What Is an EPUB File?

EPUB is the most popular file format for digital books, compatible with lots of programs and eReaders

What to Know

  • An EPUB file is an eBook file format.
  • Open one with Calibre, Sumatra PDF, or Apple Books.
  • Convert EPUB to PDF, MOBI, etc., with Zamzar so it's suitable for your eReader or software.

This article explains what an EPUB file is, how to open one on all your devices, and how to convert one to a different format that will work with your eReader.

What Is an EPUB File?

An EPUB file (short for electronic publication) is an eBook file format. You can download EPUB files and read them on your smartphone, tablet, eReader, or computer. This freely available eBook standard supports more hardware eBook readers than any other file format.

EPUB 3.3 is the latest EPUB version that allows files to contain videos, audio, and interactive multimedia elements.

EPUB Files

Looking for free EPUB book downloads? There are lots of online resources where you can find free books, such as Manybooks and Open Library.

How to Open an EPUB File

EPUB files can be opened in most eBook readers, including the B&N NookKobo eReader, and Apple's Books app. You can convert books using an EPUB converter to make them usable on the Amazon Kindle, or you can use the Send to Kindle app to email the book to your reader, which will do the conversion for you.

These books can also be opened on a computer with several free programs, such as Calibre, Adobe Digital Editions, Librum, Apple BooksEPUB File Reader, Stanza Desktop, Okular, and Sumatra PDF.

Plenty of iPhone and Android apps view EPUB files. There are also add-ons and extensions for Firefox and Chrome that let you read in the browser just like other documents. EPUBReader for Firefox and EPUBReader for Chrome are just a couple examples.

Google Play Books is another place you can open EPUB files by uploading them to your Google account and viewing it through the web client.

Since EPUB files are structured like ZIP files, you can rename an EPUB eBook, replacing .epub with .zip, and then open the file with your favorite file compression program, like the free 7-Zip tool. Inside, you should find the contents of the EPUB eBook in HTML format, as well as the images and styles used to create the book. The format supports embedding files such as GIF, PNG, JPG, and SVG images.

How to Convert an EPUB File

There are several ways:

  • Calibre is the premier program for this. It converts to and from most other eBook formats, including ones compatible with the Amazon Kindle. Some of the supported conversions include EPUB, FB2, HTML, LIT, LRF, PDF, PDB, RTF, TXT, and SNB.
  • Zamzar is an online EPUB converter worth mentioning. You can use the website to convert the book to PDF, TXT, FB2, and other similar text formats.
  • Balabolka is one way to convert the eBook to MP3 to listen to it as an audiobook.
  • Online eBook Converter is one way to make an EPUB file from another document file like AZW or PDF.

You can try a conversion by opening the book in one of the other readers and choosing to save or export the open file as another file format, although this is probably not as effective as using Calibre or other online file converters.

Still Can't Open It?

One of the most common mistakes when opening an unfamiliar file type is misreading the file extension. Although different file formats use different file extensions, they sometimes look an awful lot alike, which can be confusing when trying to open or convert one.

For example, a PUB file is only one letter away from using the exact same suffix as EPUB files, but instead of being eBook files, they're documents used by Microsoft Publisher.

It's also easy to confuse an EPM or EBM file for an EPUB file. EBM files are either EXTRA! Basic Macro files or Embla Recording files, but neither format is an eBook. The first opens with Micro Focus/OpenText software and the other is used by Embla RemLogic software.

If you discover that your file actually isn't using the EPUB file extension, re-read it to see what the extension is and then research it on Google or here on Lifewire to learn more about what it's used for and how to open and/or convert it.

FAQ
  • How do I open EPUB files on Windows?

    Download and open the Calibre software for your PC > select Add books > add the files to your library > highlight a file > View.

  • How do I open an EPUB file in Adobe Reader?

    Adobe Acrobat Reader is strictly a PDF file viewing and printing program. You can use another free Adobe program—Adobe Digital Editions—to view both PDF and EPUB files on your PC or Mac. Download and launch the software > select File > Add to Library > and select the file/book you'd like to view.

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