Convert AZW3 to MOBI
Max file size 100mb.
AZW3 vs MOBI Format Comparison
| Aspect | AZW3 (Source Format) | MOBI (Target Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format Overview |
AZW3
Kindle Format 8 (KF8)
Amazon's modern proprietary ebook format introduced in 2011 as the successor to MOBI. Built on HTML5/CSS3 foundation with enhanced formatting capabilities. The standard format for Kindle Fire and newer Kindle devices (since Kindle Paperwhite 1st gen). Supports advanced typography, embedded fonts, and rich media. Ebook Format Kindle |
MOBI
Mobipocket eBook
Legacy ebook format originally created by Mobipocket SA (acquired by Amazon in 2005). Based on Open eBook Publication Structure (OEBPS) with PalmDOC compression. Used by older Kindle devices and many legacy e-readers. Simpler structure than AZW3 with limited formatting capabilities. Ebook Format Legacy |
| Technical Specifications |
Structure: EPUB-based container
Encoding: UTF-8 Format: HTML5/CSS3 Compression: Built-in (Palm DB) Extensions: .azw3, .kf8 |
Structure: Palm database format
Encoding: UTF-8 or CP1252 Format: XHTML 1.1 Compression: PalmDOC or HUFF/CDIC Extensions: .mobi, .prc, .azw |
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| Version History |
Introduced: 2011 (Amazon)
Current Version: KF8 Status: Active, primary Kindle format Evolution: Replaced MOBI/AZW |
Introduced: 2000 (Mobipocket SA)
Current Version: MOBI 7 / KF7 Status: Legacy, deprecated by Amazon Evolution: Replaced by AZW3/KF8 |
| Software Support |
Kindle Devices: Paperwhite+ (2011+)
Kindle Apps: iOS, Android, PC, Mac Calibre: Full support Other: KindleGen, Kindle Previewer |
Kindle Devices: All generations
E-Readers: Wide compatibility Calibre: Full support Other: FBReader, many apps |
Why Convert AZW3 to MOBI?
Converting AZW3 to MOBI is necessary when you need compatibility with older Kindle devices or legacy e-readers. While AZW3 (Kindle Format 8) is Amazon's modern standard for Kindle books with advanced features, MOBI format ensures your ebook can be read on first-generation Kindle devices (pre-2011), older Kindle Keyboard, Kindle DX, and many third-party e-readers that don't support the newer AZW3 format.
AZW3 was introduced in 2011 with the Kindle Fire and Kindle Paperwhite, bringing HTML5/CSS3 support, custom fonts, and fixed-layout capabilities. However, millions of older Kindle devices still in use only understand MOBI format. Converting AZW3 to MOBI creates a compatible version that sacrifices advanced formatting features for maximum device compatibility.
This conversion is particularly useful for self-publishers who want to reach the widest possible audience, including readers with older devices. While newer Kindle devices can read both formats (many AZW3 files include MOBI data for backward compatibility), standalone MOBI files ensure compatibility with the entire Kindle ecosystem and many non-Amazon e-readers.
Key Benefits of Converting AZW3 to MOBI:
- Legacy Device Support: Read on older Kindle devices (pre-2011)
- Wider Compatibility: Works with many non-Kindle e-readers
- Simplified Format: Smaller, simpler file structure
- Universal Access: Reach readers with any Kindle generation
- Established Standard: Well-supported by ebook software
- Personal Archive: Create compatible backups for all devices
Practical Examples
Example 1: Format Downgrade
Input AZW3 with custom fonts:
<html>
<head>
<style>
@font-face {
font-family: 'CustomFont';
src: url('fonts/custom.ttf');
}
body { font-family: 'CustomFont'; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Chapter One</h1>
<p>Text in custom font</p>
</body>
</html>
Output MOBI (custom fonts removed):
<html>
<body>
<h1>Chapter One</h1>
<p>Text in custom font</p>
</body>
</html>
<!-- Uses device default font -->
Example 2: Metadata Preservation
Input AZW3 metadata:
<metadata> <dc:title>My Novel</dc:title> <dc:creator>John Author</dc:creator> <dc:publisher>Self-Published</dc:publisher> <dc:date>2024</dc:date> <dc:language>en</dc:language> </metadata>
Output MOBI metadata (preserved):
<EXTHHeader> <EXTHRecord type="100">John Author</EXTHRecord> <EXTHRecord type="105">Fiction</EXTHRecord> <EXTHRecord type="106">2024</EXTHRecord> <Title>My Novel</Title> </EXTHHeader>
Example 3: Table of Contents
Input AZW3 NCX navigation:
<navMap>
<navPoint id="chapter1">
<navLabel><text>Chapter 1</text></navLabel>
<content src="ch01.html"/>
</navPoint>
<navPoint id="chapter2">
<navLabel><text>Chapter 2</text></navLabel>
<content src="ch02.html"/>
</navPoint>
</navMap>
Output MOBI TOC (compatible structure):
<reference type="toc" title="Table of Contents"> <a href="#chapter1">Chapter 1</a> <a href="#chapter2">Chapter 2</a> </reference>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is AZW3 format?
A: AZW3 (also known as Kindle Format 8 or KF8) is Amazon's modern ebook format introduced in 2011. It supports HTML5/CSS3, custom fonts, SVG graphics, and fixed-layout pages. AZW3 is used by all Kindle devices from Kindle Paperwhite 1st generation (2011) onwards and all Kindle apps.
Q: What is MOBI format?
A: MOBI (Mobipocket) is the legacy ebook format used by older Kindle devices and many e-readers. Created by Mobipocket SA (acquired by Amazon in 2005), it uses basic HTML formatting without modern features like custom fonts or fixed layouts. Amazon deprecated MOBI in favor of AZW3, but it remains important for compatibility.
Q: Will I lose formatting when converting to MOBI?
A: Some advanced features will be downgraded. Custom fonts, SVG images, fixed layouts, and HTML5/CSS3 features specific to AZW3 won't be preserved. However, basic formatting like bold, italic, headings, paragraphs, and images (JPEG/GIF) will be retained. The content remains readable, just with simpler formatting.
Q: Can I convert DRM-protected AZW3 files?
A: No. This converter only works with DRM-free AZW3 files. Books purchased from Amazon's Kindle Store typically have DRM protection that prevents conversion. You can only convert AZW3 files you've created yourself or obtained from DRM-free sources.
Q: Which Kindle devices need MOBI instead of AZW3?
A: Older Kindle devices from before 2011 require MOBI: Kindle 1st-4th generation, Kindle DX, and Kindle Keyboard. Devices from 2011 onwards (Kindle Paperwhite, Voyage, Oasis, etc.) can read both AZW3 and MOBI, though AZW3 is preferred for better formatting.
Q: Will images be preserved?
A: Yes! Standard images (JPEG, GIF) are preserved in MOBI format. However, SVG images from AZW3 will be converted to raster formats (JPEG/GIF). Image quality remains good, but vector graphics lose their scalability.
Q: Is MOBI still supported by Amazon?
A: Amazon officially deprecated MOBI upload for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) in favor of EPUB and AZW3. However, MOBI files still work on all Kindle devices for sideloading personal documents. Existing Kindle devices continue to support MOBI indefinitely.
Q: How do I transfer MOBI files to my Kindle?
A: You can transfer MOBI files via USB cable (copy to "documents" folder), email to your Kindle email address ([email protected]), or use Amazon's "Send to Kindle" desktop app. USB transfer works for all Kindle devices regardless of age.