How do PDF and EPUBcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
Portable Document Format
PDF is the universal standard for sharing documents. It preserves formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and operating systems. From contracts to resumes, PDF is the format the world relies on.
Electronic Publication
EPUB is the open standard for digital books and publications. It supports reflowable content that adapts to any screen size, making it the preferred format for e-readers and reading apps.
| Specification | EPUB | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Document Format | Electronic Publication |
| Extension | .epub | |
| MIME type | application/pdf | application/epub+zip |
| Category | Document | Document |
| Developer | Adobe Systems | International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) |
| Year introduced | 1993 | 2007 |
PDF and EPUB serve different purposes. PDF is ideal for business documents and contracts, while EPUB excels at e-books and digital publications.
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