EPUB is the standard format for ebooks, designed to reflow text to fit any screen. That flexibility is less useful when you want to print a chapter, annotate pages in a PDF reader, or read on a device that only handles PDF. EPUB to PDF converts a DRM-free ebook into fixed pages, with its chapters in reading order and its packaged images included.
How to use EPUB to PDF
- Add a DRM-free .epub file.
- Select Convert to PDF.
- Download the PDF.
- Check chapter headings, images and any tables.
How the ebook is converted
An EPUB is a packaged set of HTML chapters with a manifest describing their order.
- Chapters in reading order: VelloDoc uses Pandoc to read the ebook and put the chapters into one document in reading order. It pulls out the images stored inside the ebook so they can be included.
- Laid out on pages: Then it lays everything out on pages with WeasyPrint.
- What carries over: Headings, paragraphs, emphasis, lists, block quotes and simple tables carry over.
- Styling is simplified: The publisher's own styling is simplified, so the PDF looks clean instead of identical to any particular e-reader.
Ebooks that won't convert
- DRM-protected files: Ebooks bought from most stores are protected with DRM, which encrypts the content. Those files can't be converted, and working around the protection may be unlawful where you live.
- Fixed-layout EPUBs, used for comics, picture books and some textbooks, depend on precise positioning that doesn't survive conversion into flowing pages.
- Linked online images: Nothing is downloaded from the internet during conversion, so images an ebook links to online are left out.
Reading and printing the result
- A single chapter: Once converted, Extract Pages pulls out a single chapter for printing, and Booklet PDF arranges pages so they can be folded into a printed booklet.
- Long books produce large PDFs, which Compress PDF can reduce.
- Where to read more: The print-ready guide covers page order, duplex printing and paper sizes.
When people use EPUB to PDF
Printing a chapter to study
Print the chapter you're studying so you can annotate it with a pen, away from a screen.
Annotating in a PDF reader
Use the highlighting and comment tools of a PDF reader on a public domain or DRM-free book.
Reading on PDF-only devices
Read DRM-free ebooks on older tablets, work laptops or e-readers that open PDFs but not EPUBs.
Limitations to know
EPUB to PDF works only with DRM-free files, simplifies the original styling and handles fixed-layout ebooks poorly. Images linked from the web aren't fetched. It requires Pandoc and WeasyPrint on the server, and long books take longer to convert.
EPUB to PDF: common questions
Can I convert ebooks bought from online stores?
Only if they're DRM-free. Many independent publishers, public domain libraries and technical publishers offer DRM-free EPUBs. Protected files can't be converted.
Will the PDF look like my e-reader?
Not exactly. The text and structure are kept, but styling is simplified and pages have a fixed size instead of reflowing to your screen.
Are images in the ebook included?
Images packaged inside the EPUB are included. Nothing is downloaded from the internet during conversion, so images the ebook links to online are left out.
Why is this tool unavailable on some servers?
EPUB conversion needs both Pandoc and the WeasyPrint library on the server. When either is missing, the tool reports which one clearly.