How to Convert EPUB to PDF for Printing or Any Device
EPUB is the standard ebook format with reflowable text that adapts to any screen. PDF keeps a fixed layout — ideal for printing or devices that don't support EPUB natively. This guide covers all conversion methods.
Why convert EPUB to PDF?
- Printing: PDFs maintain the exact layout on paper
- Compatibility: PDFs open on any device without a special app
- Legacy Kindle: some older models don't support EPUB; PDF works on all
- Sharing without an e-reader: PDF is universally readable
Option 1: Calibre (free, recommended)
Calibre is the most complete ebook manager and the best conversion tool:
- Download from calibre-ebook.com (free, Windows/macOS/Linux)
- Add the EPUB: Add books → select the EPUB
- Right-click → Convert books → Convert individually
- Set "Output format" to PDF
- PDF Output options (left panel):
- Paper size: A4, Letter, etc.
- Resolution: 96 DPI for screen, 300 for printing
- Margins: adjust for comfortable reading
- Click OK and wait
Best settings in Calibre
Under "Page setup":
- Paper size: A4 (210 × 297 mm) or Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
- Margin: 20 mm on all sides for comfortable text
Under "Look & feel":
- Base font size: 11–12pt for print
Under "Table of contents":
- Check "Insert page breaks" so each chapter starts on a new page
Option 2: Online
- Go to KaijuConverter — EPUB to PDF
- Upload the EPUB file
- Download the PDF
Online conversion applies default settings. For full layout control, use Calibre.
Option 3: Pandoc (command line)
Pandoc is an extremely powerful document conversion tool:
# Install
sudo apt install pandoc texlive-latex-recommended # Ubuntu
brew install pandoc # macOS
# EPUB → PDF (requires LaTeX)
pandoc book.epub -o book.pdf
# With A4 page size and margins
pandoc book.epub -o book.pdf \
--pdf-engine=xelatex \
-V papersize:a4 \
-V geometry:margin=2cm \
-V fontsize:11pt
# With a specific font
pandoc book.epub -o book.pdf \
--pdf-engine=xelatex \
-V mainfont:"DejaVu Serif"
Option 4: Convert via DOCX as intermediate step
If Calibre's output isn't satisfactory:
- Calibre: EPUB → DOCX
- Open the DOCX in Word or LibreOffice
- Manually adjust the layout
- Export to PDF from Word/LibreOffice
This workflow gives maximum control over the final design.
Common problems when converting EPUB to PDF
Missing or displaced images
Cause: the EPUB uses relative image paths that Calibre can't find.
Fix: open the EPUB in Calibre, use "Edit book" to verify images are correctly referenced.
Wrong fonts
Cause: the EPUB uses embedded fonts that aren't available.
Fix: in Calibre, under "Look & feel" disable "Embed font family" and choose a system font.
Arabic/Chinese/Japanese text unreadable
Cause: the font used doesn't have support for those characters.
Fix: with Pandoc, use --pdf-engine=xelatex and specify a font with full Unicode support (like "Noto Serif" or "Source Han Serif").
Tool comparison
| Tool | Ease | Layout control | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| KaijuConverter (online) | Maximum | Minimal | Good |
| Calibre | High | High | Very good |
| Pandoc + LaTeX | Medium | Maximum | Excellent |
| Word (via DOCX) | High | High | Very good |
For most users, Calibre offers the best balance of ease and control. For typographically perfect results, Pandoc with XeLaTeX is the most powerful option.