The History Of The Best E-Book Format And How To Open Epub

Epub, an electronic book format, which had its roots in collaborative efforts of International Digital Publishing Forum, addressed the issue of making books come alive (almost) on digital devices like smartphones, tablets, PC, and laptops and to open E-pub files on various platforms. But then, where did Epub come from and how to open e pub? Was it an entirely different format to start off with? Not really. Every complex idea comes from a conglomeration of simpler basal ideas. If you are familiar with the concepts involved in making an eBook, you must know that the base documents for it are always prepared in the form of PDF or Doc. Obviously most of us write in these formats and enhance them to form a proper book. Thus, to open e-pub we need to look back at how it’s formulated.

When you are getting into the bandwagon of eBooks, you have a very high chance of hearing about the eBook format ePub and how to open E-pub. This has over the years become the standard eBook format, which has led to more complicated and involving eBooks like Mobi, CBR etc. Of course, to open ePub needs a native eBook reader application or a device, which will let you enjoy the greatest features you could imagine for your reading experience. Additionally, the feature of this eBook format is the cross-platform compatibility which means that you can go ahead, open epub e-book and read it on any device. Now let’s see how we can open Epub.

Even on a Mac or Linux device, which usually do not support most other inter crossing software’s. As we spoke about the compatibility to open E-pub files, you can be sure to open the files within your basic eBook readers like Sigil, Calibre or Scrivener. What’s more, you can also open ePub files in simpler tools on Android or iOS, with software tools like Moon reader, Aldiko or Helicon. All these apps are free to use and install within your device irrespective of your system versions or make of the device. 

MOBI FILES

In self-publishing and eBooks, we see the formats of ePub and PDF make a good mark. Because of versatility and range that they have, PDF and ePub are mostly used by publishers and authors to bring out their works. One other factor that works for these formats are that, they can be opened, read, and modified in almost on any device, application, platform, or operating system. Of course, each of these formats have their own pros and cons in regards to the reading features, book format support, device compatibly and much more. These were perhaps some factors in making a universal file format by name Mobi.

Mobi Files was initialy launched by a relatively unknown company by name MobiPocket systems which came about claiming an alround universal appeal for eBook formats. Yes, you had epub files which were almost as popular as PDF, or Docs and such, but they fell short in being robust when loaded with media files and enhancements. Hence, users needed something more than just the plain attributes of ePub files, and Mobi tended to come into the place.

Amazon, which was an internet giant by the time Mobi became a bit popular amongst avid ebook readers had already planned to get into eBook reading scene, with its intended reader, Kindle. Now, Mobi became the perfect fit for intended Kindle device as it was still at a stage where it could be tweaked to conform to the requirements of Amazon. Thus, an association with Mobi came out helping either of the parties. However, Amazon ignored one basic fact where, it could not make Mobi to be compatible with all the machines in the world. That still would become a forte of ePub. If you are an avid reader of eBooks you must know that broadly eBooks were being categorized into basic text matters form like Doc, PDF, HTML, etc or advanced multimedia laded eBook format like ePub, Mobi, CBR etc. Of course, with time the differentiation between these two forms have faded. Thus, Mobi came to be a greater option. 

OPEN EPUB ON PC

Epub is perhaps the most popular eBook format in the market, beating Mobi at its game over the years. Epub has been brought out International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) and is maintained by them. They ensure that every ePub is created, designed and maintained as per the guidelines set down by the forum. Due to this ePub is mostly universally accepted, and compatible across various devices, as it is a base for eBook. The following are some of the eBook epub readers which are highly ranked:

1.       EPUB Reader: As the name implies, EPub reader is a clutter free, no frills, ePub reader available for free in the market. Having said that it is no frills attached, doesn’t undermine its capacity as an eBook reader, as it supports multi versions of ePub books, PDF’s and more. Also, with its robust conversion tools, ePub can also be converted into other text content formats.

2.       Calibre: An all stop shop for everything eBooks, Calibre has been delivering innovative features for conversion, purchase, highlights, annotations, bookmarks, etc. for eBooks, especially ePub files. They support epub files natively, and can also be used to share eBook files among different platforms and systems. If you are of course a writer, calibre can help you convert the epub file into Amazon Kindle supported Mobi file eBooks. All in one solution, Calibre makes everything related to eBooks super easy.

