Summary
This blog has helped you understand the different eBook formats and helped you decide which one is the right one for you.
So, you have your magnum opus ready for publishing. In this age of ebooks, the next big decision is which format to publish in. While on the surface, it may seem like an easy decision to choose one among the three, there are many finer details to consider before doing so.
In this blog, we will compare the three most popular ebook formats of today and help you get answers to several questions that may be racing across your mind, such as “Should I convert my ebook from EPUB to PDF?”, “How do I choose between EPUB or MOBI?” or “What is the difference between EPUB and PDF?” and so on.
Table of Contents:
- A Brief History of Ebook Formats
- What To Look For In An eBook Format?
- EPUB vs. MOBI vs. PDF
- Summing Up
A Brief History of Ebook Formats
Contrary to popular belief, the concept of an e-reader was envisioned nearly a century ago. In his manifesto named “The Readies,” an American writer named Bob Brown envisioned a device that he predicted would be the future of reading.
His prediction is the ability to read a book off a screen rather than a piece of paper. This was back in 1930.
Fast forward to 1993, Adobe Systems created the Portable Document Format (PDF). Designed to share documents digitally across various platforms and applications, it is by far the most commonly used format for sharing digital documents today.
In 2000, a French company named Mobipocket developed the MOBI Format, an extension of the Open eBook format (OEB). As the name implies, this format was specifically designed for reading ebooks on mobile devices of that era, PDAs, and the very first smartphones.
When the tech giant Amazon bought Mobipocket in 2005, it used its technology to create the AZW format for its Kindle devices.
The EPUB format is the new kid on the block. It was created in 2007 by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). Today, it is the most commonly used format for ebooks. This is because it is based on XML and HTML standards, making it compatible with most e-reader devices and software today.
There is no doubt that ebooks are here to stay. Revenues in the eBook market space are projected to hit $14 billion by the end of 2023, which makes it paramount to choose the best format for your specific needs.
What to Look for in an eBook Format?
To determine which ebook format works best for specific applications, it is essential to be aware of all the factors one must consider when doing so. Here are some of the primary factors to take into consideration:
1. The Target Audience
Your target audience plays a major role in deciding which eBook format to go for. If your ebook is for the masses, then your priority should be a format compatible with as many devices or platforms as possible.
This scenario will call for a comparison of EPUB vs. PDF formats. If you are targeting a specific niche, do your due diligence to determine which format is prevalent in those circles.
2. The Content of Your eBook
Not all eBook formats are made the same. Some handle text better, while others can support audio, video, and other interactive elements.
PDF files preserve a document’s layout, fonts, and graphics, which can be a critical factor for technical ebooks, while EPUB is better at reflowing to fit the content better based on the device.
3. Security
Unauthorized use and distribution is another factor to consider.
The PDF format reigns supreme as it supports encryption and password protection. MOBI, too, supports DRM to protect itself against plagiarism. Being an open format, EPUB is the least secure of the three.
Also Read: EPUB Conversion Service to Fit Your Content Conversion Needs
