Are you looking to create an eBook to share your knowledge on a subject? Do you feel that your readers would benefit from reading it and downloading it a certain way? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about the different eBook formats.
Doing so can help you ensure that your finding the perfect fit for your text. The different formats are used to help with readability, as well as the format’s ability to keep up with the high-end designs that you use in your eBook.
See below for an in-depth guide on the different eBook formats that you can use to condense your eBook correctly.
Okay, okay. We know this isn’t technically an eBook format. However, it’s one of the most efficient formats you can use for digital files. Naturally, it’s going to make our list!
It makes for an incredible reading experience thanks to its easy-to-use interface and ability to keep up with high-quality graphics. They keep the design of your book from page to page.
In other words, the way that you typed it and designed it is exactly the way it will appear to your readers. That can’t be said for some of the other eBook formats on this list.
That was the main purpose of PDFs back when Adobe Acrobat first invented them: to make a reliable way to present documents as you intended them to.
The only drawback with PDFs is that they require your readers to have a capable PDF reader on their device. The good news is that PDF readers are free and easy to install, so it shouldn’t pose as too much of a setback.
There are ways that you can convert PDFs to EPS files online using an easy-to-use file converter. Be sure to look it up!
EPUB
EPUB stands for “electronic publication”, and is the most universal eBook format. It is supported by almost any device, meaning that your readers can enjoy your book from such devices as:
- eReaders
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Desktops
- Laptops
EPUB can come in two different file types: reflowable and fixed layout. See below for a brief description of each.
- Reflowable EPUB Files– The most common eBook format of them all. Its design allows the text and graphics in your book to fit the screen of whatever device your reader is using. If your eBook is more focused on text, then we advise that you use a reflowable EPUB file.
- Fixed Layout EPUB Files– As the name would imply, these EPUB files keep the layout exactly where it is intended. That includes all titles, images, and text that you have in your eBook. The cool thing about fixed layout EPUB files is that they can be read aloud, which is a great way to keep your readers engaged, especially your auditory learners.
Regardless of which one you choose, EPUB files are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) and also contain very strong copy protection. Their flexibility and security alone are worth your consideration.
Plain Text Format
As you might expect, given the name, plain text formatting is the most straightforward eBook file format there is. Its simplistic design makes it able to be read by any platform and converted on any text processor.
It’s a reliable way to convert into other formats as you or your readers choose. Plain text is supported for almost all devices, meaning your readers can view your eBook from their smartphones, tablets, or computers without experiencing a setback.
The plain text file (.txt) also can resize your sentences to ensure each page fits the screen that your reader is using. Whether it’s a smartphone or a 20-inch monitor, the plain text file will help your book adapt nicely.
The primary drawback of plain text files is that they lack the creative features that most frequent eBook readers have come to expect. For example, you will not be able to click to a certain chapter from the table of contents.
AZW
Back when the OG Kindle was created, Amazon originally used what was referred to as a Mobipocket eBook file (MOBI, for short). However, back in 2011, MOBI files were discontinued and replaced by what is now known as AZW files.
These files have a Digital Rights Management protection that only allows them to be read on Kindles or a device that has a Kindle app on it. If you’re thinking of self-publishing through Amazon, you’ll likely be using an AZW file format.
While the Amazon-only protection might sound like a liability at first, it can actually be considered a strength. Since your eBook will only be readable in a Kindle format, it can collaborate with features such as bookmarking, highlighting, and note-taking at no extra charge to you.
Granted, these days the newer Kindle eReaders, such as the Kindle Fire, use AZW3 file formats. The main difference is that these files contain support for both HTML and CSS. This makes the AZW3 files able to collaborate with the different styles, layouts, graphics, and text fonts that you prefer to use.
Consider These Different eBook Formats for Your Book
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the different eBook formats that you have available to you, be sure to use it to your advantage.
Be sure to read this article for more information on how to get started with scalable vector graphics (SVG).
You have a story to tell. You have information and expertise to relay. Use this information to find the best file format to support your eBook!