PDFs are great for preserving the original layout and design of a document, but they are not very flexible for reading on different devices. In this post, you will learn five different ways to convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats, depending on your preferences and needs.
I will also provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, pros and cons for each method. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to transform your PDFs into eBooks that you can enjoy or share with others.
Method 1: Bulk PDF Conversion with Calibre
Calibre is free and open-source software that can manage your eBook library and perform various conversions between eBook formats. It is one of the most popular and powerful tools for PDF to EPUB or MOBI conversion, as it allows you to customize many aspects of the output file.
To use Calibre for conversion
Step 1. Download and install Calibre from its official website.
Step 2. Launch Calibre and add your PDF file to the library by clicking on the “Add books” button or dragging and dropping the file.
Step 3. Select the PDF file in the library and click on the “Convert books” button.
Step 4. In the conversion dialog box, choose EPUB or MOBI as the output format from the drop-down menu at the top right corner.
Step 5. Optionally, you can edit the metadata (such as title, author, cover image) and tweak the settings (such as page setup, layout, fonts) of the output file by clicking on the tabs on the left side of the dialog box.
Step 6. Click on “OK” to start the conversion process. You can monitor the progress in the lower right corner of the Calibre window.
Once the conversion is done, you can find the output file in the same folder as the original PDF file, or in a custom location specified in the settings.
Tips and tricks for successful conversion with Calibre
- If your PDF file has a table of contents, you can enable the “Detect table of contents” option in the “Structure Detection” tab to preserve it in the output file.
- If your PDF file has images or complex formatting elements, you can enable the “Heuristic processing” option in the “Heuristics” tab to improve the conversion quality.
- By turning on the “Embed font family” option in the “Look & Feel” tab, you can embed fonts from your PDF file in the output file even if your eBook reader device does not support them.
Pros and cons of using Calibre for conversion
- Pros: It is free, easy to use, and offers a lot of customization options. It also supports batch conversion and can handle multiple eBook formats.
- Cons: It may not be able to convert some PDF files accurately or completely, especially if they have complex layouts or encryption.
Method 2: Convert PDF to EPUB or MOBI Online
If you don’t want to install an app to convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI, you can use an online conversion tool. These tools are convenient and fast, as they do not require any installation or registration. You just need to upload your PDF file, choose an output format, and download the converted file.
To use an online conversion tool
Step1. Go to a website that offers online PDF to EPUB or MOBI conversion service, such as Zamzar PDF to EPUB.
Step 2. Click on the “Choose Files” button or drag and drop your PDF file to upload it.
Step 3. Select EPUB or MOBI as the output format from the drop-down menu or list of options.
Step 4. Click on “Convert Now” to initiate the process. You can also enter your email address to receive a download link for the output file when converting a large file.
Step 5. Once the conversion is done, you can download the output file from the website or from your email.
Pros and cons of using online conversion tools
- Pros: They are quick, simple, and do not require any installation or registration. They also work on any device with an internet connection and a web browser.
- Cons: They may not be able to convert large or complex PDF files, or preserve the original formatting and quality. They may pose some security and privacy risks, as you are uploading your files to a third-party server.
Method 3: Epubor Ultimate
One of the most powerful and easy-to-use tools for converting PDF to EPUB or MOBI is Epubor Ultimate. This software can convert any DRM-free PDF file to EPUB or MOBI in seconds, with high quality and accuracy. You can also edit the metadata, cover, and table of contents of your converted files, as well as customize the font size, margin, and layout. Here’s how to use Epubor Ultimate for PDF to EPUB or MOBI conversion:
1. Download and install Epubor Ultimate on your Windows PC or Mac.
2. Launch the program and drag and drop your PDF files to the main interface.
3. Choose EPUB or MOBI as the output format from the drop-down menu at the bottom.
4. Click on “Convert” button and wait for the conversion to finish.
5. Find your converted files in the output folder or click on “Output Folder” button to open it.
Some advanced features of Epubor Ultimate
- PDF DRM Removal: remove DRM from PDF on Adobe Digital Editions.
- Modify metadata: edit all the meta information including title, author, identifiers,the book cover, etc.
- Auto detect: automatically detect the device and display all downloaded books in the left column.