3.       Sigil : Sigil scores high in ease of use and intuitive user interface when it comes to processing eBooks, either free downloads from online or loaded into the device from external sources. Sigil and Calibre are perhaps the only two software tools which provide all the facilities a user might need in making, transferring, converting, re-converting, publishing and promting eBooks, moreover in the case of ePub. The ePub scanning codex in Sigil is more effective, as it can process multimedia ebooks, and even windows non-compatible ePub files.

However, apart from the above popular tools, you can also use Online tools like Google Play books, Amazon Kindle (when converted to Mobi), Nook reader, Kobo readers, Moon+ reader (especially for android smart devices) and more. Epub as referred to earlier is the most compatible multi-platform multi-device reflowable eBook format, and becomes a good option for avid eBook readers. This is one of the best methods to Open EPub on PC. 

OPEN MOBI FILES ON PC

The main advantage of having eBooks is that you can read them wherever you want, be it exclusive reader devices or windows/android powered devices. Thus, youcan read eBooks on smartphones, tablets, readers, and even PC systems. The following are some of the free softwares which allow you to open and read Mobi files in Windows PC:

1.       Sigil: This multipurpose eBook reader or converter, can work with any Windows version ranging from Windows XP to the latest Windows 10. Sigil is a free software and a bookshelf provider as well. Sigil has a good collection of eBooks in its library which can be accessed through the application. It supports inter convertibility of Mobi files into other formats like ePub, PDF, Doc etc.

2.       Amazon Kindle Application: The best eBook reader which can read Mobi files is Amazon’s native eBook reader called Kindle. You can download the application from Kindle store for your 32-bit or 64-bit systems. As Mobi is a native format for Amazon Kindle, the support for Mobi files is fully featured. As it were, earlier versions could read formats like PDF, ePub files as well. However, with the latest versions this support has been removed. The best thing about this Kindle application is that, once you login with your account, you can sync your reading habits across devices. Kindle uses a tool called as Whispersync, which allows for this sync.

3.       Mobi Pocket reader:Mobi format was initially brought out into the market, by MobiPocket systems, before getting acquired by Amazon. Hence, MobiPocket systems continue to support Mobi format by their native eBook reader called Mobi reader. Like the above-mentioned tools, this software can also be downloaded and installed for free. Beyond the usual features, Mobi Pocket supports highlighting, annotations, bookmarking, and page effects as well. Additionally,Mobi Pocket devices have their library of eBooks, across genres, which users can browse and download. 

Thus, you can Open Mobi Files On PCand get a more greater reading experience like never before. 

READING MOBI FILES WITHIN PC

Mobi had always been a closed text format, which has been an enhancement over and above epub files. ePub though offering a versatile compatibility across devices, cannot include some exclusive features of mobi. Hence, Mobi came into existence. Initially in the early 2000’s MobiPocket systems created Mobi file extension to cater to the various needs of eBook enthusiasts in bringing about a common platform for eBook readers universally. Thus, Mobi came about to be a great option. 

However, over the next few years, Amazon brought out Mobi format from MobiPocket systems, to be used later on with their eBook culture with Kindle. Thus, over time Mobi file format became an exclusive close ended eBook format of Amazon Kindle eBooks. And eventually, most readers stood incompatible with Mobi files.

Having said that, as a user, you can still open Mobi files across devices easily. One of the main factors for this is availability of third party compatible softwares like Sigil, Calibre and MobiPocket readers etc. However, apart from these, the main driver for Mobi compatibility for different devices is Kindle native app brought online by Amazon Kindle. This multi device app, can be installed in devices running on Android, Windows, Mac iOS, Linux or Unix devices. However, the only catch is that you need to register the Kindle apps in all these devices with one Kindle account. This is effective in using Amazon’s whispersync. Whispersync manages and syncs your reading habits across devices, like bookmarks, annotations, highlights etc.

