Updated: 16 October 2010
Quick links:
- Find out which formats works best for your Kindle on the Formats page.
- How to read an EPUB file on the Kindle
- How to format a screenplay to read on the Kindle
Free software converters
This free application is basically an iTunes for ebooks, but without a store connected to it. You can use it to keep all of your ebooks organized in one directory, by author name, and maintain multiple formats for each title. You can also edit metadata for each book, change the cover art, and create custom tags so that you can sort your collection any way you like.
There are lots of other features with Calibre–check out the demo section of the Calibre website for more info.
Sample screens from Calibre.
Originally I suggested that you try using Stanza Desktop or Mobipocket Creator to convert books. You can still try those, but they’re not as good as Calibre when it comes to ebook management and conversion. My advice is to give Calibre a try first.
By gasoonergirl March 7, 2009 - 5:32 PM
I am new to Kindle but someone from another forum recommended “Calibre”. It allows for converting files, changing meta-data and uploading it. It has saved a lot of time waiting for conversions. Now I don’t have to email it to Amazon for conversion. I highly recommend it!!!
By Joshua M. March 8, 2009 - 9:59 PM
I recommend Calibre http://calibre.kovidgoyal.net/ it is free and cross-platform supporting windows, mac, and linux
By Kindlerama » Getting started with Kindle, Part IV April 16, 2010 - 8:34 AM
[...] Converting Stuff [...]
By Queixa June 30, 2010 - 3:08 PM
I’ss also vouch for Calibre. I tell people it’s like iTunes for their Kindle (or whatever e-book reader they have). It will do anything but break copy protection. It will also download, reformat, and dump in the Kindle complete websites like MSNBC.com, huffington post, readers digest — hundreds of sites. If you don’t have it, you should. And it’s free and available for your Linux, Windows, or Mac computer.
By Chris Walters October 16, 2010 - 11:13 AM
Thanks to everyone above who suggested Calibre! I’ve updated this page at long last, so that now it reflects the overwhelming support people have for Calibre. I’ve been using it for over a year now and it really is pretty amazing.