EPUB vs PDF — reflowable ebook or fixed-layout print
EPUB reflows to fit the screen; PDF preserves exact layout. Pick EPUB for reading comfort, PDF for page fidelity.
Quick verdict
- Novels and long-form reading → EPUB (reflows to any screen).
- Image-heavy or fixed layout → PDF.
- Kindle distribution → EPUB (supported since 2022).
Side-by-side
| Property | EPUB | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Reflowable | Fixed |
| Font resizing | Built-in | Zoom only |
| Navigation | Logical TOC + anchors | Bookmarks |
| Search | Strong | Strong |
| Authoring tools | InDesign, Vivliostyle, Sigil | InDesign, Word, many CLIs |
Distribution tips
- Photography and technical titles work well as fixed-layout EPUB or PDF.
- Novels, essays, and blog anthologies really benefit from reflowable EPUB.