Overview of EPUB and PDF
EPUB files, or electronic publication files, are widely used to store eBooks for free. It can easily store images, fonts, written content, tables of contents, and much more. The best part is that EPUB files can seamlessly display content on screens with the smallest resolution. They are not only interactive but also optimized for viewing on devices. The virtual accessibility is so great that even users with a 3.5-inch screen can use the EPUB format.
Now, if you wonder what a PDF file is, it was created in 1992 by Adobe. PDF was designed to create, send, and share PDF files globally. It is typically a viewing format and is used when the document doesn’t require any editing. Highlighting is available, but editing features in PDFs can be complex to use. Because it’s easy to share and open, this non-editable format is often used in education and work.
A Side-by-Side Comparison of EPUB vs PDF
Let’s learn the comprehensive comparison between EPUB and PDF from the aspects of file size, device compatibility, and readability. In addition, the security is also part of the comparison.
#File Size
EPUB vs PDF: Which one has a smaller file size? EPUB files are lighter, enhancing the document’s portability. They are stored in a zip file and are smaller than PDF files. They use HTML to proceed. On the contrary, PDF files are relatively larger as they save the direction of characters, fonts, and location.
#Compatibility
Wondering which format has better compatibility: EPUB or PDF format? EPUB files are widely supported on popular e-readers and apps across all devices. On the other hand, PDF files are nearly universally compatible. They are viewable on almost all devices and platforms using apps, browsers, and built-in viewers on most OSs.
#Reading Experience
Comparing the reading experience, EPUB offers a better reading experience than PDF. EPUB files have reflowable text so that they can be displayed on different devices with different screen resolutions. Despite that, it allows the page size to fit all device types. At the same time, PDF formats may not be easy to read for viewers. Unlike EPUB, PDF doesn’t optimize for different screen resolutions. To see the text clearly, mobile users often need to zoom out.
#Security & DRM Protection
When comparing PDF vs EPUB in terms of security, PDF has the edge, which includes strong security features, such as password protection, encryption, and restricted printing. On the contrary, EPUB relies more on DRM systems, which control user permissions for commercial eBooks.
#Media Interactivity
Is EPUB better than PDF when talking about media interactivity? Yes! EPUB offers higher media interactivity than PDF. It can embed audio, video, and interactive elements, while a PDF is more static. It has limited support for multimedia and interactivity. More importantly, PDF preserves layout and formatting across devices.
EPUB or PDF: Which Should be Your Choice
After learning about the differences between PDF and EPUB, you may think about which format you should choose. Well, it largely depends on the document’s usability according to your needs. EPUB is compatible with most readers. It offers interactive features and lets text flow to fit the screen. It offers layouts that adapt and interactive features suited for reading on screens. On the contrary, PDFs are interactive and user-friendly, but the file size is quite large, and hence they do not fit all screens.
Here’s how each format is typically used:
When to use EPUB?
- Reading eBooks through mobile or e-reader platforms.
- Commonly designed for electronic reading materials such as stories and novels.
When to use PDF?
- Opt for PDFs for graphic-heavy content.
- PDFs are handy for preserving the original formatting.
- They are suitable for printing purposes.
- PDFs are highly used for academic/non-academic articles, offices, businesses, and presentations.
Your decision should be based on whether you value screen-friendly reading or precise formatting.
Recommended Way to Convert Between EPUB and PDF
At times, converting EPUB to PDF is needed for easier printing or sharing. You may need to convert a PDF to EPUB without losing formatting for easier reading on e-readers. To get smooth and reliable results with a consistent conversion experience, SwifDoo PDF is highly recommended.
SwifDoo PDF excels among the best PDF converters. With a fast, easy-to-use interface and powerful tools, it handles PDF tasks efficiently. This PDF software handles batch conversions across PDFs, EPUBs, Word, Excel, and image formats effortlessly. Plus, it keeps the formatting and layout just like the original file. SwifDoo PDF combines speed and reliability, making document handling easy for both home users and professionals.
Check out the process to convert EPUB to PDF with SwifDoo PDF.
Step 1. Download and open SwifDoo PDF on your computer.
Step 2. Then, go to the Convert tab and select the EPUB to PDF option.
Step 3. Next, add your EPUB file to SwifDoo PDF by clicking on Add Files or directly dragging and dropping. Pick an output location and press Start to convert your EPUB file to PDF.
Final Words
Now, you have learned what EPUB and PDF are in detail. We have also shared several creative aspects highlighting the differences between the two formats. Depending on the document’s usability and application, you may choose between EPUB vs PDF. To work better with either format, we recommend using SwifDoo PDF. With a user-friendly design, it lets you convert, edit, and annotate documents quickly and easily.
