Convert PDF to EPUB
Transform your PDFs into ebooks for e-readers
Want to read your PDF documents on your Kindle or Kobo e-reader? Our free converter transforms your PDF files into EPUB format, the standard for digital books. Enjoy a better reading experience with text that automatically adapts to your screen size.
Why convert PDF to EPUB?
- Comfortable reading on e-readers (Kindle, Kobo, etc.)
- Resizable text according to your preferences
- Easy navigation between chapters
- Less tiring for your eyes
- Bookmark synchronization across devices
How to convert PDF to EPUB?
1
Choose your PDF file
Select the PDF document you want to transform into an ebook. Our tool accepts all types of text-based PDFs.
2
Intelligent content analysis
Our system analyzes your document's structure: paragraphs, headings, images. Conversion happens entirely in your browser.
3
Get your EPUB
Download your EPUB file and transfer it to your e-reader via USB or email. Happy reading!
Compatible with all e-readers
EPUB format is the universal ebook standard. Your converted file will work on:
- Amazon Kindle (with Calibre conversion)
- Kobo
- Apple Books
- Google Play Books
- Android tablets
- All EPUB readers
Your documents stay private
The privacy of your documents is our priority. All processing happens locally on your device. No files are sent to our servers. Your personal, professional, or confidential PDFs stay in your hands.
Tips for better conversion
- 1.Use PDFs with selectable text (not scans)
- 2.Well-structured PDFs with headings give better results
- 3.Avoid PDFs with complex layouts (multiple columns)
- 4.Check the result on your e-reader before deleting the original
Convert your PDF to EPUB now
Start conversionFAQ
How to convert PDF to EPUB for Kindle?▼
Use our tool to convert your PDF to EPUB, then use the free Calibre software to convert it to MOBI/AZW3 Kindle-compatible format. You can also email the EPUB to your Kindle (@kindle.com) and Amazon will automatically convert it.
Is PDF to EPUB conversion free?▼
Yes, our service is completely free, with no signup, no file limits, and no hidden fees. Conversion happens in your browser (local processing), so no server is involved. That's our commitment to Canadians — accessible and privacy-respecting PDF tools.
Can I convert scanned PDFs?▼
Our tool works best with PDFs containing selectable text. For scanned PDFs (page images), first use our OCR PDF tool (pdfcanada.ca/ocr-pdf) to add a text layer, then convert to EPUB. Scans of 300 DPI or higher give the best OCR results.
How to keep the layout during conversion?▼
EPUB format is 'reflowable' by nature, meaning text adapts to screen size — that's its advantage! We preserve structure (headings, paragraphs, lists, images) but exact layout may vary. For documents requiring fixed layout (magazines, comics), keep PDF or use EPUB Fixed Layout (FXL).
How long does conversion take?▼
Most conversions take 5-15 seconds for a typical 10-20 MB PDF. Very long documents (500+ pages) or large files (100+ MB) can take 1-3 minutes. Time depends on your computer's power since processing is entirely local in your browser.
Are my images preserved?▼
Yes, we include all images from your PDF in the EPUB file. Images are automatically resized and optimized for e-readers (max 1200x1600px, JPEG compression 85%). If you encounter missing or pixelated images, check that the source PDF doesn't use exotic formats (JBIG2, JPEG2000).
Will the EPUB work on my Kobo?▼
Absolutely! Kobo (Canadian company based in Toronto) perfectly supports EPUB — it's its native format. Simply transfer your converted EPUB via USB (drag-and-drop to your Kobo folder) or use Kobo Desktop. Kobos support EPUB 2 and EPUB 3, with excellent French support.
What's the difference between EPUB 2 and EPUB 3?▼
EPUB 2 (2007) is the classic standard, widely supported by all e-readers. EPUB 3 (2011) adds multimedia support (audio, video), MathML (mathematical formulas), improved accessibility (ARIA), and HTML5. Our converter generates EPUB 3 by default, but compatible with EPUB 2. Kobo and Apple Books support EPUB 3 well; Kindle requires conversion to MOBI/AZW3.
Can I convert DRM-protected books?▼
No. PDFs protected by Adobe DRM, password, or other protections cannot be converted without first removing the protection. For password-protected PDFs you legally own, use our Unlock PDF tool. Warning: Circumventing DRM on purchased books often violates terms of use and may infringe Canada's Copyright Act.
Is the table of contents automatically generated?▼
Yes, if your PDF contains bookmarks or clear heading structure. Our converter detects font styles and bookmarks to generate EPUB TOC (nav.xhtml file). If TOC is missing or incorrect, you can create it manually in Calibre (Edit Book → Tools → Table of Contents).
How do I transfer my EPUB to my e-reader?▼
Several methods: **USB**: Connect your e-reader to computer, drag-and-drop EPUB to appropriate folder. **Email**: Email EPUB to your Kindle/Kobo address. **Applications**: Use Kobo Desktop, Adobe Digital Editions, Calibre to sync. **Cloud**: Upload to Google Play Books or Apple Books for multi-device sync.
Is my metadata (author, title) preserved?▼
Yes, we extract metadata from the PDF (title, author, subject, keywords) and include them in the EPUB (Dublin Core standard). If your PDF has no metadata or it's incorrect, you can edit it in Calibre (right-click → Edit Metadata). Add title, author, publisher, ISBN, cover, tags, etc.
