ePub eBooks - Everything You Need to Know
ePub eBooks - Everything You Need to Know
ePub is the current open ebook format that is standardized by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). ePub files come with the .epub file extension and can be read with a variety of different ebook programs and e-reading devices. They are easy to use and create.
The ePub ebook format is goverened by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). They maintain current standards on the format. IDPF is also the organization that standardized the "open ebook" format, which was the precursor to ePub. You can find a complete list of format specifications on their website.
Here are the most important points about the ePub standard format:
* It's free and open standard
* It uses re-flowable text, which means that the text will re-orient itself to match your screen size
* It supports images
* It uses CSS
* It can support DRM, but DRM is not required
* It makes use of metadata
What does that mean for you, a reader of ebooks? In a nutshell, it means that ePub files are generally easy to work with and can be used on a variety of operating systems and devices.
ePub Reading Devices
eReading devices that can use ePub eBooks: Acer Lumiread, Android devices, Barnes & Noble Nook, BeBook, Cybook Gen3 Opus, COOL-ER, Cruz Reader, Ctaindia's eGriver Ebook Reader, eClicto, eSlick, Hanlin eReader, Hanvon N516, N518, N520, N526, iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch (using Stanza or iBooks), iRex Digital Reader 800, 1000, iRiver Story, Kobo eReader, Pandigital Novel, Plastic Logic, PocketBook Reader, Sony Reader
This list is probably not comprehensive, and you should check the tech specs of your particular reading device to verify whether it can use .epub files or not.
ePub Reading Software
Adobe Digital Editions:
Reads both DRM and non-DRM epub ebooks. Most people aren't jazzed about DRM, but since mainstream book publishers require it on their ebook downloads, you can at least use Adobe Digital Editions to read popular modern books in ePub format.
Calibre:
Use Calibre to both read and create ePub files.
iBooks:
iBooks for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad can read ePub files. Download it through iTunes.
Mobipocket:
Mobipocket Reader was created for the original Open eBook format, and has been a good ebook reading choice for many years.
Bookworm:
Bookworm from O'Reilly allows readers to add ePub books to their online library and read them on their web browser or e-reading device.
Stanza:
Stanza is a free application that you can use to read ePub ebooks on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Google the name of the software that you'd like to try out.
How to Make Your Own ePub eBooks For Free (Basic Instructions)
These are very basic instructions on how to create an ePub eBook using Calibre. Once you are comfortable with this process you can get more fancy.
Step 1 - Install Calibre
Download Calibre for your OS and install
Step 2 - Import a File
- Open Calibre
- Click the "Add Books" button (upper left corner)
- Find the file you want to use. You can convert almost any unsecured document, including PDF, Word, txt, and HTML.
Step 3 - Convert to ePub
- Your file should now appear in the main section of the screen. Right-click it > Convert ebooks > Convert individually
- Edit any of the metadata and other settings that you want. When you're finished, click the OK button at the bottom.
- Calibre will process the book and create an epub file. From this point you can view your file and adjust it if necessary.
Where to get ePub eBooks
eBookMall EPUB eBooks
Shop for ebooks in ePub format. Popular modern titles available for Adobe Digital Editions. Some have DRM if required by the publisher, and others don't have DRM. Look at their ePub FAQ for a lot of information and instructions.
Google Books
Get tons of free ebooks in ePub format. Mostly classic titles that are in the public domain. You can get instructions for downloading the books in ePub format from their blog.
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