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Convert ePub & PDF to iBooks on Mac - Easy Guide

June 30, 2010
Convert ePub & PDF to iBooks on Mac - Easy Guide

iBooks Now Available on iPhone and Other iOS Devices

The iPad's popular iBooks application has long been a favored feature, offering an exceptional digital reading experience. This has often sparked interest among users of other Apple devices. Now, those who own an iPhone, or other compatible iGadgets, have reason to celebrate.

Apple has expanded access to iBooks, releasing the app alongside a complimentary iOS4 update. This allows a wider range of users to enjoy the benefits of a dedicated digital bookstore and reading platform.

Expanding File Format Compatibility

Beyond the availability of the app itself, a significant enhancement has been made to file format support. Users are no longer limited to a single format for their digital reading.

In addition to ePub – the open-source digital book format natively used within iBooks – the application now supports opening and reading PDF files. This provides greater flexibility for users with diverse ebook collections.

Converting Ebooks for iBooks on iPhone

With iBooks now accessible on iPhone, understanding how to prepare your ebooks is crucial. The process ensures a seamless reading experience on your mobile device.

Let's explore the methods available for converting ebooks to a format compatible with iBooks, specifically within the iPhone environment. This will allow you to fully utilize the app's features and enjoy your digital library on the go.

Updating to iOS 4 and Installing iBooks

The iBooks application can be downloaded from the iTunes Store. Installation will occur automatically during the subsequent synchronization of your iPhone with your computer.

However, it is essential to verify that your iPhone operating system has been updated to iOS 4. Without this update, the iBooks app cannot be successfully installed on your device.

Adding Books to Your iBooks Library

With the reader now installed, populating your digital library is the next step. Several methods are available for transferring your digital books to your iPhone.

Below are some of the ways you can add your digital books to your iPhone for reading within the iBooks application.

  • Ensure your device is running iOS 4 or later.
  • Download the iBooks app from the iTunes Store.
  • Sync your iPhone with your computer to complete the installation.

These steps will allow you to enjoy your digital reading material on your iPhone.

Adding eBooks to iBooks via Drag & Drop

For users possessing a substantial collection of ebooks in PDF and ePub formats, transferring them to an iPhone is readily achievable. Simply drag and drop these files directly onto the iTunes application to integrate them into your iBooks library.

These files will be automatically organized within the designated "Books" folder inside iTunes.

Converting Digital Literature

Beyond simply adding existing files, you have the capability to convert other digital reading materials into either ePub or PDF. This conversion process allows for seamless inclusion within your iBooks library.

Following the conversion, synchronization of your device is the next step. This action will initiate the transfer of your digital books to your iPhone, making them accessible on the go.

  • Ensure your iPhone is connected to your computer.
  • Verify that iTunes is the latest version.
  • Confirm that your device is authorized for use with your Apple ID.

iTunes serves as the central hub for managing and synchronizing your ebook collection with your iPhone. Proper synchronization ensures that all your digital reading materials are readily available.

The process of adding and syncing ebooks to your iPhone via iTunes is straightforward. It provides a convenient method for enjoying your digital library on a mobile device.

2. Obtaining eBooks From the Store

An alternative approach involves acquiring ebooks directly from the iBooks store. Initiate the iBooks application on your iPhone.

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Books synchronized through iTunes will be visible on your digital bookshelf. To explore additional titles, select the "Store" button located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

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Navigate to the "Purchases" tab to view your acquired content. Currently, this section is empty as no downloads have been made. The account details displayed here will correspond to those used within iTunes.

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Several options are available at the screen's bottom to aid in book selection. Users can view featured titles, sort by user ratings, browse various categories, or directly search for specific books.

Similar to a traditional bookstore, the majority of books within the iBooks store require purchase. However, a selection of free ebooks is also offered. Utilize the search function and enter the term "free" to locate these options. Apple provides a complimentary copy of "Winnie the Pooh" by A. A. Milne upon the release of the iBooks app.

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Selecting a book from the search results will direct you to its dedicated page.

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Detailed information about the book, including its price and the availability of a sample, is presented here.

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Initiate the download by clicking the price button (which will indicate "Free" in this instance). You will then be prompted to enter your iTunes Store account credentials and password. The ebook will be downloaded to your iPhone and added to your bookshelf, ready for reading.

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Two distinct bookshelves are present: one labeled "Books" for storing ebooks in the ePub format (regardless of their source), and another dedicated to PDF files.

Importing Books Directly From Email

A third avenue for populating your iBook library involves utilizing email. Should you receive emails containing PDF attachments, these files can be readily transferred to your iBooks collection.

Simply select the PDF attachment within your email.

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A preview of the document will then be displayed. From here, select the option "Open in iBooks".

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The PDF will subsequently be launched and saved within your iBooks library.

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The experience of reading eBooks with iBooks on an iPhone offers a unique perspective. While not possessing the full capabilities of the iPad version, it has proven surprisingly effective. Further details regarding this, and several enhancements for iPhone iBooks reading, will be covered in a future article.

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