Convert EPUB3 to FB2

Why Convert EPUB3 to FB2?

Converting EPUB3 e-books to FB2 (FictionBook) format is important for distributing content in Russian-speaking markets and for users of popular FB2-compatible reading applications like CoolReader, FBReader, and PocketBook devices. FB2 remains the most widely used e-book format in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries.

FB2 offers unique advantages for fiction and literary works. Its rich metadata schema supports detailed bibliographic information including series, genre, publisher, and translator data, making it excellent for library management and book cataloging. FB2 readers typically provide powerful search and organization features based on this metadata.

The FB2 format stores everything in a single XML file, including images encoded in Base64. This self-contained approach makes FB2 files easy to transfer, manage, and back up. Unlike EPUB's multi-file ZIP structure, an FB2 file can be viewed and edited with any XML-aware text editor.

During conversion, EPUB3 HTML5 content is transformed into FB2 XML sections with appropriate elements for paragraphs, formatting, and structure. The chapter hierarchy is preserved through nested section elements. Images are extracted and re-encoded as Base64 data within the FB2 file. Metadata from the EPUB3 OPF is mapped to FB2's description element.

Key Benefits of Converting EPUB3 to FB2:

• Eastern European Market: Essential format for Russian-speaking readers
• Rich Metadata: Detailed book info for library management
• Self-Contained: Single file with all content and images
• Fiction Optimized: Built for novels, stories, and literary works
• Wide Reader Support: CoolReader, FBReader, PocketBook devices
• Poetry Support: Special formatting for verse and stanzas
• Easy Management: XML text file, easy to edit and organize

Practical Examples

Example 1: Novel Chapter Conversion

Input EPUB3 content (chapter.xhtml):

<section epub:type="chapter">
  <h1>Chapter 1: The Arrival</h1>
  <p>The train pulled into the station
  as the <em>autumn leaves</em> swirled
  around the platform.</p>
  <p><strong>Sarah</strong> stepped off,
  carrying a single leather bag.</p>
</section>

Output FB2 file (book.fb2):

<section>
  <title><p>Chapter 1: The Arrival</p></title>
  <p>The train pulled into the station
  as the <emphasis>autumn leaves</emphasis>
  swirled around the platform.</p>
  <p><strong>Sarah</strong> stepped off,
  carrying a single leather bag.</p>
</section>

Example 2: Book Metadata Conversion

Input EPUB3 metadata (content.opf):

<metadata>
  <dc:title>The Last Journey</dc:title>
  <dc:creator>John Smith</dc:creator>
  <dc:language>en</dc:language>
  <dc:publisher>Example Press</dc:publisher>
  <dc:date>2024</dc:date>
  <dc:subject>Fiction</dc:subject>
</metadata>

Output FB2 description (book.fb2):

<description>
  <title-info>
    <genre>prose_contemporary</genre>
    <author>
      <first-name>John</first-name>
      <last-name>Smith</last-name>
    </author>
    <book-title>The Last Journey</book-title>
    <lang>en</lang>
  </title-info>
  <publish-info>
    <publisher>Example Press</publisher>
    <year>2024</year>
  </publish-info>
</description>

Example 3: Footnote and Image Conversion

Input EPUB3 content (annotated.xhtml):

<p>The manuscript<a epub:type="noteref"
href="#fn1">1</a> was discovered in 1947.</p>
<aside id="fn1" epub:type="footnote">
  <p>Found in the caves near the Dead Sea.</p>
</aside>
<figure>
  <img src="images/scroll.jpg"
       alt="Ancient Scroll"/>
</figure>

Output FB2 file (annotated.fb2):

<p>The manuscript<a type="note"
href="#fn1">[1]</a> was discovered
in 1947.</p>
<image l:href="#scroll_jpg"/>

<!-- In notes section: -->
<section id="fn1">
  <title><p>1</p></title>
  <p>Found in the caves near the Dead Sea.</p>
</section>

<!-- Binary section: -->
<binary id="scroll_jpg"
  content-type="image/jpeg">
/9j/4AAQSkZJRg...</binary>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is FB2 format?

A: FB2 (FictionBook 2.0) is an XML-based e-book format created in Russia in 2004. It stores book content, metadata, and images in a single XML file. FB2 is especially popular in Russian-speaking countries and is supported by readers like CoolReader, FBReader, and PocketBook devices. It excels at fiction and literary works with its rich metadata schema.

Q: Which e-readers support FB2?

A: FB2 is supported by CoolReader, FBReader (Android, iOS, Linux), PocketBook devices, ONYX BOOX devices, and Calibre. Many Android and iOS reading apps support FB2, especially those popular in Eastern European markets. Calibre can also convert FB2 to other formats for readers that do not natively support it.

Q: How are images handled in FB2?

A: FB2 embeds images directly in the XML file as Base64-encoded binary data in <binary> elements. Images from the EPUB3 are extracted, converted to Base64, and included at the end of the FB2 file. This makes FB2 files self-contained but potentially larger than the original EPUB.

Q: Will the book metadata be preserved?

A: Yes, EPUB3 metadata (title, author, language, publisher, date, subjects) is mapped to FB2's rich description structure. FB2 supports additional metadata fields like series name, series number, translator, and genre classification that can be populated from EPUB3 metadata where available.

Q: Does FB2 support tables?

A: FB2 has limited table support through <table>, <tr>, <th>, and <td> elements, but formatting options are minimal compared to HTML. Simple tables from EPUB3 convert well, but complex tables with merged cells, styling, or nested content may be simplified in the FB2 output.

Q: What happens to EPUB3 CSS styling?

A: FB2 does not support CSS styling. Visual formatting from EPUB3 is reduced to FB2's basic markup: bold (<strong>), italic (<emphasis>), and strikethrough (<strikethrough>). Reading applications apply their own styling to FB2 content, giving readers full control over appearance.

Q: Are footnotes converted properly?

A: Yes, EPUB3 footnotes (epub:type="footnote") are converted to FB2 notes, which are placed in a dedicated notes section at the end of the book. FB2 readers display these as popup notes when the reader taps the reference link, providing a similar reading experience to EPUB3 footnotes.

Q: Can I convert FB2 back to EPUB?

A: Yes, FB2 can be converted back to EPUB using Calibre, our converter, or other tools. The round-trip preserves text content, chapter structure, metadata, and images. However, EPUB3-specific features like CSS styling, JavaScript, and multimedia will not survive a round-trip through FB2 format.