Advantages and disadvantages of popular eBook formats: EPUB, MOBI, AZW, IBA, ...

The following article will introduce readers to popular eBook (e-book) formats, and offer advantages, disadvantages and reading machines that support them.

1. EPUB

What is an EPUB file? How to read EPUB file on phone, computer

EPUB is an open format, free and without an exclusive provider, so it becomes the most popular ebook format in the world.

EPUB even supports color images, SVG graphics, interactive elements or even videos.

Almost all mainstream readers and operating systems support this format except for Amazon Kindle devices (except the Kindle Fire tablet).

2. MOBI

What is MOBI file? How to open a MOBI file?

MOBI is not open format, does not support audio and video.

Most reading machines support MOBI format, except Barnes & Noble Nook.

This format is also expanded with the PRC standard.

3. AZW and AZW3

AZW (2007) and AZW3 (2011) are two Amazon-owned ebook formats, so every eBook purchased or downloaded from Amazon has one of these two formats.

AZW3 supports more styles, fonts and layouts than AZW. AZW and AZW3 support both video and audio.

These two formats are not widely supported on reading machines like EPUB and MOBI. All of Amazon's Kindle products can read this format while Nook & Kobo and other popular devices cannot.

Android, iOS and popular ebook management applications like Caliber, Alfa . can read AWZ.

4. IBA

IBA is a popular proprietary book format created from Apple's iBooks Author application.

IBA is based on custom widget code on Apple Books application, so it cannot be read on the entire reader. This format is only used for books written in iBooks Author.

IBA supports audio, video and interactive elements.

5. PDF

PDF is a popular format for eBook and is widely used on the web. PDF is an open format and ISO 32000 standard in 2008.

But this format is difficult to adjust the display of content according to the size of the screen.

Summary of PDF tips

Which format is best?

EPUB is suitable for 'building' a large library of computer books that can support most reading machines.

MOBI is suitable for creating a major library of books for Kindle.

AZW does not have many features but many devices can read it.

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