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Testing your ebook on Mac, Windows or Linux

EPUB

The standard ebook format is EPUB, and there are several applications you can use to view them on a Mac, Windows or Linux system.

Mac

If you're using a Mac running version OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) your best option is to use the iBooks application. More information on using iBooks for Mac or iOS is available.

iBooks library

Mac, Windows or Linux

If you're using a Mac running an earlier version of the operating system, Windows, or Linux you can use the Readium app for Google Chrome. This is an extension to the Google Chrome web browser which allows you to read standard EPUB files. You can also copy and paste text, which is useful for keeping track of corrections.

Readium requires the Google Chrome browser, which is available for Mac, Windows and Linux.

Readium app

Alternatively, you can use Adobe Digital Editions to view EPUB files. It isn't as good at displaying ebooks as iBooks or Readium, particularly complex tables, but is okay for text proofing.

Adobe Digital Editions requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later, or Windows 7 or later.

Adobe Digital Editions

MOBI/KF8

MOBI and KF8 are the proprietary ebook formats used by Amazon for the Kindle devices and apps. MOBI is an older format used for early e-ink devices, while KF8 is a newer format used for devices such the Paperwhite and Fire models. When producing a Kindle ebook both formats are combined into a single file with the .mobi filename extension.

Kindle ebooks can be tested on a Mac or Windows PC using the Kindle Reading desktop application.

You can also simulate the Kindle devices on your Mac or Windows PC using the Kindle Previewer application. This is useful for testing, but less so for general reading.