As the ebook industry grows, various ebook formats emerged. When you download an ebook online, you may find there are lots of selections of format. The most frequently-used are EPUB, Mobi and PDF. You may want to know what is the difference between them and want to find the best one to read in an ebook reading device. Don't worry, you will learn everything about EPUB, Mobi and PDF after reading the following detailed introduction.
1. What is EPUB/MOBI/PDF Format?
What is EPUB Format?
EPUB is an open standard, which is free and publicly available. Anyone can make EPUB books without any specialized software (EPUB is actually an archive file consisting of XHTML files carrying the content, images and other supporting files). It's very similar to HTML (a page with texts and images) in appearance.
The EPUB format is the most widely supported format, which is supported by almost all eReaders (like Kobo, Nook, ReMarkable, Pocketbook, Sony) and ebook-reading apps (like Apple Books, Google Play Books app, Adobe Digital Editions), except for Kindle.
What is MOBI Format?
MOBI file is originally developed for MobiPocket Reader and later purchased by Amazon. So now it's a mostly-Kindle format. For a more detailed introduction about MOBI format, please refer to the article What is Mobi Format. Here I won't state it again.
Notes: Mobi is not the only ebook format adopted by Amazon Kindle. Actually, Amazon has gradually abandoned Mobi format and some other formats like KFX, KCR, AZW3, AZW have already taken the place of Mobi. Learn more about Kindle format here: Difference Between Kindle Format KFX, KCR, AZW, AZW3, PRC, Mobi, Topaz, AZW6.
What is PDF Format?
The Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format developed by Adobe in the 1990s. PDF documents can be easily viewed and printed by users on a variety of computer platforms, and they are very common on the internet.
PDF files are supported by almost all modern e-book readers, tablets and smartphones. However, as PDF is a fixed-layout flat document, the PDF file may not display properly on small-screen eReaders.
2. EPUB vs MOBI vs PDF--A Detailed Comparison
ePub Kobo, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books.
Mobi Kindle.
PDF Kobo, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books.
ePub Kobo, Nook, ReMarkable, Sony, PocketBook, Onyx Reader, and any EPUB Reading Apps.
Mobi Kindle, PocketBook, Onyx, and any Mobi Reading Apps.
PDF Kindle, Kobo, Nook, ReMarkable, Sony, PocketBook, Onyx Reader, and any PDF Reading Apps.
ePub EPUB is a zip file containing XHTML files, style sheets, and images, so creating and editing an EPUB file is possible, but not that easy unless you are experienced in coding languages.
Mobi Technically, Mobi files can't be edited directly. But you can unpack a Mobi file to HTML, OPF/NCX (or convert it to EPUB), edit it and then recompile the edited Mobi file.
PDF Anyone can create a PDF file without much effort. But it's rather difficult to edit the contents in a PDF file because it's the steadiest ebook format. Or if you really want to edit a PDF file, a PDF editor could make it possible.
ePub An EPUB file can reflow its content automatically, that is, adjust to the size of your device screen. The content on the page rearranges and realigns itself. The font size can also be adjusted easily.
Mobi Just Like EPUB, MOBI files are reflowable.
PDF PDF file has a fixed layout. It does not change its alignment or resize as per the screen sizes. This feature makes it terrible to read a PDF file on a small-screen device like Kindle eReader or smartphone, but at the same time makes it the best file type for printing.
3. Verdict: Which is the Best eBook File Format?
To be honest, it's hard to decide which is the best ebook file format, since there exist both pros and cons for EPUB, Mobi, and PDF. Perhaps more precisely, you ought to choose the file format depending on your individual needs. But here I can give you some helpful hints to make the final decision.
Best file format for downloading ebook EPUB--An ebook format supported by most ebook reading devices.
Best file format for reading on Kindle MOBI--If you read ebook on a Kindle device, choose Mobi format.
Best file format for printing PDF--The only format keeping the original quality and layout when printing out.
Pro Tip--Converting eBook Formats Freely Between EPUB, Mobi and PDF
Epubor Ultimate is an all-in-one eBook Converter tool, with which you can convert ebook formats between EPUB, Mobi, and PDF. Better still, you can also convert ebooks from Kindle, Kobo, Google Play to PDF, EPUB, Mobi, TXT, AZW3 as you want.
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Michelle loves technology & reading very much. She seeks the methods to enjoy eBooks and audiobooks more freely and wants to share everything new she has got with you.
