Buzz
EPUB is an open-source e-book format that enables users to download books to their devices. EPUB files are often incompatible with proprietary e-readers such as Amazon's Kindle. EPUB files typically consist of two components: a .zip file containing the data and an XML file describing the contents of the .zip archive. You can open EPUB files by converting the format or by downloading compatible reading software.
Steps
EPUBReader on Firefox
Install the EPUB Reader add-on on Firefox. If you prefer reading books while browsing, this free add-on is ideal. Visit addons.mozilla.org and search for EPUB Reader.
- You will need to restart your browser to access the add-on after installation.
MagicScroll eBook Reader on Chrome
On Google Chrome, go to the Chrome Web Store and search for MagicScroll eBook Reader. After you find the search results, install the extension for your browser.
While using Chrome, visit the official MagicScroll website to add EPUB files to your library. Click on 'Add a Book to Your Library' to begin using the extension in your browser.
You can upload files saved on your computer or even paste an online link. The file will begin downloading immediately.
Once the file is downloaded, the book will appear in your library. Two books are automatically added to your personal library, but you can remove them at any time.
Double-click the book cover to open the EPUB file in Chrome browser.
FBReader on Windows
Visit the official FBReader website and download the program to your computer.
Launch the program to begin working. Click on the second icon from the left, the book image at the bottom of the large blue screen, to navigate to the location of the eBook file on your computer.
A small window will then appear for customizing settings. Apply any necessary changes and click 'Ok' to proceed.
The EPUB file is opened in FBReader.
MobiPocket Reader on Windows
Downloading MobiPocket Reader on Windows is a popular choice for reading EPUB files.
- Double-click the file after downloading it to install and configure the eBook reading software.
Icecream Ebook Reader on Windows
Download and install Icecream Ebook Reader from the official website.
Launch the program to begin reading the eBook file. You can either drag the file into the program window or click the 'Add book to your library to start reading' button. This action will open Windows Explorer, allowing you to locate the file on your computer.
Once a book is added to the program, you'll see the book's title, the date added, and other details. Double-click on the title to open it.
The EPUB file is then opened in the Icecream Ebook Reader software.
Calibre on Windows
Visit the official Calibre website and download the software to your computer.
After launching the software, you'll see the Calibre Welcome interface, where you can select your language and choose the location to add eBooks in Calibre.
In the next step, you'll select your eBook reader device. If you don't find your device's name in the list, choose 'Generic'.
Once the initial setup is complete, you'll be taken to the main interface of the software. Click on the 'Add books' button to open Windows Explorer and find the EPUB file on your computer, or simply drag and drop the file into the software window.
Double-click on the book title to open it in Calibre.
Aldiko Book Reader on Android
Download Aldiko Book Reader from Google Play and launch the app on your Android device.
Open the app and swipe from right to left to reveal the menu bar. Select 'Files' to view all the eBook files stored on your Android device. Since the eBook reader supports EPUB format, the files will be automatically listed.
Tap on the EPUB file you wish to view in Aldiko Book Reader and press 'Open' to start reading immediately or choose 'Import' to add the file to your library.
Converting EPUB Files
Download the EPUB file. You can find free EPUB books on websites like projectgutenberg.org and epubbooks.com. After downloading the file to your computer, it can be synced with your eReader if you prefer reading on that device.
Save the file in an easily accessible location. You can create a new folder to store the EPUB files, making it easier to convert multiple files at once.
Visit a free conversion website like Zamzar.com or Epubconverter.com. These websites will convert one file at a time.
Select the option to convert EPUB to PDF. You can also choose to convert it to other eBook formats, such as Amazon, Microsoft, or Sony formats.
Click 'Convert File Now' or use your browser if possible. Locate the file on your computer.
Click 'Convert'. Wait for the conversion to finish. Large eBook files may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on your internet speed.
Download the PDF link to your computer. Move the file from the Downloads folder to your eBook folder.
Sync your computer with the eReader when you connect both devices.
Read EPUB files on Kindle
Download Calibre from the website calibre-ebook.com. Calibre is an eBook management tool, which also functions as a reader, library, and file converter.
Click to open the file. Select the main language and the type of eReader you are using.
Manage files. Click on 'Add Books' to add files to your Calibre library.
Select the file you want to convert. Choose to convert it to the MOBI format for reading on Kindle.
Click on 'Connect/Share' to share the file with your Kindle. For some eReaders, you may need to connect directly to the computer.
Read EPUB files on Apple devices
Download the iBook app from the App Store. Once installed, the iBook icon will appear the next time you open an EPUB file. Simply open the app to read the file.
Search for the Stanza app on the App Store (works well on iOS devices). You can download it to your computer, iPhone, or iPad to easily read EPUB files.
- On Mac, click on the .dmg file in your Downloads folder to open and install the app. Then, browse for your EPUB file to open it within the app.
