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How to convert a PDF to EPUB

Changing a PDF into an EPUB file is easier than you might think

A PDF is a suitable file format for creating and reading e-books. However, if you want to open an e-book in most e-readers, like the Amazon Kindle and B&N Nook, you must first convert it to an EPUB. 

At first, a PDF-to-EPUB conversion might seem intimidating. But with the right tools, you can complete the task in no time. It doesn’t matter what operating system you’re using. Our top picks meet the needs of every type of user.

Calibre (Windows, MacOS, Linux)

If you’re looking for excellent eBook software for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, you cannot go wrong with the open-source Calibre. It comes with a file conversion tool on top of its entire suite of features. Follow the steps below to make a PDF-to-EPUB conversion.

Step 1: Drag and drop the PDF you want to convert into Calibre, or click the Add Books icon in the top left-hand corner and select Add Books From A Single Directory. Then choose the PDF you want to convert.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Highlight your book from the main-window list and then click the Convert Books button.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Choose the EPUB output format using the drop-down menu on the right-hand side and make any necessary adjustments to the title and other details.

Step 4: Once the conversion is complete, you can click the Jobs icon in the bottom right-hand corner to find out more. Clicking Show Job Details will show you where it was output. You can now use your newly converted EPUB document as you wish!

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Online-Convert.com (web-based)

If you’re working straight from the web, you can also try Online Convert to reshape your file types. Convert standard PDF files to EPUBs or more complicated challenges like DOCX files to DOC. All you need is access to the web.

Step 1: Navigate to the main Online Convert homepage and select the EPUB format listed under the eBook Converter heading.

Step 2: Find the PDF file you want to convert by clicking Choose File, Choose From Dropbox, or Choose From Google Drive. Alternatively, enter the URL leading to the PDF. You can also enter additional information regarding the book, such as the title or author.

Online-Converter-ePub-Converter-Page
Daniel Martin/Screenshot

Step 3: Click Start Conversion and wait for the conversion to complete. Afterward, you’ll be able to access the file from its designated folder.

EPUBator (Android)

For the folks who stick exclusively to Android products, try using the EPUBator app for file conversion. It downloads straight to your smartphone or tablet. With this software, you can convert PDF files quickly and easily.

Step 1: Tap Convert PDF listed on the right.

Step 2: Tap on the Folder where your PDF resides.

Step 3: With the folder open, tap to select the PDF file you want to convert. The process should begin automatically.

Note: You can halt the conversion process by tapping Stop.

epubator
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 4: Tap OK on the right after the conversion completes. The new EPUB file will be in the same folder as the source PDF.

Step 5: Tap the Back button to return to the main screen.

If you want to verify that the conversion worked, continue to Step 6.

Step 6: Tap Verify ePUB listed on the right.

Step 7: Tap on the EPUB file.

Step 8: Tap Next Page on the right to verify that each page converted correctly.

After you’ve officially wrapped and completed your latest EPUB document, these are our favorites for eBook reading.

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Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
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