EPUB vs PDF: which format should you give readers?

When you give away an ebook, you have to decide what format to hand over. The two that matter are EPUB and PDF, and they suit different readers.

EPUB: the ebook standard

EPUB is the format built for reading. Text reflows to fit any screen, readers can change the font and size, and it works in Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play Books and nearly every e-reader. Modern Kindles accept it too, through Amazon Send to Kindle. For a novel or any mostly-text book, EPUB is the better reading experience, so it should be your main format.

PDF: fixed layout, opens anywhere

A PDF keeps an exact, fixed layout and opens on practically any device without special software. That makes it ideal for illustrated books, workbooks, checklists, or anything you expect people to print. The downside is that a fixed page does not reflow, so PDFs are uncomfortable to read on a phone.

Which should you offer?

For most authors: lead with EPUB, offer PDF as a fallback. That covers serious readers on e-readers and phones, while still giving people a format that opens anywhere. Storyfinch lets you upload both and lets the reader choose on the download page.

You do not have to make a spreadsheet convert your files or worry about hosting. Start free, upload your EPUB (and a PDF if you have one), and readers pick what suits them.