Pros and cons of using Epubor Ultimate for conversion
- Pros: It is reliable, accurate, and preserves the original formatting and quality of the PDF file. It also offers many editing and customization options for the output file.
- Cons: It is not free, and requires installation and activation.
Method 4: Ebook Conversion Shortcut for iPhone or Mac
If you have an iPhone or a Mac, you can use a handy shortcut to convert PDF to EPUB or MOBI without installing any software. I have made a File Converter shortcut for converting PDF to MOBI or EPUB.
You can run the shortcut from Quick Actions on Mac or Share Sheet on iPhone, and choose the output format of your converted files.
To use Ebook Conversion shortcut
1. Get the File Converter shortcut from our shortcuts collection.
2. On your iPhone, select the PDF from whatever app you have and tap the Share button. On your Mac, right click on the PDF file and select Quick Action.
3. Scroll down to find and select the File Converter shortcut.
4. Choose EPUB or MOBI as the output format from the list. The third option is for manual input, and you can type any format.
5. Wait for the conversion to finish and select a location to save the converted file.
Some benefits of outsourcing conversion
- You can save time and effort by letting professionals handle the conversion process.
- Quick convert files without leaving your current app.
- You can customize the shortcut for your preference.
Pros and cons of using File Converter Shortcut
- Pros: Convert PDFs to another format in a few clicks without installing additional app.
- Cons: Only works for iPhone or Mac and you can only convert 25 files per day.
Method 5: Mobile Apps for On-the-Go PDF Conversion
If you want to convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats on your mobile device, you can use mobile apps that are designed for this purpose. These apps allow you to convert PDF files directly from your phone or tablet, without needing a computer or an internet connection.
To use a mobile app for conversion
Step 1. Download and install a mobile app that can convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats from your device’s app store, such as Ebook Converter.
Step 2. Launch the app and grant it access to your device’s storage and files.
Step 3. Select the PDF file that you want to convert from your device’s file manager.
Step 4. Choose EPUB or MOBI as the output format from the app’s menu or settings.
Step 5. Tap on the “Convert Ebook” button to start the process. You can monitor the progress in the app’s interface.
Once the conversion is done, you can find the output file in the app’s folder or in a custom location that you specified in the settings.This app can convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats with ease and efficiency. It supports multiple languages and fonts and maintains the original quality and structure of the PDF file. It is available for Android devices and is free with ads.
Pros and cons of using mobile apps for conversion
- Pros: They are handy, fast, and do not require an internet connection or a computer.
- Cons: They may not be able to convert large or complex PDF files, or retain the original formatting and quality. They contains ads.
Tips for Ensuring Quality in Converted eBooks
Regardless of which method you choose to convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats, you may encounter some issues or challenges that affect the quality of the output file. Here are some tips for ensuring quality in converted eBooks:
- Maintaining formatting and layout integrity: To preserve the original appearance and structure of your PDF file in the output file, you may need to adjust some settings (such as page size, margins, and alignment) in the conversion tool or software. You may also need to check and correct any errors (such as broken links, or missing images) in the output file manually.
- Handling images and complex document elements: To ensure that your images and other complex elements (such as tables, charts, and graphs) are displayed correctly in the output file, you may need to optimize them (such as resizing, and cropping) in the conversion tool or software. You may also need to embed them (such as converting them to vector graphics) in the output file to avoid compatibility issues.
- Managing fonts and text styles: To ensure that your fonts and text styles (such as bold, italic, and underline) are rendered properly in the output file, you may need to embed them (such as converting them to outlines) in the output file to avoid compatibility issues. You may also need to choose fonts and text styles that are supported by your eBook reader device or app.
Conclusion
In this post, you have learned five different ways to convert PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats. Only the Epubor Ultimate can help convert DRM protected PDFs. Moreover, keep in mind the tips for ensuring quality and compliance in converted eBooks.
I hope that this post has helped you understand the benefits and challenges of converting PDF files to eBook formats, and has given you some guidance on how to choose and use a suitable method for your needs.
You can experiment with these methods and see which one works best for you. Whether you want to read your PDF files on different devices, share them with others, or create your own eBooks, converting PDF files to EPUB or MOBI formats can open up new possibilities and opportunities for you.