Tips to open EPUB file

Can't open the EPUB file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open EPUB files as well as a list of programs that support EPUB files.

EPUB file extension

File Name Open EBook Format
File Developer IDPF
File Category Text Files

The EPUB file is supported on 7 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the EPUB files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the EPUB file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2

What is EPUB file?

An .EPUB file is an electronic publication - an e-book. You only need a web browser to read the book. However, people who use this type of literature more often prefer to use dedicated applications (with more functions) or hardware e-book readers. Structurally, the file is a ZIP archive and is based on OPEN XML. The content of the publication may be DRM-protected and may be available only on authorized devices or computers.

How to open EPUB file?

The main problem with Open EBook Format is that the EPUB file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open EPUB, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the EPUB file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Digital Editions

In this case, you should first verify that the Adobe Digital Editions application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Adobe Digital Editions into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support EPUB files.

Programs to open EPUB file

Remember to download programs supporting EPUB files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Digital Editions with EPUB files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the EPUB file still does not use the Adobe Digital Editions program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the EPUB file with the Adobe Digital Editions program.

Step 3. Update Adobe Digital Editions to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Adobe Digital Editions program with the Open EBook Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Adobe Systems Incorporated website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the EPUB file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the EPUB file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file EPUB or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected EPUB file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of EPUB file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair EPUB file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact IDPF
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted EPUB files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the EPUB file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the EPUB file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.