Converted AZW3 ebook to PDF with some layout issues

[neyet]

I'm using Calibre 4.5 (64bit) and have tried to convert a Kindle ebook (AZW3) to PDF.


The result is a PDF with some layout issues.


Is this expected? If not, is there a workaround?


N.B.: I understand that AZW4 ebooks are actually PDF files contained in a wrapper. What about AZW3 ebooks? Are they originally PDF files contained in a wrapper too?

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by neyet

I'm using Calibre 4.5 (64bit) and have tried to convert a Kindle ebook (AZW3) to PDF.


The result is a PDF with some layout issues.


Is this expected? If not, is there a workaround?

Hard to say without more information, see ==> How to ask a question about conversion problems

Originally Posted by neyet

N.B.: I understand that AZW4 ebooks are actually PDF files contained in a wrapper. What about AZW3 ebooks? Are they originally PDF files contained in a wrapper too?

Nothing like, AZW3 (aka KF8) is closer to the EPUB format.

Curious : why are you converting to PDF?

BR

[JSWolf]

Another question, why aren't you using the latest Calibre 4.10.1?

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Another question, why aren't you using the latest Calibre 4.10.1?

Possibly using KFX? I seem to remember that calibre versions newer than 4.5 break removing DRM from KFX. This should be fixed in the next release of the DeDRM tools, hopefully before Feb. 31st.

[neyet]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Hard to say without more information, see ==> How to ask a question about conversion problems

I have read the contents of the article referenced by the above link. It seems that I need to upload the original ebook as well as the converted one but to whom?


The file size of the original ebook is more than 50MB.

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Nothing like, AZW3 (aka KF8) is closer to the EPUB format.

Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Curious : why are you converting to PDF?

I am helping a friend out. He wanted it to be in PDF format.

[neyet]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Another question, why aren't you using the latest Calibre 4.10.1?

Please see the reply by DNSB

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by neyet

I have read the contents of the article referenced by the above link. It seems that I need to upload the original ebook as well as the converted one but to whom?

You could post a bug report at https://bugs.launchpad.net/calibre, attaching the AZW3 and marking the post private.

Originally Posted by neyet

He wanted it to be in PDF format.

Again - why?

Of all the e-book formats, PDF is the most problematic - to convert to or convert from. If your friend insists on PDF they should be prepared to accept a less than perfect result, or find a store who can provide a PDF edition of the book and get a refund from Amazon for the AZW3.

BR

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by neyet

I am helping a friend out. He wanted it to be in PDF format.

At this point, the question becomes "Is this book public domain or do you have the right to redistribute it?" If the answer is no, then generating the PDF copy for your friend moves solidly into the area of copyright infringement and ebook piracy.

Given your friend is likely to be able to read an AZW3 ebook on most devices using Amazon's free software, I'm tending towards you giving him a format shifted copy of a purchased ebook.

End of discussion for me.

[neyet]

Originally Posted by DNSB

At this point, the question becomes "Is this book public domain or do you have the right to redistribute it?" If the answer is no, then generating the PDF copy for your friend moves solidly into the area of copyright infringement and ebook piracy.

Given your friend is likely to be able to read an AZW3 ebook on most devices using Amazon's free software, I'm tending towards you giving him a format shifted copy of a purchased ebook.

End of discussion for me.

You jumped to spurious conclusions and passed judgments on me without first asking me for clarifications.


To clarify, the ebook was purchased by my friend who had zero skills in using Calibre and the DeDRM tools. He asked me to help him out.


Secondly, he prefers to read the ebook in PDF format on his desktop computer which has a large monitor with at least 37 inches of screen size.

[stumped]

He could read the book that he purchased, in the original amazon format on the same PC and on the same 37inch+ screen , in full screen, via amazon's free Kindle for PC software.

That will render the book better than any conversion to PDF. Seems that what he needs is some education, not some free conversion?

...and if he has some weird illogical objection to that, amazon will refund him ( they will fully refund any ebook with 7 days of purchase) and sell him a PDF version

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by neyet

You jumped to spurious conclusions and passed judgments on me without first asking me for clarifications.

To clarify, the ebook was purchased by my friend who had zero skills in using Calibre and the DeDRM tools. He asked me to help him out.

I'd have to disagree. Whether you purchased the book and are giving him a copy or he purchased the book and supplied you with a copy, neither are likely to be allowed.

Originally Posted by neyet

Secondly, he prefers to read the ebook in PDF format on his desktop computer which has a large monitor with at least 37 inches of screen size.

You did read the section of my message mentioning reading with Amazon's free software on most devices? My opinion here is much the same as @stumped.

[stumped]

Maybe he thinks Amazon formats only work on kindles and has not understood how useful the the kindle for (desktop) pc option can be. It will toggle to full screen just like a pdf rendering program?