Can I convert multiple PDFs to EPUB simultaneously?▼
Currently, our web converter processes one file at a time to ensure best performance. For batch conversion (10, 100+ files), use Calibre command line: `ebook-convert file.pdf file.epub --enable-heuristics`. Create a bash/Python script to automate processing of entire folders.
Will the EPUB be smaller than the PDF?▼
Generally yes. EPUBs are often 30-60% smaller than equivalent PDFs thanks to: non-pixelated text (vector rendering vs images), optimized images, system fonts (no heavy font embedding), efficient ZIP compression. A 50 MB PDF can become a 15-25 MB EPUB. Exception: Very compressed PDFs or pure text can be comparable.
Can I read the EPUB on my iPhone/iPad?▼
Absolutely! Apple Books (pre-installed on iOS/iPadOS) reads EPUB perfectly. Transfer methods: **AirDrop** from your Mac, **iCloud Drive** (save EPUB to iCloud, open from Files), **Email** (email yourself the EPUB, open attachment, choose 'Copy to Books'), **iTunes** (USB connection, drag-and-drop to Apple Books).
Are footnotes preserved?▼
Yes, but their format may change. PDF footnotes are converted to EPUB hyperlinks pointing to notes (usually at end of chapter or book). On modern e-readers (Kobo, Apple Books), clicking note number displays a popup. Navigation is often more convenient than in PDF.
Can I convert textbooks or technical books?▼
Yes, but with nuances. Textbooks with linear text, simple images, equations rendered as images convert well. Textbooks with complex tables, multi-column diagrams, interactive mathematical formulas can lose layout. For complex equations, verify images are preserved. Consider keeping PDF for reference if layout is critical.
How do I edit the EPUB after conversion?▼
Use **Calibre Edit Book** (right-click on book in Calibre → Edit book) to edit HTML, CSS, images, metadata, TOC. Or **Sigil** (open-source EPUB editor) for more visual interface. For quick changes (metadata, cover), Calibre Edit Metadata suffices. EPUBs are ZIP files: you can also rename .epub to .zip, decompress, edit with text editor, re-zip.
My EPUB displays strange characters (é, à , etc). How to fix?▼
It's an encoding problem (UTF-8 vs Latin-1). In Calibre Edit Book, open HTML files, File → Save, ensure UTF-8 is selected. Also check XML declaration: `<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>`. For French characters (é, è, à, ç, œ), UTF-8 is essential. If problem persists, source PDF used a font with non-standard encoding.
Can I convert PDF comics to EPUB?▼
Technically yes, but not recommended. Comics require fixed layout (each page = one image). Use **CBZ/CBR** (Comic Book Archive) format instead or **EPUB Fixed Layout** (EPUB FXL). For comics, convert PDF → CBZ (rename .pdf to .cbz and adjust structure) or use comic reading apps (Comixology, YACReader, Chunky Comic Reader).
Does conversion work offline?▼
Yes! Once you've loaded the pdfcanada.ca/pdf-to-epub page in your browser, conversion works entirely offline. You can disconnect WiFi/Ethernet and continue converting files. All processing happens locally via WebAssembly (Wasm) in your browser. No internet connection needed after initial loading.
Can I use Calibre to convert PDF to EPUB?▼
Absolutely! Calibre is the reference tool for ebook management. To convert: Add your PDF to Calibre → Right-click → Convert Books → Output format EPUB → Enable 'Enable heuristic processing' → Convert. Calibre offers more advanced options (chapter detection, TOC manipulation, custom CSS styles) but has a learning curve. Our web converter is simpler and faster for basic conversions.
Will the EPUB work on Google Play Books?▼
Yes! Google Play Books perfectly supports EPUB. Upload your EPUB to your Google Play Books library via play.google.com/books/uploads. Limits: 100 MB per file, 1000 books maximum in your library. Once uploaded, you can read on Android, iOS, or web browser with automatic synchronization of reading position and annotations.
Can I convert university theses or dissertations?▼
Yes, it's an ideal use! 200-300 page theses are painful to read as PDF on screen. Converting to EPUB allows comfortable reading on e-reader with text size adjustment. Verify your thesis has a clear TOC (well-marked chapters) for better navigation. Theses with many tables/graphs may require post-conversion verification. Many Canadian theses are available via Theses Canada (collectionscanada.gc.ca).
My PDFs are confidential. Is it safe?▼
Absolutely. Unlike online converters (Zamzar, Online-Convert, etc.) that upload your files to their servers, pdfcanada.ca performs 100% of processing locally in your browser via WebAssembly. Your files NEVER leave your device. No network transmission. PIPEDA compliant (Canadian privacy law). Ideal for sensitive documents: contracts, tax returns, medical records, manuscripts, legal documents.
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How do I convert PDF to EPUB for Kindle?
Use pdfcanada.ca's PDF to EPUB converter to create an EPUB file, then use the free Calibre software to convert it to Kindle-compatible MOBI/AZW3 format. You can also email the EPUB to your Kindle. All initial processing happens locally.
Quick Steps
- 1Choose your PDF file
- 2Automatic local conversion
- 3Download your EPUB
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Article Authored By
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The PDFCanada.ca Engineering Team
Senior PDF & Security Specialists
Toronto, Canada"PDFCanada.ca was established in 2024 to disrupt the exploitative 'upload-and-harvest' model of modern PDF tools. Our engineering team, based in Ontario, specializes in high-performance WebAssembly (WASM) implementations that bring server-grade PDF manipulation directly to the user's browser, ensuring absolute data sovereignty."
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