epub

.epub — Electronic Publication

IDPF / W3C · 2007

Developer

IDPF / W3C

What is a .epub file?

EPUB (Electronic Publication) is the most widely supported open e-book format. EPUB files are essentially ZIP archives containing XHTML content, CSS styles, images, and metadata. The format supports reflowable content that adapts to different screen sizes, making it ideal for reading on e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. EPUB supports features like embedded fonts, DRM, fixed layouts, and multimedia content.

Programs That Open .epub Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Calibre	Free
	Adobe Digital Editions	Free
macOS	Apple Books	Free	Official
	Calibre	Free

Common Problems with .epub Files

⚠️ Cannot open .epub file

Install one of the recommended programs listed above. For a free option, try the first free program in the list.

⚠️ .epub file is corrupted

Try re-downloading the file. If the file was transferred, ensure the transfer completed without errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What program opens .epub files?▼

.epub files can be opened with several programs. Calibre is one of the most popular choices.

Is .epub a safe file format?▼

Generally yes, .epub files are safe to open with appropriate software.

Can I convert .epub to another format?▼

Yes, there are many online and offline tools available to convert .epub files. Check the conversion section above for specific methods.

Technical Details

Electronic Publication files use the application/epub+zip MIME type and were first introduced in 2007 by IDPF / W3C. The file can be identified by its signature: 50 4B 03 04 (PK ZIP).

Did You Know?

Electronic Publication was first released in 2007 by IDPF / W3C

Security Information

.epub files are generally safe to open. However, always ensure your software is up to date to protect against potential vulnerabilities.