Check for a Converter

1. If you have a Kindle, you may have tried looking on Amazon's page for information on how to use PDFs with your Kindle. Amazon does not offer any type of converter program to view files on the Kindle. While there are a number of PDF converter programs that are available, you will find that it is difficult to find one that can convert to Azw format. The Mobipocket Creator, however, is one such converter. It is free to use and supports Azw output. This program only works on Windows, though. Visit the Mobipocket website (see Resources) to download and install the Mobipocket Creator. There are two different free versions of the Mobipocket Creator. Be sure that you download the "Publisher Edition" of the Mobipocket Creator, as this is the version that can do the PDF to Azw conversion.

Convert PDF to Azw

2. Open the Mobipocket Creator once you have it installed on your computer. To import your PDF for conversion, select "Import From Existing File" to get started. You can only select one PDF at a time for conversion. Click "Settings" and select "Azw" from Options. HTML is the default output file type. When you are ready to start the conversion, click "Build." When you do this the PDF to Azw conversion will begin. It will only take a few seconds and then you will get a message on your screen letting you know that the conversion to Azw is complete. Click "OK" when you see this message and you will then be able to use your new Azw file.

Choose free conversion software. Mobileread.com displays a "conversion matrix" showing which utilities can perform specific conversions (see References). It indicates that the conversion from Mobi to ePub can be accomplished by either Stanza or Calibre, both of which can be downloaded for free (see Resources).

Within the Mobipocket Reader, right-click on the title you wish to convert to EPUB format. Click on "Properties," then click on the "Summary" tab to find the location of the file in your computer or ereader directory. (Make sure your ereader is connected to your PC if the file is in an ereader.) The file may be located in a subdirectory called \My eBooks\. Skip to Step 5 if you are using Calibre to convert.

Download Stanza Desktop to convert Mobi files to EPUB files. Stanza Desktop is often used in conjunction with Stanza, an ereader used on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Lexycle.com reported in early 2010 that Stanza for Windows was still in beta with several features yet to be implemented. But the conversion feature works fine.

Open Stanza. Click on "Open" under the File menu to import the file that you have located in Step 2. You can now save the Mobipocket file that has been pulled into Stanza Desktop as an EPUB file that is readable on the Sony Reader.

Download Calibre to convert Mobi files to EPUB files. Open Calibre. Click on the "Add" button at the top of the screen to import a book in Mobi format from the directory location learned in Step 2.

Select the title in the calibre listing of ebook tiles. Click on the "Convert e-Books" button at the top of the screen. At the top of the conversion screen, the left corner will state the input format (which may be PRC), and the right screen will state the output format (which should be EPUB).

Click "OK" to convert the Mobipocket file into an EPUB file that is readable on the Sony Reader.

Step 8
If you are a publisher or other copyright owner interested in converting from Mobi format to EPUB format in order to sell the ebook to users of the Sony Reader, consider a professional conversion service such as ePub Conversion or Digital Divide Data.

References

• Mobileread: Conversion Matrix
• Calibre-ebook: What Formats Does Calibre Support Conversion To and From?