Kindle reading app offers many features such as syncing your book library across platforms, storing your books in cloud, and ofcourse predicting and recommending reads based on your reads. Additionally, even if you delete books in the Kindle app, you can recover them from cloud with one click. Thus, Kindle reading app from Amazon becomes the best alternative for reading Mobi file eBooks within PC environment. Get More Info

OPENING MOBI FILES WITH IN PC

Mobi files are the proprietary format adopted by Amazon systems for their Amazon Kindle devices. Mobi is a format which enhances the present epub series of eBooks to be compatible by the aforementioned  devices and is compatible with Kindle as well as MobiPocket devices. Hence, the major concern regarding Mobi files is that devices might not be compatible for viewing or opening them. However, in recent times there have been many third-party software’s which are in the market to open mobi files within windows PC. The main softwares here are:

1.       MobiPocketViewer : This desktop application can be downloaded into PC form MobiPocket systems who were the initial introducers of Mobi format before Amazon brought it for their Kindle support.

2.       Calibre : Perhaps the most versatile eBook reader out in the market is Calibre, which opens almost all types of eBook formats, ranging from simple docs to complex CBRs too. Hence, this is an all in one tool for your ebook needs.

3.       Kindle Native App: The nest Kindle mobi format viewer is perhaps the native Amazon provided desktop application which is available for free from its portal. The best thing about Kindle application is that it can be downloaded within almost all types of electronic devices.

4.       Sigil : If you are looking for a software tool which offers you all the ebook facilities like opening, editing, sharing and processing, you need to try Sigil. Sigil is an one stop shop for ebooks, also hosting a library of its own which offers new ebooks across various genres.

5.       MobiReader : As the name suggests, this application which is available for free helps you open the Mobi files within your PC and also Mac books. However, for most part it just focuses on Mobi files meaning that other book formats might not be opened by it.

These, and many more their party softwares helps an eBook avid user, to open Mobi files within windows PC.Read More..

How To Create Epub Files?

Since, we have a basic understanding of what EPUB files stand for, we now have to look at what it takes to actually create an Epub file. Usually, all the major document formats are capable of being converted into ePub format with minimal effort. However, the first step in converting them is to check for their DRM lock, as copyright protected text formats (say, a password protected or write protected PDF file) are difficult to convert into ePub format. Now, conversion of ePub is necessary if you want to enjoy eBook experience within a sleuth of eBook readers like Nook, Calibre, CBR Reader etc, and also further convert it into Amazon Kindle supported Mobi format as well.  Lets see how to create ePub files : 

1.      Online tools: There are many online format converting tools which actually change PDF, Doc with relative use. Though sites like FoxyUtils, Zamzar or ePub Changer, are all quick and free of cost, the quality is somehow missed in these. There can be a lack of text flow, quality discounting, and pages getting mixed up. However, for eBooks which have lesser number of pages, you may use these tools for quick conversion. 

2.      Desktop Clients: Apart from the above options, you may also download and install free softwares like Sigil, Calibre, etc which process your Doc, PDF files and result in outputting ePub. However, It is advisable that you use Doc files, which are highly supported by all the devices, for conversion. Many publishers also use HTML as the base format for conversion. This is done because, you can save textual material and images as separate folders in HTML, which helps in editing the whole documents in a split screen format. 

3.      Kindle Direct Publishing Tools: In addition to the tools above, Amazon also offers its own downloadable conversion tools, which can convert ePub to further Mobi format. Though it is not entirely converting into ePub category, you can still edit, view and process ePub file. The major disadvantages of using KDP conversion tools, is that you cannot save the resultant output in any other format except Kindle supported Mobi file. However, it still remains a robust option to edit, and format ePub files. 

4.      Using Softwares for High Quality eBooks: Now these above methods might work best if you have a major textual material that needs to be converted to eBooks. However, when animations, multimedia and high quality premium eBooks, are involved, these following tools can be used – Apache’s OpenOffice, Scrivener, Apple’s Pages for iOS and Mac, Adobe’s InDesign and QuarkXPress. These software’s offer high end convenience to convert, process and prepare the eBooks in EPUB format including graphical content. 

Thus the above tools answer the question of the topic, How to Create ePub files.