Converting Epub to Mobi: Calibre v KindleGen/Kindle Previewer

Jane12 · 10-07-2012, 08:22 PM

For converting epub to mobi, do you prefer Calibre or KindleGen/Kindle Previewer?

Also, any insights -- pros, cons, other thoughts on the two methods -- would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

AThirstyMind · 10-08-2012, 09:12 AM

Actually most of the info I've gotten here on the forum suggests strongly that we use Kindlegen/Previewer to convert from epub to mobi. It's been known for KDP to reject a mobi file if it was created through Calibre's mobi conversion process, and I don't like the results anyway. The process Calibre epub to mobi through KindlePreviewer works pretty well, although I'm still not pleased with how my Chapter Headings look (they always come out bold and I don't want them bold on my Kindle Fire) but I'm working on it... they aren't bold on the epub just the converted mobi.

pdurrant · 10-08-2012, 09:29 AM

For the tightest control over the final result, I'd suggest tweaking the ePub source and using KindleGen.

DiapDealer · 10-08-2012, 09:42 AM

It all depends on what the goal is. If I just want to make a quick tweak for my own personal reading pleasure, I have no qualms about using calibre. But if I'm creating an ebook—either simply for posterity or for sale by Amazon. I'll be using Kindlegen ... no question.

sebdea · 10-08-2012, 11:35 AM

Hello all,

I also have a big issue with MOBI conversion from EPUB. If some of you have an idea how can I solve it, please read the post: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=189884

Thank you in advance.

Sebastian

Jane12 · 10-08-2012, 11:44 AM

Thanks all! This is very helpful.

Sounds like Kindlegen produces better results, while Calibre may be simpler/quicker/easier?

Is there ever a situation where Calibre produces better results than Kindlegen?

pdurrant · 10-08-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane12

Is there ever a situation where Calibre produces better results than Kindlegen?

It depends what you mean by "better".

"Better" meaning more compliant with the Kindle/Mobipocket "standard"? No, because Amazon define the standard and don't publish it.

"Better" meaning more closely matching the formatting of the original epub? Yes, sometimes.

sebdea · 10-08-2012, 11:53 AM

For an instance I used Calibre to convert an ePub as AZW3 file. It worked like a charm. While MOBI format is just a bad joke when converting a full of table document AZW3 file is interpreting perfect everything. Not to mention that in MOBI all my *.png files have a white background though they are transparent (see MOBI.png). This is not happening in AZW3 (AZW3.png) file which not only reproduce all the *.png file with transparencies but also interprets perfect all the tables. See attachments.

... and I think AZW3 can be read by any Kindle device.

AnemicOak · 10-08-2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebdea

... and I think AZW3 can be read by any Kindle device.

If by AZW3 you mean KF8 (AZW3 doesn't necessarily mean that however) the original Kindle, Kindle 2 and Kindle DX (all versions) don't support it and aren't likely to.

Jane12 · 10-08-2012, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane12

Is there ever a situation where Calibre produces better results than Kindlegen?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdurrant

It depends what you mean by "better".

"Better" meaning more compliant with the Kindle/Mobipocket "standard"? No, because Amazon define the standard and don't publish it.

"Better" meaning more closely matching the formatting of the original epub? Yes, sometimes.

I'm more concerned about compliance with Kindle standard -- i.e., creating Kindle ebooks that will not cause a Kindle device/app to balk.

But it's interesting that Calibre can sometimes do a better job of matching formatting of the original epub. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

sebdea · 10-08-2012, 12:20 PM

Well I think is not OK.

I just tried KindleGen and I have to admit that tables are looking OK, like in the AZW3 file. However the PNG files are still with white background. Which is not OK.

DiapDealer · 10-08-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebdea

Well I think is not OK.

I just tried KindleGen and I have to admit that tables are looking OK, like in the AZW3 file. However the PNG files are still with white background. Which is not OK.

I think you might be a little confused about the purpose of this thread.

Jane12 · 10-16-2012, 10:26 AM

Thanks to everyone who has responded to the poll! This has been very enlightening.

Oldpilot · 10-19-2012, 11:54 AM

After resisting it for a long time, I finally followed Hitch's advice to upload epubs to the KDP. I have mostly worked in html, and if I use Word for any reason I convert it to html at the word2cleanhtml.com website. I have developed a fairly comprehensive style sheet, which I add to the word2clean file (which does require some checking). I then open the html in Sigil and build a good epub with cover, metadata, and TOC. I then upload that epub to the various retailers including Amazon KDP.

So I really never touch a mobi file at all, never mind Calibre (which, as others have said, won't make it past the KDP Kopz in some instances).

