotros take a comprehensive comparison of the main file types that you can read, only the bottom line is this:
For Ebooks
Ever since KDP allowed the apply of the EPUB, it has become virtually the only ebook file type that is about compatible with all the major ebook retailers, as you can encounter below.
Not only that, it is as well open up source, extremely versatile, and widely accepted equally the best version. Nosotros highly recommend that you employ the EPUB as your first choice.
The one possible exception we would make might be a KPF file, created using Kindle Create. Using this file is one of the best ways to ensure that your book integrates seamlessly with Amazon.
That said, the EPUB works perfectly fine for virtually people, and information technology's like shooting fish in a barrel to catch any problems by using the kindle previewer when uploading to KDP.
For Print
If you are uploading to KDP Impress or IngramSpark, the best pick is using a PDF file. This helps y'all keep the stock-still layout that you lot demand for a seamless digital print experience.
A formatting software is a great manner to create these print PDFs. See our recommendations for all-time formatting software hither.
Which File Format Will You Utilise?
At present that you know the ins and outs of the main book file types, which one will you use? Let the states know below what your experience is with these file types.
Additionally, if yous desire to know more most formatting or converting between files, check out these resources:
- How to Convert EPUB to MOBI
- Parts of a Volume
- Best Book Formatting Software
Source: https://kindlepreneur.com/book-formatting-file-types-explained/
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