Convert DOC to FB2
Max file size 100mb.
DOC vs FB2 Format Comparison
| Aspect | DOC (Source Format) | FB2 (Target Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format Overview |
DOC
Microsoft Word Binary Document
Binary document format used by Microsoft Word 97-2003. Proprietary format with rich features but closed specification. Uses OLE compound document structure. Still widely used for compatibility with older Office versions and legacy systems. Legacy Format Word 97-2003 |
FB2
FictionBook 2.0
XML-based eBook format developed in Russia. Designed specifically for fiction and literary works. Self-contained format with embedded images. Extremely popular in Russia, CIS countries, and Eastern Europe. Excellent semantic structure for books. XML-based Russian Standard |
| Technical Specifications |
Structure: Binary OLE compound file
Encoding: Binary with embedded metadata Format: Proprietary Microsoft format Compression: Internal compression Extensions: .doc |
Structure: XML document with schema
Encoding: UTF-8 (standard) Format: Open XML specification Compression: Optional ZIP (.fb2.zip) Extensions: .fb2, .fb2.zip |
| eBook Reader Compatibility |
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| Content Support |
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| Version History |
Introduced: 1997 (Word 97)
Last Version: Word 2003 format Status: Legacy (replaced by DOCX in 2007) Evolution: No longer actively developed |
Introduced: 2004 (FictionBook 2.0)
Current Version: FB2.1 (2009) Status: Stable, widely used in CIS Evolution: FB2 -> FB2.1 -> FB3 (experimental) |
| Software Support |
Microsoft Word: All versions (read/write)
LibreOffice: Full support Google Docs: Full support Other: Most modern word processors |
FBReader: Primary reader (all platforms)
Calibre: Full read/write/convert FB Editor: Native FB2 editor OOoFBTools: LibreOffice plugin |
Why Convert DOC to FB2?
Converting DOC documents to FB2 (FictionBook) format is ideal for creating eBooks that work perfectly on Russian and CIS e-readers like PocketBook and ONYX BOOX. FB2 is an XML-based format designed specifically for fiction and literary works, offering excellent semantic structure and rich metadata support.
FictionBook was developed in Russia in 2004 and quickly became the dominant eBook format in Russian-speaking countries. Unlike EPUB or MOBI, FB2 was designed from the ground up for literature, with native support for epigraphs, poems, citations, and complex book metadata including series information and genre classification.
One of FB2's greatest strengths is its self-contained nature. All images are embedded within the XML file using Base64 encoding, meaning a single FB2 file contains everything needed to display the book. This makes FB2 files easy to share, backup, and organize in digital libraries.
FB2 is fully supported by popular reading applications like FBReader (available on all platforms), Cool Reader, AlReader, and Moon+ Reader. If you use a PocketBook or ONYX BOOX e-reader, FB2 is the native format providing the best reading experience with all features supported.
Key Benefits of Converting DOC to FB2:
- Native on Russian E-readers: PocketBook, ONYX BOOX, and others support FB2 natively
- Rich Metadata: Store author, genre, series, annotation, and more
- Self-Contained: All content including images in one XML file
- Semantic Structure: Designed for books with chapters, epigraphs, poems
- FBReader Support: Popular free reader on all platforms
- Human-Readable: XML format can be viewed and edited in any text editor
- Small Files: Efficient format, can be compressed to .fb2.zip
Practical Examples
Example 1: Fiction Novel
Input DOC file (novel.doc):
The Mystery of the Old House by Maria Petrova Chapter 1: The Arrival Anna stepped off the train into the cold morning air. The old station looked exactly as she remembered from childhood... Chapter 2: First Night The house creaked in the wind as she climbed the stairs to her room...
Output FB2 structure:
<FictionBook>
<description>
<title-info>
<author>
<first-name>Maria</first-name>
<last-name>Petrova</last-name>
</author>
<book-title>The Mystery of the Old House</book-title>
<lang>en</lang>
</title-info>
</description>
<body>
<section>
<title>Chapter 1: The Arrival</title>
<p>Anna stepped off the train...</p>
</section>
</body>
</FictionBook>
Example 2: Poetry Collection
Input DOC file (poems.doc):
Evening Songs Collected Poems The Moon The silver moon rises high, Across the darkened sky, Stars begin to shine...
FB2 advantages for poetry:
FB2 has native <poem> element:
<poem>
<title>The Moon</title>
<stanza>
<v>The silver moon rises high,</v>
<v>Across the darkened sky,</v>
<v>Stars begin to shine...</v>
</stanza>
</poem>
Perfect preservation of poetic structure!
Example 3: Book Series
Input DOC file (series-book.doc):
The Dragon Chronicles Book 3: Rise of Fire by Alex Smith Prologue The ancient prophecy spoke of a time when dragons would return...
FB2 metadata for series:
<title-info> <book-title>Rise of Fire</book-title> <sequence name="The Dragon Chronicles" number="3"/> </title-info> FB2 readers can: - Group books by series - Sort by book number - Show series progress - Navigate between books
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What e-readers support FB2 format?
A: FB2 is natively supported by PocketBook and ONYX BOOX e-readers (very popular in Russia and Europe). Software readers include FBReader (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux), Cool Reader (Android, Windows), AlReader (Android, Windows), and Moon+ Reader (Android). Calibre can convert FB2 to any other format.
Q: Can I read FB2 on Kindle?
A: Amazon Kindle doesn't support FB2 natively. You'll need to convert FB2 to MOBI or AZW3 format using Calibre. Alternatively, you can use our DOC to MOBI or DOC to AZW3 converters if your final destination is Kindle.
Q: Is FB2 better than EPUB?
A: FB2 and EPUB serve different purposes. FB2 is superior for fiction with its semantic book elements (poems, epigraphs) and rich metadata (series, genre). EPUB is more universal with broader device support. Choose FB2 for PocketBook/ONYX users or Russian library compatibility; choose EPUB for Apple/Kobo devices.
Q: What is the difference between FB2 and FB2.ZIP?
A: FB2.ZIP is simply an FB2 file compressed with ZIP. Since FB2 is XML (text-based), it compresses very well. Many readers accept both formats directly. Using .fb2.zip saves storage space while maintaining full compatibility.
Q: Can FB2 files contain images?
A: Yes! FB2 embeds images directly in the XML file using Base64 encoding. This makes FB2 files completely self-contained - no separate image files to manage. Cover images and inline illustrations are fully supported.
Q: How do I edit an FB2 file?
A: Since FB2 is XML, you can edit it with any text editor, though specialized tools are recommended: FB Editor, Calibre's built-in editor, or OOoFBTools for LibreOffice. These tools provide proper validation and visual editing.
Q: Why is FB2 popular in Russia?
A: FB2 was developed in Russia and became the standard format for Russian digital libraries and e-book distribution. Russian e-reader manufacturers (PocketBook, ONYX BOOX) provide native support. The format also handles Cyrillic text perfectly and has strong community support.
Q: Can I convert FB2 to other formats later?
A: Absolutely! FB2 converts well to other formats. Calibre can convert FB2 to EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, PDF, and more. The semantic structure of FB2 helps preserve chapter organization and metadata during conversion.