In the digital age, ebooks have revolutionised the way we read, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. Among the most common formats are the open ePub standard and Amazon’s proprietary .mobi and .azw files. Each comes with its own characteristics:
- ePub: An open, versatile format supported by most devices and reading apps.
- .mobi/.azw/.azw3: Amazon-specific formats, optimised for Kindle devices and the wider Amazon ecosystem.
Let’s explore how to read these formats on any mobile or desktop device!
Android
- ePub:
- Recommended app: Google Play Books (tap an .epub file to add it to your library automatically).
- Alternatives: Lithium, Moon+ Reader, Aldiko, ReadEra.
- How-to: Locate the .epub file, choose “Open with” and select your preferred app, or import it from within the app.
- .mobi/.azw/.azw3:
- Recommended app: Kindle for Android.
- How-to: Transfer the file to your device and open it with the Kindle app. If necessary, place the file in the device’s “kindle” folder.
iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- ePub:
- Recommended app: Apple Books (built into iOS and very straightforward).
- Alternatives: Marvin, KyBook, Glose.
- How-to: Use the Files app to locate the epub and choose “Open in Apple Books”.
- .mobi/.azw/.azw3:
- Recommended app: Kindle for iOS.
- How-to: Email the file to your Kindle address or use iTunes/Files → Share → Copy to Kindle.
Windows
- ePub:
- Recommended app: Calibre (a real Swiss-army knife for ebook management).
- Alternatives: Freda, Adobe Digital Editions.
- How-to: Open Calibre, add the .epub to your library, and read directly.
- .mobi/.azw/.azw3:
- Recommended app: Kindle for PC.
- How-to: Place files in the “My Kindle Content” folder (Documents → My Kindle Content) or open them directly in the Kindle app.
macOS
- ePub:
- Recommended app: Apple Books.
- Alternatives: Calibre, Adobe Digital Editions.
- How-to: Drag and drop the epub onto Apple Books or use “Open with → Apple Books”.
- .mobi/.azw/.azw3:
- Recommended app: Kindle for Mac.
- How-to: As on Windows, import files into your Kindle library via “My Kindle Content” or open them directly in the app.
Linux
- ePub:
- Recommended app: Calibre.
- Alternatives: FBReader, Okular.
- How-to: Add .epub files to Calibre’s library and start reading.
- .mobi/.azw/.azw3:
- Recommended app: Kindle Cloud Reader (read online and keep your progress in sync).
- Alternative: Use Calibre to convert the files to ePub and read them with your favourite app.
Below is a quick guide to loading ebooks onto the main e-reader brands in the three most common formats: PDF, ePub, and Kindle (AZW3 or MOBI). Each device has its quirks, but with a few steps you can read your books anywhere.
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Kindle (Amazon) – supports PDF, MOBI, AZW3, and ePub
- Recommended method: send-to-Kindle email
- Find your Kindle email address in your Amazon account (e.g., name@kindle.com).
- Add your personal email to the approved sender list.
- Attach the file to an email; if it’s a PDF and you want it converted, type “Convert” in the subject line.
- ePub files are auto-converted when sent by email.
- Alternative method: USB cable
- Connect your Kindle to the computer and drag the files into the “Documents” folder.
- Safely eject the device.
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Kobo – supports ePub and PDF
- Recommended method: USB drag and drop
- Connect the Kobo to your computer and copy ePub or PDF files to the device’s storage.
- Eject safely; the device will update its library automatically.
- Alternative method: use Kobo Desktop to sync and manage your library.
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Tolino – supports ePub and PDF
- Recommended method: direct USB transfer
- Connect the Tolino, copy the files into the “Books” folder, and disconnect safely.
- Alternative: some models support cloud sync—upload files via the built-in browser.
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PocketBook – supports ePub, PDF, MOBI, AZW3
- Recommended method: USB drag and drop
- Connect the PocketBook and drag files into the designated folder.
- Alternative: send via email (Send-to-PocketBook) after registering your address and emailing the ebook as an attachment.
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Boox (Onyx) – supports almost every format
- Recommended method: direct USB connection
- Connect the Boox and transfer the file to the books folder.
- Alternative: use the Onyx Boox Assistant app or the “Send2Boox” email service over your local network.
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Final considerations
- PDF files are universal but can be hard to read on small screens; they work best on larger displays or devices with reflow support.
- The ePub format is ideal for fluid, scalable text and is perfect for devices like Kobo, Tolino, PocketBook, and Boox.
- AZW3/MOBI formats are tailored for the Kindle ecosystem.
- To manage your library, convert formats, and organise ebooks, the free software Calibre offers a comprehensive toolset.