How to convert pdf to epub without losing formatting​？

Converting a PDF to EPUB without losing formatting can be quite challenging due to the inherent differences in the way both formats handle content. PDF is primarily a fixed-layout format, which means it retains the exact positioning of text, images, and other elements. EPUB, on the other hand, is a reflowable format, which adjusts content to fit different screen sizes and orientations, making it better suited for e-readers and mobile devices.

That said, achieving a conversion that maintains the formatting of the original PDF to an acceptable degree is possible, but it requires a careful approach.

PDF (Portable Document Format): PDFs are designed to preserve the layout of the original document, including fonts, images, and graphics. This makes them ideal for documents that need to retain exact formatting, such as reports, manuals, or brochures.

EPUB (Electronic Publication): EPUB, on the other hand, is a more flexible and dynamic format used primarily for eBooks. Unlike PDFs, EPUB files are reflowable, meaning the text adjusts according to the screen size, font preferences, and orientation of the device.

This flexibility of EPUB makes it more suitable for eReaders like Kindle, Kobo, or Nook, where the content must adapt to the device’s display size. However, this reflowable nature often leads to challenges when converting a fixed-layout PDF into a reflowable EPUB.

Challenges in Converting PDF to EPUB

While the goal is to preserve as much of the original layout and design as possible, there are a few common issues that typically arise during the conversion process:

Text Reflow Issues: In fixed-layout PDFs, text is placed in specific positions on the page. When converting to EPUB, this text needs to adjust to fit different screen sizes, which can result in poor formatting, misaligned paragraphs, or strange spacing.

Font Compatibility: Not all fonts used in a PDF are compatible with EPUB. If the fonts aren’t embedded correctly or are unsupported by e-readers, it can lead to a loss of design consistency.

Images and Graphics: Converting images and graphics can be tricky. In some cases, images might get stretched, compressed, or misplaced, especially if the PDF contains intricate layouts or designs.

Table and Layout Issues: PDFs often contain complex tables, charts, and multi-column layouts that can be difficult to convert to a reflowable format like EPUB without losing their structure.

Hyperlinks and Metadata: If your PDF contains hyperlinks or embedded metadata (such as author names, publishing date, etc.), these elements may not always transfer properly during the conversion.

Preparation: Cleaning Up the PDF

Before starting the actual conversion, it’s a good idea to clean up your PDF file. This step can make the conversion process smoother and ensure a better result in terms of formatting.

Remove Unnecessary Elements: If your PDF contains extra pages, blank spaces, or irrelevant content, remove them to simplify the document. You can use tools like Adobe Acrobat or PDF-XChange Editor to edit and clean the PDF.

Embed Fonts: Ensure that all fonts used in the PDF are embedded. This will help maintain the appearance of the document in the EPUB format. You can check font embedding using tools like PDF-XChange Editor or Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Check Image Quality: Make sure that all images are of high quality and properly positioned. Any distorted or low-resolution images might look poor in the EPUB version.

Optimize Tables and Layouts: If your PDF contains complex tables, consider converting them into a simpler format or adjusting them to be more compatible with reflowable content. This may involve using plain text tables or splitting large tables into smaller, more manageable sections.

Method 1: Using Online Converters

There are numerous online tools available that can convert PDFs to EPUB. These tools are often easy to use and don’t require installation, making them an attractive option for beginners. However, the results may vary depending on the complexity of the PDF.

Popular Online PDF to EPUB Converters:

Zamzar: Zamzar is a well-known online conversion tool that supports various file formats, including PDF and EPUB. Simply upload your PDF file, select EPUB as the output format, and the tool will take care of the rest. However, keep in mind that the more complex your PDF, the less accurate the conversion may be.

Online-Convert: This free tool allows you to convert PDF files to EPUB online. It also provides some customization options, such as adjusting the font size or output resolution.

Convertio: Convertio supports PDF to EPUB conversion and can handle files up to 100 MB in size for free. It also offers a paid version with more features.

CloudConvert: CloudConvert is another robust online tool for converting PDFs to EPUB. It allows you to adjust settings such as page orientation, output quality, and more.

Pros of Online Converters:

No need to download or install software

Easy to use

Fast conversion times for simple PDFs

Cons of Online Converters:

May struggle with complex PDFs (e.g., those with intricate formatting, tables, or images)

Limited customization options

Upload limits for free versions

Method 2: Using Desktop Software

For more control and better quality, desktop software solutions offer a more reliable way to convert PDFs to EPUB while preserving formatting. These tools often provide more robust options for handling complex layouts and customizing the output.

Recommended Desktop PDF to EPUB Converters:

Calibre: Calibre is a powerful open-source ebook management software that can convert PDF to EPUB. It allows you to adjust the output settings, such as font size, margin size, and metadata. Calibre also lets you tweak the layout and even edit the EPUB after conversion.

Steps:

Open Calibre and add your PDF to the library.

Click on the “Convert books” option.

Select “EPUB” as the output format.

Adjust the conversion settings as needed, such as fonts, margins, and layout.

Click “OK” to start the conversion.

Adobe Acrobat Pro: While Adobe Acrobat Pro doesn’t directly support converting PDFs to EPUB, you can export your PDF to other formats (like Word) and then convert it to EPUB using a secondary tool like Calibre.

Steps:

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Click “Export PDF” and choose a format such as Word or HTML.

Once the file is converted, use Calibre to convert it to EPUB.

PDFMate PDF Converter: This is another desktop tool that can convert PDFs to EPUB with relatively good formatting preservation. It also supports batch processing, which can be useful if you need to convert multiple files at once.

Aiseesoft PDF Converter Ultimate: This paid tool offers advanced PDF to EPUB conversion features. It can handle scanned PDFs, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is supported for converting image-based PDFs into editable text.

Pros of Desktop Software:

Better control over the conversion process

More advanced features and customization options

Greater accuracy for complex PDFs

Cons of Desktop Software:

Requires installation

Some tools may require a paid license for full functionality

Can be slower than online converters, especially for large files

Method 3: Using Command Line Tools

For users who are comfortable with technical tools, command-line utilities can provide the highest level of control over the conversion process. Tools like pandoc and pdf2epub allow you to fine-tune the conversion process and automate batch conversions.

Pandoc: Pandoc is a powerful open-source command-line tool that can convert documents between various formats, including PDF to EPUB. It offers great flexibility in terms of customization, allowing you to specify various options for the output format.

Basic Pandoc Command:

bash

pandoc input.pdf -o output.epub

You can add various options to adjust the conversion, such as customizing metadata, adding footnotes, and adjusting the layout.

pdf2epub: This is another command-line tool designed specifically for converting PDFs to EPUB. It may require some configuration, but it is a lightweight and fast option for users comfortable with terminal commands.

Pros of Command-Line Tools:

Highly customizable

Can automate large-scale conversions

Often results in higher-quality output for complex PDFs

Cons of Command-Line Tools:

Requires technical knowledge and setup

Not as user-friendly as GUI-based tools

Might require additional dependencies to function properly