Everything You Need To Know About ePub eBooks

The ePub ebook format is goverened by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). They maintain current standards on the format. IDPF is also the organization that standardized the "open ebook" format, which was the precursor to ePub. You can find a complete list of format specifications on their website.

Here are the most important points about the ePub standard format:

• It's free and open standard
• It uses re-flowable text, which means that the text will re-orient itself to match your screen size
• It supports images
• It uses CSS
• It can support DRM, but DRM is not required
• It makes use of metadata

What does that mean for you, a reader of ebooks? In a nutshell, it means that ePub files are generally easy to work with and can be used on a variety of operating systems and devices. It is the best eBook format choice for mobile devices with screens smaller than your computer screen, because the text will re-orient itself to fit your screen size.

This is a very generalized overview of which software you can use for your particular device. In all cases, if you have an ePub ebooks that was created for a specific app or software, just use the app that was recommended. For example, if you download ebooks from Google Books, go ahead and use the Google Books app. For all other ePubs that aren't necessarily attached to a certain app, here is a guide:

Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

I recommend Bluefire Reader. It works with standard ePubs as well as those protected by Adobe's DRM. Get detailed Bluefire Reader instructions here.

Dedicated eReaders including Nook, BeBook, Cybook, Kobo, Aluratek, Sony Reader

If you have an ePub without DRM, you can simply transfer the ebook to your device as you would any other file. If it does have DRM, you will need to use Adobe Digital Editions.

Android smartphones and tablets

I recommend Aldiko Book Reader. It works with standard ePubs as well as those protected by Adobe's DRM. Get detailed Aldiko instructions here.

Kindle

Amazon has hinted that it will allow ePubs on the Kindle, but as of right now it is not possible.

These are very basic instructions on how to create an ePub eBook using Calibre. Once you are comfortable with this process you can get more fancy.

Step 1 - Install Calibre

Download Calibre for your OS

Step 2 - Import a File

- Open Calibre
- Click the "Add Books" button (upper left corner)
- Find the file you want to use. You can convert almost any unsecured document, including PDF, Word, txt, and HTML.

Step 3 - Convert to ePub

- Your file should now appear in the main section of the screen. Right-click it > Convert ebooks > Convert individually
- Edit any of the metadata and other settings that you want. When you're finished, click the OK button at the bottom.
- Calibre will process the book and create an epub file. From this point you can view your file and adjust it if necessary.

Sigil has an excellent online guide with screenshots that will walk you through making your first ePub eBook. I've also written a quick overview here. After you've gone through the basic steps you can get more detailed with your creations.

Step 1 - Install Sigil

Download Sigil for your OS

Step 2 - Import a File

Sigil can import TXT, HTML, and other ePub files. Go to File > Open to open your book file. I recommend HTML so that you have the most control over your formatting.

Step 3 - Modify Metadata

Right away you should modify the metadata for your ebook. Go to Tools > Meta Editor and enter the Title, Author, and anything else you like.

Step 4 - Add a Cover Image

You can insert an image anywhere you put your cursor in the text. If you want to include a cover image, put your cursor at the very front of the text. Then go to Insert > Image.

Step 5 - Save as ePub

Go to File > Save As and save your work. The ebook is now in ePub format.

That's the basic way to get started but you should learn about more of the features of the program and add as much formatting to your ePub as you want to make it look stylish and professional. Read my tips on using Sigil for some additional information on formatting.

eBookMall
Shop for ebooks in ePub format. Popular modern titles available for Adobe Digital Editions. Some have DRM if required by the publisher, and others don't have DRM. Look at their ePub FAQ for a lot of information and instructions.

Google Books
Get tons of free ebooks in ePub format. Mostly classic titles that are in the public domain. You can get instructions for downloading the books in ePub format from their blog.