Format comparison
TXT vs EPUB
How do TXT and EPUBcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.txt
Full guide →Plain Text File
TXT is the simplest document format — pure text with no formatting. It's universally compatible, lightweight, and readable by every operating system and text editor in existence.
.epub
Full guide →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 | TXT | EPUB |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Plain Text File | Electronic Publication |
| Extension | .txt | .epub |
| MIME type | text/plain | application/epub+zip |
| Category | Document | Document |
| Developer | N/A (universal standard) | International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) |
| Year introduced | 1960s | 2007 |
TXT advantages
- Universal compatibility — works everywhere
- Tiny file sizes
- No formatting issues or version problems
- Human-readable and machine-parseable
TXT limitations
- No formatting, images, or styling
- No structure beyond line breaks
- No metadata or document properties
- Not suitable for professional documents
EPUB advantages
- Reflowable text — adapts to any screen
- Open standard with wide support
- Supports rich formatting and images
- Accessible with screen readers
EPUB limitations
- Not supported by Amazon Kindle natively
- Complex internal structure
- Formatting can be inconsistent
- Less control over layout than PDF
Which should you use?
TXT and EPUB serve different purposes. TXT is ideal for configuration files and logs, while EPUB excels at e-books and digital publications.
Best uses for TXT
Configuration files and logs
Quick notes and drafts
Data exchange between systems
README files and documentation
Best uses for EPUB
E-books and digital publications
Online magazines and journals
Educational textbooks
Documentation and manuals
Convert between TXT and EPUB
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.