What Files Does Kindle Use?

For many Kindle users, digital readers have become permanent companions.

If you’ve tried loading random files onto your Kindle, you may have come across some errors or unreadable files. Why is this?

We’ll look today at the various files Kindle accepts. We’ll also explore what works with Amazon’s online shop.

Whether you want to access downloaded material or upload your own multimedia creations, today’s article should help you out a treat.

First thing’s first then, what files does Kindle make use of for books?

What Files Does Amazon Use For Books?

You Kindle was primarily designed as a reading device.

Though many other features now accompany your Kindle experience, books remain their core function.

The astonishing ecosystem Amazon created is focused on allowing access to downloaded books and entertainment files of all descriptions.

The files you receive as books from Amazon are MOBI files. These files are documents that have been converted to be accessible by any Kindle on the market.

Each successive Kindle has a few tweaks. Operating systems evolve and improve.

Amazon makes sure books bought online can be read by any Kindle user through the conversion of other files like Word docs.

A Word file is optimized into a KF7 file (for older devices) or a KF8 file (for the newer Kindles). Optimising is necessary to ensure the layout and embedded objects are correctly displayed on all Kindle screens.

These files are both available in the MOBI file you download from Amazon. This means that no matter the model of your Kindle, you can open the books seamlessly.

What Other Book Files Are Accessible Through Your Kindle?

MOBI files are ideal for Kindles because you can be sure any Kindle will be able to open it.

However, there are still other book files you can use. These can be files received from your friends or files you created.

EPUB files are the versions used by other service providers such as Sony or KoboBooks.

These files need to be uploaded to the MOBI converter which is found on the KDP (Kindle Digital Publishing) platform. They can also be converted via the Calibre tool. We’ll delve deeper into Calibre shortly.

After the file has been converted, it will be accessible by all Kindles. Without the conversion, you might run into a few errors.

Other files you can put through the KDP MOBI converter include:

  • TXT files
  • HTML files
  • PDF files
  • Word files (.doc files)

How Do You Load Book Files Onto Your Kindle?

Downloading

As mentioned above, downloading from the Amazon store is the primary option. You simply need an Amazon account which you link to your Kindle.

Whenever your Kindle is connected to the Internet, your device will automatically sync with your Amazon account.

Email

Your Kindle has an email address. You can find this on the Amazon website.

You can now email documents such as PDFs or EPUB files to that address then view them on your Kindle.

If you run into any snags, remember to convert them into MOBI files first.

Hardwiring

Your computer can serve as a source of documents for your Kindle.

If no Wi-Fi is available or if the file you want is on your computer, simply connect your Kindle to your PC with its USB cable.

You can sync your device with your Amazon account by going online or you can send the document to your device from your computer’s hard drive.

Can You Create Files To Use On Your Kindle?

Maybe you have your own documents you want to view on your Kindle.

Or perhaps you’re an aspiring writer wanting to make your novel available to friends or even the public.

How difficult is this?

Luckily, the process is simple but it does require some assistance from online platforms.

As stated above, ePUB files can be converted into a readable format for Kindles. First, though, you need to turn your current file (such as a Word doc)into an EPUB file.

For this process, you need the Calibre tool. This is available for free download from the Calibre website.

Simply opt for Windows or OSX then download the appropriate software.

When you have the application, just add your Word doc to Calibre and start the conversion.

When the conversion is complete, you can try to further convert the EPUB file into a MOBI file for use on your Kindle.

However, this process can be quite tricky. It’s advisable to use an online service for this process. If not, you might end up with a book with faulty layouts or wonky pictures.

What About Music And Video Files?

Amazon offers you music and videos in its online store. These can be downloaded to your library or listened to online.

It’s also possible to upload music and videos from your computer onto a Kindle. You do this via a USB cable to access your Kindle’s memory as if it’s an external hard drive. It really is a very simple procedure.

Verdict

Amazon did their very best to limit your Kindle usage to the files it sells online.

However, your Kindle experience can be enhanced with a few basic conversions. This will enable you to enjoy almost any document with ease.

As long as you’re comfortable with basic file conversion, Kindles are surprisingly versatile tools.

Drop us a line any time with your queries or feedback. We love to hear from our readers, particularly if you have anything you’d like us to cover here on the site.

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