For optimal reading, we recommend that you buy your ebooks in ePub format. This format is indeed the most suitable for digital reading because it adapts to different reading media and allows you to modify the shape of your texts with great ease.
There are different formats of ebooks, each with its own characteristics:
ePub: Electronic publication
The ePub format is an open standard format designed to facilitate the layout of content, with the text displayed adjusted for the type of reading device (screen size). To put it simply, it is THE format of the ebook.
It is readable with the Vivlio software on Mac and PC (Windows or Linux). It is also compatible with electronic ink readers (which accept the ePub format) and particularly suitable for this type of screen.
PDF: Portable Document Format
The PDF format retains the initial formatting of the book regardless of the software or media that allow it to be read. It is compatible with electronic ink readers but the readability is quite poor. Reading a PDF on an e-reader is therefore not recommended.
Mobipocket/PRC
The Mobipocket format requires the installation of the Mobipocket Reader application. You can also
open Mobipocket ebooks that do not have a DRM on a Kindle e-reader or with the Kindle PC or tablet application. Unprotected Mobipockets are also compatible with Vivlio e-readers.
Streaming/Reading online
Reading ebooks in streaming does not result in downloading or saving the file, but is done online via the Internet browser and therefore requires an Internet connection.
ePub Fixed Layout
The ePub Fixed Layout format is a new format that provides better reading comfort for graphic books. We advise you to read it online from the “Your Ebooks” area of your customer account, or by using the Vivlio software. E-readers and some mobile applications do not yet support this format. Adobe Digital Editions software does not always support this format well.
Each format has advantages and adapts differently to different media:
| Computer | Tablet | E-reader | Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ePub | Compatible | Compatible | Recommended | Compatible |
| Compatible | Compatible | Compatible, but not recommended | Compatible | |
| Streaming | Compatible, requires an internet connection | Android-compatible, requires an internet connection. Not compatible with iOs. |
Not Compatible | Android-compatible, requires an internet connection. Not compatible with iOs. |
| Mobipocket(prc) | Not Compatible | Compatible with a specific application | Compatible if not protected | Compatible with a specific application |
| ePub Fixed Layout | Recommended | Compatible online from your e-reader in “Your Ebooks” | Not compatible | Compatible online from your e-reader in “Your Ebooks” |