Acrobat
Easy guide to opening and viewing EPUB files on multiple devices.
The EPUB format is a widely used eBook file type, compatible with various eReaders, computers, smartphones, and tablets, ensuring a flexible and seamless reading experience.
Published by Adobe Acrobat India on 22 April 2025
EPUB files have become the standard for digital books, offering flexibility across various devices. If you’ve come across an EPUB file and are unsure how to access or use it, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know - from its purpose and benefits to ways you can open, edit, or convert it into other formats.
Need a universal format instead? Learn why converting files to PDF can ensure compatibility across all devices.
Why EPUB is the preferred eBook format.
EPUB, short for 'electronic publication', is a widely adopted file type for eBooks and digital documents. Unlike fixed-layout formats, EPUB files are designed to adjust dynamically to different screen sizes, ensuring an optimal reading experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
EPUB files stand out because they offer:
- Responsive design – text and images automatically adjust to the screen size, making reading more accessible.
- Feature-rich content – EPUB files support interactive elements such as hyperlinks, embedded images, and multimedia.
- Lightweight and efficient – optimised for easy storage and seamless distribution.
Want a format that preserves the original layout instead? Learn how to convert EPUB to PDF for a fixed format that remains unchanged across devices.
Opening EPUB files with the right tools.
To access and read EPUB files on both Windows and Mac, you can use Adobe Digital Editions by following these steps:
- Install and launch Adobe Digital Editions on your computer.
- Click ‘File’ and select ‘Add to Library’ to import your EPUB file.
- Locate the saved EPUB file on your device and double-click it to open and start reading.
Need an alternative reading solution? Learn how to open PDF files with Adobe Reader for a universal and secure document format.
Creating and modifying an EPUB file.
With Adobe InDesign, you can create and edit an EPUB file with ease. Follow these steps to transform a manuscript into an EPUB format:
- Open InDesign and start a new document.
- Insert text, images, and videos as needed.
- Fine-tune fonts, layout, and design for a polished look.
- Use ‘Publish Online’ to share a preview with reviewers.
- Once you're satisfied, export the file as an .EPUB.
Looking for more control over digital documents? Discover how to create an interactive PDF with multimedia and dynamic content.
Steps to export an EPUB file.
- Go to ‘File’ > ‘Export’
- In the Book Panel, select ‘Export Book to EPUB’.
- Set a filename and choose a save location.
- Select ‘EPUB (Fixed Layout)’ or ‘EPUB Reflowable’ in the Save as Type dropdown.
- Adjust the necessary settings in the EPUB Export Options window and click ‘OK’ to finalise.
Converting an EPUB file to PDF.
If you need to turn an EPUB file into a PDF, the process is quick and simple using an EPUB to PDF converter. Follow these steps:
- Upload the EPUB file to the converter.
- Start the conversion process.
- Once complete, download the PDF version to your device.
Want to ensure formatting remains intact? Use OCR technology to refine converted PDFs for better text accuracy.
Common uses of EPUB files.
The EPUB format is widely used for digital content, Here are some of its most common applications:
Reading eBooks.
- Designed for eReaders, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
- Supports adjustable fonts, layouts, and themes.
- EPUB 3.2 version supports HTML, CSS, SVG, enabling embedded video, audio, and animations.
Creating and publishing eBooks.
- Authors and publishers use Adobe InDesign to produce EPUB files with precise formatting.
- Some use manual coding with XML, XHTML, or webpage editors.
- Want to create documents that look great across devices? Learn how to format PDFs for professional publishing.
Official and professional documents.
- Used by legal, corporate, and research institutions.
- Allows structured, interactive, and easily accessible documents.
- Need to secure documents? Learn how to add watermarks to PDFs for better protection.
Other file formats related to EPUB.
While EPUB is a widely used eBook format, other file types serve similar or complementary purposes. Here’s a look at some common alternatives:
- MOBI – Originally designed for Amazon’s Kindle, MOBI was a widely used eBook format. While Amazon has since moved to AZW3, many older Kindle books still use MOBI files.
- PDF (Portable Document Format) – A universal format known for preserving document layout across devices. PDFs support links, multimedia, form fields, and electronic signatures, making them ideal for professional and legal documents.
- DOCX – This Microsoft Word format is commonly used for text-based documents. DOCX files can be edited easily and exported into other formats, including EPUB and PDF.
- PAGES – Apple’s proprietary word processing format, PAGES, is exclusive to Mac and iOS devices. Unlike DOCX, it lacks broad cross-platform support but integrates seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.
Understanding and using EPUB files.
With EPUB format a preferred choice for digital books - understanding how they work can help you get the most out of them.
Why use EPUB files?
- Works across multiple devices: Compatible with eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and computers. Even Amazon’s Kindle now allows EPUB files to be converted for viewing.
- Reflowable format: Text and images automatically adjust to different screen sizes, ensuring a smooth reading experience. No need to zoom or scroll awkwardly.
- Supports multimedia: EPUB files can include videos, images, and interactive elements, making them more dynamic than traditional formats.
- Lightweight and efficient: Compressed file size makes it easy to store and share.
- Content protection available: Digital Rights Management (DRM) can be applied to prevent unauthorised copying or distribution.
Things to consider when using EPUB.
- May require conversion for Kindle – Amazon’s Kindle doesn’t natively support EPUB, so files must be sent through the Send to Kindle tool first.
- Building EPUB files can require technical knowledge – While publishing tools simplify the process, manually coding an EPUB file requires understanding XML and XHTML.
- DRM restrictions can limit accessibility – Some EPUB files have DRM, which may restrict where and how they can be read.
EPUB files provide a flexible, interactive, and widely supported format for digital books and documents. Whether you’re looking for a smooth reading experience, an adaptable format for publishing, or a way to secure digital content, EPUB is a reliable choice.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I add bookmarks and annotations to an EPUB file?
Do EPUB files support offline reading?
Can EPUB files contain hyperlinks to external websites?
Is there a way to password-protect an EPUB file?
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