Convert PDF files into eBooks
While it is possible to read a PDF file on a smartphone in its original format, I’ve found to be MUCH easier and flexible to convert PDF files into eBook-formatted documents and read them on the smaller screen of a smartphone. This post explains how to do this using free, cross-platform software tools.
On my own iPhone, I use the commercial application “Air Sharing” to quickly upload different files from my laptop to the iPhone to access them on-the-go. Often, however, PDF files are not formatted well to read on the iPhone’s screen. In this situation, the free Stanza desktop application and iPhone application make a perfect combination to convert PDFs to an eText format of your choice and then upload/share files from a laptop or desktop computer to the iPhone.
The free Stanza desktop application runs on Windows or Macintosh computers. After downloading and installing it, open a PDF file you’d like to convert into an eText format with Stanza. Then from the FILE menu, choose EXPORT BOOK AS and select your desired eText format.
Save the eBook you’ve created on your computer, close the original PDF file, and open the eBook version with Stanza. You’re now ready to transfer the eBook from your laptop or desktop computer to your iPhone.
For an overview of different eText/eBook formats, refer to the Wikipedia article, “Comparison of e-book formats.” I have successfully used the eReader format to convert and read PDF files on my iPhone.
If you’re using an iPhone, you’ll want to download and install the Stanza iPhone application. Then, in the desktop version of Stanza you can choose TOOLS – ENABLE SHARING. With your laptop/desktop computer and iPhone connected to the same WiFi network, you should now be able to click on SHARED BOOKS in the Stanza application and connect to your own computer wirelessly. Select the book you want to download to your iPhone, and click DOWNLOAD.
Now you can read the PDF file as an eBook, and enjoy eBook reading functionality including ready-adjustment of text sizes. You’ll notice images are stripped out of the eBook when this method is used.
Your own converted eBook documents should now show up in your Stanza library along with other eBooks you’ve downloaded from sites like Project Gutenberg or purchased.
Have you experimented with different eBook formats, and found one that you prefer over another? I’m just starting to “get into” reading eBooks this summer, and my experiences so far have been VERY positive. It is amazing to be able to have portable, mobile access to not only full-length books others have written but also ANY other document you’d like to convert into an eText format and upload/transfer to a eBook-compatible device!
Similar Posts:
- Ask students to submit an assignment on their cell phone
- Ustream on your iPhone
- Using cell phones as voice recorders for digital storytelling
- iTouch and iPhone Apps for Education
- Great iTouch Apps for Primary Students
21 Comments
kathy shields
Sunday, 14th June 2009 at 10:42 am
Wes, This is fantastic information. Aside from books I can think of many ways I’d apply this process including, saving blog posts I haven’t had time to read on the spot as pdf files and making mini books for myself to read as time permits. Thanks!
Wes Fryer
Monday, 15th June 2009 at 9:44 am
You are most welcome!
I agree there are LOTS of ways these techniques can be used to promote digital learning. In a college context, instructors and professors can provide eBook versions of course syllabi and handouts.
One important thing to keep in mind is that PDF files should NOT be scanned as images for eBook conversion to work best.
Goutham
Friday, 3rd July 2009 at 12:16 am
Hi Wes,
Excellent Information mate, i have tried successful for conversion of PDF to e-book format but unfortunately the office computer doesn’t allow me to install the apple iphone application. i would try this tonight at home. Definetly i will pass this to my friends who were really looking some option to do…
Thank you somuch again….
Cheers!
Goutham
Friday, 3rd July 2009 at 9:41 pm
It works Fantastic… Thanks again mate !!!!!!
Guy
Monday, 27th July 2009 at 9:00 pm
This is ok but what is the need to convert it to ebook? You can open the PDF file directly in Stanza desktop and dondload it to your iPhone without any foss of converting it.
But I cannot use a pdf without the images and scketches. I’m looking for a way to use a PDF in Stanza including the images.
Sunil Kumar
Sunday, 2nd August 2009 at 3:00 pm
Just want to say thank you for such a great and clear information. You are a star
Satyam
Thursday, 6th August 2009 at 8:07 am
How can we increase or decrease the size of the pdf’s in iphone applications programatically?
reader
Friday, 14th August 2009 at 8:44 pm
thanks so much for the straight-forward how to!
Keith
Monday, 17th August 2009 at 9:32 pm
Nice article. Thanks for posting. Do you know of any software that can convert a digital format ebook into a stand alone iphone application?
Jasmine Withey
Friday, 21st August 2009 at 5:56 pm
thanks ever so much for the info :)
cKamerongo
Saturday, 12th September 2009 at 12:51 pm
I just wanted to say thank you. Your blog/post was fantastic and it really helped me achieve what I set out to do, which is convert my PDFs to a more readable form for my iPhone. Not to mention using software that is free!
Again, thanks for taking the time to post this information and help people. This is what the internet is supposed to be about!
Thanks – cKamerongo
Tapas
Tuesday, 20th October 2009 at 1:07 pm
I have a couple of Pdf documents which i would like to convert into ebook so that i can load them into my nokia5310.
is there any software available?
Nas
Monday, 26th October 2009 at 7:14 pm
Thank you so much, worked better than my charm on my cat.
Jan-Piet Mens » Make eBooks for your iPhone
Saturday, 31st October 2009 at 8:16 am
[...] possible (of course it is!) to get a PDF converted to an eBook format for the iPhone, and I found these instructions on using the Stanza desktop converter and iPhone app, both of which are free of [...]
Roundup of eBook Related Articles | The eBook Agency
Friday, 13th November 2009 at 6:09 pm
[...] Convert PDF files into eBooks [...]
Ebin
Saturday, 12th December 2009 at 7:53 am
Thnx Buddy….This information was pretty helpful..great software
i found it pretty helpful for my pc and iphone….
thnx a lot
elrose
Saturday, 16th January 2010 at 9:17 am
is there a way to transfer the pdf/converted file to the iphone via usb?
Hiram
Thursday, 4th February 2010 at 11:16 am
I love Stanza and do 99% of my reading using it but for PDF files, I went to GoodReader. It reformats the PDF automatically while still retaining the original. You can easily switch back and forth to see figures and images.
bo
Thursday, 4th February 2010 at 2:24 pm
Yes it works however don’t try any PDF with anything but very simple format when Stanza opens it the formatting, pictures, tables, etc. are gone. So good tip but of limited use
Dave
Tuesday, 23rd February 2010 at 4:00 pm
Thanks you helped a great deal. Just in case anyone was wondering about downloading shared books, on my computer a pop-up appeared on stanza asking if my ipod should be allowed connect with stanza and you also need apple bonjour to connect with the desktop stanza wirelessly.
All The Best
Dave
Use your iPod/iPhone as an e-book reader « Treasure Seekers
Tuesday, 23rd February 2010 at 11:19 pm
[...] the desktop version of Stanza, then exporting the file to an eReader format. This helpful article explains how. I will be getting much more use out of all the PDF e-books that I’ve saved for [...]
Leave a Comment