epub textbooks

What Is An ePub Book, And How Does It Work?

eBooks have heralded a new era of digital reading. Today, people can access written content in digital book format using various devices, including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, computers, etc.

But are you aware that not all eBook formats can be opened on every electronic device you use?

This is where ePub books come into the picture. ePub books are a type of eBook that you can open and access using almost all devices.

In this blog, we shall explore what ePub books are, how they function, and other details about this eBook format.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are ePub Books?
  2. Benefits Of Using ePub Books Over Other eBook Formats
  3. How Does An ePub Book Work?
  4. Conclusion

What Are ePub Books?

ePub refers to electronic publication. An ePub book is an open-standard eBook format compatible with various electronic devices, such as your smartphone, laptop, eReader, etc.

A characteristic feature of ePub books is that they are reflowable. This means that the content is optimized for reading on different screens. It can automatically adapt to various screen sizes, resolutions, and orientations. As a result of this feature, you can read ePub books on a wide range of devices.

An ePub book is created using an ePub file format, so these books have a .ePub extension. This file format follows an open method of creating an eBook. It is a straightforward file format that uses XHTML and CSS to produce the content.

The structure of this file format facilitates customizable styling and navigation in ePub books. It also provides support for embedded multimedia content.

Benefits Of Using ePub Books Over Other eBook Formats

ePub books offer several benefits in comparison to other eBook formats. Some of the major benefits of ePub books over other formats include the following:

1. Offers Easy Accessibility Through Various Devices

You can read an ePub book on almost any device you own. You will not have to worry or struggle to open an ePub book, no matter what device you are using.  

2. Supports Different Elements of an eBook Format

The underlying file format in an ePub book supports video, colors, and other elements of eBooks. ePub also serves as an interactive eBook. Such features enhance your experience of digital reading.

However, such support is not provided in all eBook formats. Many of them have limitations as far as supporting such elements is concerned.

3. Is Not Tied to A Particular Device

You are not tied to a particular device when you use an ePub book. Since it is an open-standard eBook format, you can easily access your ePub book using any device of your choice.

Also, you can share the eBook file and read it on another device. Once you save your ePub book to a cloud app, such as Dropbox or Google Drive, you can share the link to the ePub file. This will provide access to the ePub book on your cloud app.

4. Enjoys Wide Acceptance in The Publishing World

The ePub book format enjoys wide popularity and acceptance in the publishing world, including digital publishing platforms. Several large technology and publishing companies, including Google, Sony, Harper Collins, and Random House, have embraced this format.

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How Does An ePub Book Work?

An ePub book works seamlessly with any device that supports an ePub file format. For other devices, you will have to install compatible software programs.

You can easily find various software programs that can help your ePub book to function smoothly. Here are some of the ways in which you can make an ePub book work across different electronic devices:

1. ePub Book on Windows PC

You will not need to install any special software to open an ePub book on your Windows 8 or 10 system. These two Windows systems have a pre-installed browser called Microsoft Edge, which works great with ePub books.

All you need to do is right-click on the ePub book, select ‘open with’ from the menu, and click on Edge. This will enable you to bring alive your ePub book on your Windows PC.

Alternatively, you can download an ePub reader for Windows and use it to open and access your ePub books on Windows. 

2. ePub Book on Windows and Mac OS X

When it comes to the effective functioning of your ePub books on Windows and Mac OS X, you can depend on a handful of software programs.

You can make your ePub book work using Calibre. It is a flexible eBook management software program that supports almost every eBook format. Thanks to its outstanding management features, this software also enables easy sharing of your ePub books.

Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is another software program that you can use for both Windows and Mac OS X.

3. ePub Book on Android Devices

It is easy to make your ePub books function on Android devices.

You can simply use Google Play Books to open and read your ePub books. It is an eBook reader for Android devices, and it is available for free.

Another preferred option is the KITABOO eBook reader, which enables you to open any ePub book on your Android device without a hitch.

4. ePub Book on iOS Devices

If you are an iOS device user, you can use your iBooks app to open your ePub books.

Also Read: 10 Best eBook Creation Softwares

Conclusion

ePub books have revolutionized the concept of eBooks. They have introduced a lot of flexibility and convenience in the way people access eBooks. The biggest advantage of this eBook format is that it has removed the limitation of using a particular device to open the book and read it.

As ePub file formats continue to evolve, they are helping readers to explore the world of electronic books in a limitless way. Thanks to its wide reach and accessibility, this eBook format has become a preferred choice for both readers and publishers.

If you are looking for a comprehensive eBook service provider, you can reach out to KITABOO. It is a cloud-based digital publishing platform that helps users to create, publish, and distribute eBooks in ePub format.

Contact our expert team now and get started!  

To know more, please contact at contact@kitaboo.com

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Mike Harman

Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at KITABOO. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships. More posts by Mike Harman