How to Convert FB2 to PDF

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In the digital age we live in today, electronic books become the primary way of reading. Hence, being able to open FB2 eBook files is a necessity. Due to the format compatibility, many users choose to convert FB2 to PDF format instead of getting a specialized eBook reader.

This article will show you how to convert FB2 to PDF for free. We will also cover what an FB2 file is and answer some frequently asked questions about this format.

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How we picked eBook to PDF converters

For this article, we chose 3 ways to convert FB2 eBook to PDF: one for Windows OS, one for macOS, and one for online usage.

Each of the PDF converter is fast, easy to complete, and free. Depending on the device you use, you can pick any of the converters and get a good-quality PDF eBook in no time.

Method for Windows

The PDF file format is more popular and recognized amongst users because it is easy to access and share without any loss of content.

If you wish to convert an FB2 eBook to PDF, consider the Icecream PDF Converter. This PDF software is simple to use and is designed to convert PDF files from and to various formats, including FB2.

Follow the steps you see right below to convert your FB2 file to a PDF:

  1. Download the free PDF converter for PC to your computer. Install and launch the program.
  2. In the opened window, you will see 2 possible working modes: "From PDF" and "To PDF". Select the second one to proceed.
  3. Click the "Add File" button and upload FB2 files from your PC. You can also drag and drop your FB2 eBooks to this window manually.
  4. Set the configurations for the output PDF. You can change the "Filename", the "Title", and the "Publisher". Add the "Password" to protect the converted eBook.
  5. Click the "Convert" button to trigger your FB2 to PDF transformation.
  6. After all your FB2 files have been successfully converted, a confirmation message will be displayed. Continue with the "Open folder" link in this message to view your PDF files.

Key features:

  • Batch conversion. You can convert multiple files simultaneously, and the PDF converter will process them together. This saves you time and effort, as you do not need to convert your eBooks one by one.
  • Merge files. If you need to combine several eBooks into one document, you can easily do so by choosing the "Merge all into one PDF file" option. All the FB2 files added will be joined into a single PDF.
  • Password protection. You don't want just anyone viewing your sensitive documents, so ensure that they're safe with password protection. You can quickly add a password to the PDF file after conversion.

This eBook to PDF Converter stands out as it doesn't only transform various document types to and from PDF but also offers additional features. It is an invaluable tool to be sure that the documents are stored in a convenient format for use, alternation, and sharing.

Method for Mac

If you need to transform your FB2 books to PDF on Mac, then Calibre is the perfect solution. This free and open-source eBook management software has a macOS version that supports a wide range of different formats. Apart from being an eBook reader, this software can be used as an FB2 to PDF converter.

Here is what you need to do to utilize the program:

  1. Download the Calibre software to your Mac. Complete the installation process.
  2. Add your FB2 file to the library by clicking the "Add books" button at the top left corner of the window.
  3. Select the book(s) you want to convert. Go to "Convert books" in the top menu bar. Pick "Convert individually" or "Bulk conversion" depending on how many books you need to process at the moment.
  4. On the next screen, choose "PDF" from the drop-down list under "Output format". You can also adjust more settings if needed: title, authors, publishers, tags, etc.
  5. Click "OK" to commence converting your FB2 file into the PDF format.
  6. Once the conversion is finished, you'll find your PDF file in your Calibre library folder or wherever you choose to save it when prompted.

*Note: If you did not change the name of your eBook, the new file won't be created. Instead, your book will have two formats listed as new to it. By clicking either of them, you can open it in FB2 or PDF.

To open your file, in the Finder, go to the folder "Calibre Library". To change the eBook's location, click the button on the toolbar with the same name and browse where you wish your eBooks to be saved.

FB2 eBook reader - settings

That's all it takes to transform an FB2 book to PDF format with Calibre! With this free and easy-to-use software, you can quickly turn any FB2 book into a PDF document for easier reading on any device or platform.

Online method

Are you in need of an easy-to-use and convenient solution to change your FB2 files to PDF? Consider trying Zamzar. It's a free online file converter that can rapidly transform files from one format to another.

