What’s the difference between a pdf and an ePub?
PDFs (Portable Document Format) and ePub (Electronic Publications) share many similarities, but do have a few specific differences. Both present great options.
A PDF, one of the oldest and most stable document formats, developed by Adobe, Inc. but now a standard in almost every digital product now, is basically a digital output file of an image or document. Instead of sending the digital information to a printer—you can have it created as a “PDF” that is now viewable on a device—smart phone, tablet, or computer.
With modern versions of Adobe’s Acrobat software, you can also edit many of these documents, add security protection, e-signatures, hyperlinks and other basic interactivity. It makes a very stable, and simple electronic file that can be viewed by almost anyone on any device.
Downfalls of a PDF: Unless there are well-made security protections added, the text is easily copied since it’s rendered text. It is also limited in it’s digital “oomph” that ePubs and other online formats might provide.
The ePub, now around for at least a few decades, is quite popular now as well. This type of document is not owned by any one company, and is more of a modern digital file that is literally a digital publication. Viewable on a device; Smart phone, tablet, or computer. It is read on modern ePub software applications, that come with all devices. The difference, is that it is more “digital.” It acts more like a modern “app” on your device. It has more options available to enhance the user’s experience as well.
Downfalls of an ePub: Unless you know the extent of an ePub’s capabilities and how to render them, they may be challenging to create. For example, page animations (peels, sliding pages, etc…) or embedded animated components, embedded video, etc… In other words, can be challenging to master. However, with a little practice, you can do quite a bit with ePub formats.
The bottom line though is that both formats—ePub and PDF have the capability of doing a lot of neat stuff with. As with every “envelope” — they can all be pushed to the max. And certainly, made simple as well. And all devices today can read and interact with both formats.
Here are some of the differences between the ePub and PDF formats:
Easy to create and use
ePub
Can add more motion/animation: Sliding, fading, and movement of objects and pages
Easier integration