PDF vs Mobi, EPUB and CBZ File Formats

A few decades ago, books were only available in printed hardcopies. As a result, a reader will have to purchase or borrow from a library a book they want to read. Depending on the book, people may have to pay between a few dollars to hundreds of dollars to access information within the book. Additionally, some books are bulky and difficult to transport. Furthermore, care must be taken to keep such books in good condition for future use.

Now, to access information, all that is required is a portable digital device that allows an individual to read an electronic book (e-book). Such an e-book comes in several forms. The four most common types of e-books are PDF (Portable Document Format), EPUD (Emerald People’s Utility District), CBZ (Comic Book Zip), and Mobi (Mobipocket). Each type of e-book is best used for a specific type of function, and they are discussed below.

PDF

The PDF file format has been in existence for almost three decades. It was created with aim of providing readers electronic information exactly as it would appear on paper. At the core of a PDF file is a postscript, used to create text and embed images within the document.

A PDF is versatile and compatible with all types of portable or mobile smart devices. A user can easily create a PDF file using a wide range of available software applications available on different operating systems. Many word processing applications can easily convert Docx files to PDF. Also, a PDF file can present information in any language. Additionally, it can be compressed, and transferred from one user to another. Also, PDF files can be protected using a password. Password protection on a PDF file prevents unwanted third-party users from accessing information without the password key. Likewise, several forms of electronic signatures can be embedded within a PDF document to add a layer of security. A digital signature – advanced electronic signature – when used with a PDF file provides the best form of protection.

PDF documents are also suitable for printing. Several websites prefer to keep information online using PDF files as it is convenient for users. All PDF file documents end with .pdf on the file name extension. Although a PDF file has several advantages, it usually appears as created and it is difficult to modify the text afterward. As a result, it is quite difficult to edit PDF documents without a premium application. Even with such editing applications, a user will still encounter several limitations. Nonetheless, operations such as page splitting, extracting, and deletion can be carried out with appropriate software.

EPUB

The EPUB document file is the go-to e-book format used by many publishers. The e-book is XML-based. In general, the file is mobile-friendly and automatically adjusts to any display of a smart device. Additionally, a reader can easily zoom in or out an EPUB without losing functionality. Just like PDF, EPUB works on all operating systems. EPUB files are specifically made as read-only files to prevent accessing information without authorization. Therefore, an EPUB cannot be edited by a reader. Only the publisher has access to such type of function. EPUB file documents can be accessed using a wide range of software applications on PCs, Macs, and other portable devices. All EPUB document files end with a .epud file name extension.

Mobi

Mobi (Mobipocket) is another type of document that is used for presenting information as e-books. It possesses an open e-book format, which belongs in the public domain and is free for use. Also, it is developed based on JavaScript and XHTML. Likewise, it can be used on databases that support SQL queries. Unlike PDF files or EPUD, with a Mobi file, a user can add empty pages, which can be filled in with handwritten drawings or notes. Additionally, pictures are embedded within the file using GIF format. Furthermore, a Mobi file works well on several types of platforms including smartphones and different forms of operating systems.

CBZ

CBZ or Comic Book Zip is another type of file format that is popularly used to present comic books and Japanese mangas. Due to the type of content CBZ presents, such files usually contain high resolution or graphics so that users can enjoy reading such content. In most cases, CBZ files are read using specific types of applications. Additionally, a user can face significant difficulty viewing such content if the screen resolution of the device that is used to view the file is not of high quality.

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