The Amazon Kindle format

Amazon Kindle eBooks used to use their own "Mobi" format. Amazon has now replaced this format with the universal ePub format, but with some special requirements of their own.

Features and pros and cons of Kindle eBooks:

File extension:

.epub

Format:

A standard ePub eBook file conforming to Amazon's requirements for Kindle books.

Platforms:

The ePub format generated by Help+Manual conforms to Amazon's specifications but it can still be read on any standard ePub reader and also on Amazon Kindle readers. These files are generally used for submitting to Amazon for publication as Kindle books.

Kindle eBooks distributed via the Amazon Kindle store are only viewable on Amazon Kindle devices and apps.

Typical use:

For submission to Amazon for publication as Kindle eBooks.

Distribution:

The unprotected ePub files for Kindle generated by Help+Manual can also be distributed directly to users. Users can install them on their devices themselves.

Easiest distribution method:
Put the ePub file online and post the URL to the file as a QR code, which can be generated by Help+Manual. Users then scan the QR code with their device camera and the book is downloaded and loaded automatically by the Kindle app.

Amazon distribution method:
Submit the ePub file to Amazon for distribution as a Kindle book. It will then be protected with Amazon's DRM.

Table of contents:

Yes

Keyword index:

No

Full text search:

Yes

Context-sensitive help:

No support for context-sensitive help. You cannot make direct calls to specific topics in a Kindle book.

Popups:

No

Multimedia:

No

Printable by user:

No

Pros:

Compatible with Kindle devices and readers. You can distribute them directly to the user or submit them to Amazon for distribution via the official Kindle store.

Cons:

 

See also:

Kindle and ePub 3.0 (Configuring for Publishing)