How to open your digital file (ePub or PDF)

So, you’ve purchased a digital copy of one of our books and we’ve sent you a download link. You’ve downloaded the file, but you’re not sure what to do with it. We’re here to help!

What devices/programs can I use to open my ePub files?

• Kobo
• Nook
• iBooks
• Adobe Digital Editions (on a Windows or Mac computer)
• An Android, Chromebook, iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch), Windows 8 device
• …and more!

What devices/programs can I use to open my PDF files?

• The devices listed above
• Your internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
• Adobe Reader
• Adobe Acrobat
• Preview (for Mac)
• …and more!

iPad, iPhone, or other iDevice

You must first install a reading app from the Apple app store. There are many free choices, including the Apple Books, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo apps. 

Option 1: Importing a file directly

1. Import the book directly into your reader of choice from the in-app menu File > Import or Library > Add New Ebook (dependent on the reading app that you're using).
2. Navigate to the folder where the book is saved and select the file to have it imported into your reading app.

If you know where the file is located on your device, you can also directly open it from wherever it is saved.

Option 2: Use Cloud Storage and an internet connection

1. Save your downloaded ebook to a cloud server such as Dropbox or OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive).
2. Navigate to your book’s folder in the cloud app or browser page.
3. Tap the download link in the cloud storage folder and open the book in iBooks or another reader, if you have other apps installed.
4. Tap the reader of your choice to download the book into the selected app’s library.

Nook, Kobo, or Sony device

Drag and drop onto your device

1. Connect the device to your computer using its USB cable.
2. In Windows Explorer, the Mac Finder, etc., locate the downloaded book file on your computer. (It will be in your Downloads folder, or wherever you chose to save it when you downloaded it.)
3. Browse to your device, which will appear as another disc drive or something similar.
4. Browse on the device for a folder containing other ePub files. (Folder names may vary.)
5. Move the book file from your computer and drop into the folder on your device.
6. On some devices the book will appear at once in the book library. If it does not, you may need to select a command to open a book file and browse for the book. On a Nook, for example, you may find sideloaded books under My Stuff or My Documents.

Android tablet or phone

You must first install a reading app from Google Play. There are many free choices, including Nook, Kobo, and third-party apps such as Aldiko and FB Reader.

Drag and drop onto your device.

1. Connect the device to your computer, using its USB cable or your Wi-Fi network.
2. In Windows Explorer, the Mac Finder, etc., locate the downloaded book file on your computer. (It will be in your Downloads folder, or wherever you chose to save it when you downloaded it.)
3. Locate your device, which will appear as another disc drive or something similar.
4. Browse on the device for a folder containing ebook files of the same format as the one you downloaded. It may be called “Ebooks”, “My Documents”, or something similar. Hint: If you already have other books in your reading app, look for ebook files in ePub format.
5. Move the book file from your computer and drop into the folder on your device.
6. In some apps the book will appear at once in the book library. If it does not, you may need to select a command to open a book file and browse for the book.

Windows OS

The default ePub reader is Microsoft Edge, simply double click the epub file to open and start reading. Alternatively you can install a reading program, such as Nook Reader, Adobe Digital Editions, or Calibre.

Nook Reader

• In the Windows 8 Nook Reader, right-click anywhere in the app and select Open File at the bottom of the screen
• In earlier versions of Windows, look in My Library and click on My Stuff. Click the Add New Item button and browse for the book file.

Adobe Digital Editions

• Open ADE, and then drag and drop the book file onto the open screen.

Calibre reader

• Calibre is a free program that organizes your ebook library and allows you to convert from one format to another, giving you more flexibility with your reading choices. It also can copy books to and from your device (or delete them). When you install Calibre, it will create a library to hold your ebooks.
• Add the book to your Calibre library, and then double-click the title in the library window. If more than one format is present, Calibre opens the ePub file by default.
• You can also right-click the title to choose View, and then View Specific Format.

Mac OS

The default ePub reader is Books, simply double click the epub file to open and start reading. Alternatively you can install a reading program, such as Nook Reader, Adobe Digital Editions, or Calibre.

Nook Reader

• Click the Add File icon at the top of the Nook screen (it looks like a page with a dog-eared corner). Then browse for the book file you downloaded.

Adobe Digital Editions

• Switch to Library view and select “Add Item to Library” from the Library drop-down menu in the upper left (or press Command-O). Then browse for the book file you downloaded.

Calibre reader

• Calibre is a free program that organizes your ebook library and allows you to convert from one format to another, giving you more flexibility with your reading choices. It also can copy books to and from your device (or delete them). When you install Calibre, it will create a library to hold your ebooks.
• Add the book to your Calibre library, and then double-click the title in the library window. If more than one format is present, Calibre opens the ePub file by default.
• You can also right-click the title to choose View, and then View Specific Format.

Kindle

Kindle devices and Kindle apps do not support ePub and PDF files. If you want to read a book on your Kindle, you must download the Mobi file and sideload it onto your Kindle device.

Having trouble?

If you’re still having trouble loading your book onto your device, or making it work in an app, please contact ebook@ecwpress.com.

Source: Book View Café, http://bookviewcafe.com/bookstore/reading-bvc-ebooks/