How To Open an E-book File

Anyone can read e-books on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.

The thing about e-book files, though, is that they can’t just be opened; they need to be opened with reading software or a reading device. So if you try to open an ePub or mobi file on your computer or phone without the right software installed, that won’t work.

Fortunately, with a few simple steps (and maybe a free software download), you’ll be reading any DRM-free e-book in minutes.

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Simple side-loading instructions for iTunes (ePub file)

  1. From within iTunes, click on the Books tab.
  2. Select File –> Add to Library, then select your file and click Open.
  3. The book should then display in the Books tab.
  4. You will need to sync your iPhone/iPod/iPad to copy the book onto it.
  5. Open iBooks on your device; you can now read the book from your library.

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Install Adobe Digital Editions (ePub file)

  1. Download and install ADE — it’s free and can be found here;
  2. Double-click on any ePub file to open it on your computer.

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Simple side-loading instructions for Kindle (mobi file)

  1. Find your KINDLE mail address:
    • On the Amazon website, go to Fire & Kindle > Manage Your Content and Devices > Settings;
    • Scroll down to Personal Document Settings;
    • Find the list of Send-to-Kindle E-mail Settings (you should see all your Kindle devices, including phones and tablets with Kindle apps); and
    • Make a note of the e-mail address for the device to which you wish to load the file.
  2. Add your REGULAR e-mail address to your list of approved senders:
    • On the same page as above, scroll down to find the Approved Personal Document E-mail List;
    • If the e-mail address you usually use to send e-mails is already on this list, you’ve done this before and can skip to step 3;
    • If not, add it by clicking “Add a new approved e-mail address”.
    • NOTE: if the e-mail address you’re sending the file from is not on this list, your Kindle device will reject it.
  3. Send the file:
    • Open a new email from the REGULAR e-mail address you registered as an approved sender in step 2;
    • In the “To” field, type the KINDLE mail address you identified in step 1;
    • Attach the file — you do not need a subject or any text in the email body, just the attachment;
    • Hit send.
  4. Be patient. It takes a few minutes, but the file should show up in your list of books.

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Install Kindle Reader for your computer (mobi file)

  1. Download and install the Kindle Desktop Reader — it’s free and available for Mac or PC;
  2. Double-click on any mobi file to open it on your computer.
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