Hitch · 10-31-2012, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldpilot

After resisting it for a long time, I finally followed Hitch's advice to upload epubs to the KDP. I have mostly worked in html, and if I use Word for any reason I convert it to html at the word2cleanhtml.com website. I have developed a fairly comprehensive style sheet, which I add to the word2clean file (which does require some checking). I then open the html in Sigil and build a good epub with cover, metadata, and TOC. I then upload that epub to the various retailers including Amazon KDP.

So I really never touch a mobi file at all, never mind Calibre (which, as others have said, won't make it past the KDP Kopz in some instances).

Be still my beating heart.

Hitch

10-07-2012, 08:22 PM	#1
Jane12 Groupie Posts: 171 Karma: 1706300 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: iDevices	Converting Epub to Mobi: Calibre v KindleGen/Kindle Previewer For converting epub to mobi, do you prefer Calibre or KindleGen/Kindle Previewer? Also, any insights -- pros, cons, other thoughts on the two methods -- would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Last edited by Jane12; 10-07-2012 at 11:26 PM.

10-08-2012, 11:53 AM	#8
sebdea Member Posts: 21 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	MOBI just a bad joke For an instance I used Calibre to convert an ePub as AZW3 file. It worked like a charm. While MOBI format is just a bad joke when converting a full of table document AZW3 file is interpreting perfect everything. Not to mention that in MOBI all my .png files have a white background though they are transparent (see MOBI.png). This is not happening in AZW3 (AZW3.png) file which not only reproduce all the .png file with transparencies but also interprets perfect all the tables. See attachments. ... and I think AZW3 can be read by any Kindle device. Attached Thumbnails

10-16-2012, 10:26 AM	#13
Jane12 Groupie Posts: 171 Karma: 1706300 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: iDevices	Thanks to everyone who has responded to the poll! This has been very enlightening. Last edited by Jane12; 10-17-2012 at 10:18 PM.

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View Poll Results: For converting epub to mobi, do you prefer Calibre or KindleGen/Kindle Previewer?
Calibre	22	52.38%
KindleGen/Kindle Previewer	20	47.62%
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll

10-08-2012, 09:12 AM	#2
AThirstyMind A Thirsty Mind Posts: 92 Karma: 2546 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lubec, Maine Device: Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone	Actually most of the info I've gotten here on the forum suggests strongly that we use Kindlegen/Previewer to convert from epub to mobi. It's been known for KDP to reject a mobi file if it was created through Calibre's mobi conversion process, and I don't like the results anyway. The process Calibre epub to mobi through KindlePreviewer works pretty well, although I'm still not pleased with how my Chapter Headings look (they always come out bold and I don't want them bold on my Kindle Fire) but I'm working on it... they aren't bold on the epub just the converted mobi.

10-08-2012, 09:29 AM	#3
pdurrant The Grand Mouse 高貴的老鼠 Posts: 74,433 Karma: 318076944 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Device: Kindle Oasis	For the tightest control over the final result, I'd suggest tweaking the ePub source and using KindleGen.

10-08-2012, 09:42 AM	#4
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 28,882 Karma: 207000000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	It all depends on what the goal is. If I just want to make a quick tweak for my own personal reading pleasure, I have no qualms about using calibre. But if I'm creating an ebook—either simply for posterity or for sale by Amazon. I'll be using Kindlegen ... no question.

10-08-2012, 11:35 AM	#5
sebdea Member Posts: 21 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	Hello all, I also have a big issue with MOBI conversion from EPUB. If some of you have an idea how can I solve it, please read the post: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=189884 Thank you in advance. Sebastian

10-08-2012, 11:44 AM	#6
Jane12 Groupie Posts: 171 Karma: 1706300 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: iDevices	Thanks all! This is very helpful. Sounds like Kindlegen produces better results, while Calibre may be simpler/quicker/easier? Is there ever a situation where Calibre produces better results than Kindlegen?

10-08-2012, 12:20 PM	#11
sebdea Member Posts: 21 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	Well I think is not OK. I just tried KindleGen and I have to admit that tables are looking OK, like in the AZW3 file. However the PNG files are still with white background. Which is not OK.

10-19-2012, 11:54 AM	#14
Oldpilot Groupie Posts: 184 Karma: 2572 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: Kindle	After resisting it for a long time, I finally followed Hitch's advice to upload epubs to the KDP. I have mostly worked in html, and if I use Word for any reason I convert it to html at the word2cleanhtml.com website. I have developed a fairly comprehensive style sheet, which I add to the word2clean file (which does require some checking). I then open the html in Sigil and build a good epub with cover, metadata, and TOC. I then upload that epub to the various retailers including Amazon KDP. So I really never touch a mobi file at all, never mind Calibre (which, as others have said, won't make it past the KDP Kopz in some instances).