Here's how you can use it to transform your FB2 file into a PDF:

  1. Go to the Zamzar website. At the toolbar, pick "Converters" and there find "eBook Converters".
  2. With the "Choose Files" button, add the FB2 file(s) you wish to convert. There are several options available: upload electronic books from the computer, from Dropbox, via URL, etc. Alternatively, use the drag & drop feature to manually move them into the converter.
  3. In the "Convert To" dropdown menu, select the "PDF" option.
  4. If you wish to get notified when your file is processed, check the box and enter your email address.
  5. Hit the "Convert Now" button and wait for the processing to finish.
  6. Once your file is ready, you will receive an email with a link to obtain the PDF version. Or, if you did not sign up for this option, simply click "Download" to save the new PDF to your device.

With just a few clicks, you can convert any FB2 file to a PDF format, so you can read your favorite eBook on any device. Plus, it's free! No downloads or extra software is needed. Everything is done online in Zamzar's servers, thus, no need to fret regarding viruses or malware in your system either.

What is an FB2 file?

An FB2 file, also known as FictionBook File, is a popular eBook format primarily used for fictional literature.

Unlike other formats, such as PDF or EPUB, FB2 documents are not encrypted or protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management). That means you can freely modify or share any eBook you own without worrying about copyright infringement.

The FB2 file format is supported by various types of devices, from smartphones to PCs. However, support for FB2 may not be as widespread as other eBook formats like EPUB.

Its open nature makes it an attractive choice for authors who want to make their work available in multiple formats. It also allows users to customize their reading experience by changing font size, typeface, color scheme, and more.

What is a PDF file?

The PDF format (Portable Document Format) is a widely-used file type developed by Adobe in the early 1990s. It is designed to present documents consistently across various devices and platforms, independent of the software, hardware, or OS used to view them.

PDFs offer several security features, such as password protection and digital signatures. This makes them suitable for sharing sensitive information.

This format can also include interactive elements like hyperlinks, buttons, form fields, audio, video, and even JavaScript.

Reasons to convert FB2 to PDF

Converting your electronic documents from one format to another can be a great way to ensure they remain accessible and readable regardless of the platform or device you are using.

PDF is one of the most used formats when it comes to sharing documents and files. Transforming FB2 into PDF is a common task d even though PDFs are usually larger in size than FB2.

Here are a few of the most notable differences between the two:

CharacteristicsFB2PDF
AccessibilityTo open an FB2 file, you will need to install a specialized eBook reader that supports this format.PDFs are universally accessible, regardless of the device you're using. Hence, with a PDF file, it's easier for readers to access the content, without running into compatibility issues.
SecurityOnce you buy or download an FB2 eBook, you will most likely not be able to add a password to it.Many PDF editors can set a password on your file to protect your purchased item.
PrintingFB2 is a digital format that was made to be viewed on a screen. Hence, printing it is not only a difficult task but it also does not guarantee that the original formatting will be preserved.PDFs are made for printing. Their main feature is keeping the document's layout intact. Hence, it's easy to print and share.
EditingWhen working with FB2 files, it's quite hard to change its format without converting it first.You can edit PDF text if adjustments to the content are needed.

When it comes to choosing between FB2 and PDF, it really depends on what you need the file for.

  • If you're creating an eBook, then FB2 is probably your best bet because it's easily converted into other formats and takes up less space than PDFs.
  • If you're looking for a secure way to share documents, then PDF is the better option since it's widely used and offers password security.

FB2 files are commonly used by publishers, libraries, and schools for the distribution of digital books. They are also popular among readers who want to access eBooks on their devices. Many modern eBook readers can open FB2 files directly without needing to convert them first.

Considering these benefits, it is clear why so many people opt for transforming their FB2 eBooks into PDFs whenever feasible.

FAQ

Can I edit the converted PDF after conversion?
Yes, once the FB2 file is converted to PDF, you can edit the document using PDF editing software such as Adobe Acrobat or free alternatives like PDF-XChange Editor.
Will hyperlinks and annotations be preserved in the resulting PDF?
It depends on the conversion tool used. Some programs may preserve hyperlinks and annotations, while others may not. It's essential to check the features of the specific conversion software you're using.
Can I convert FB2 files with embedded fonts to PDF?
Yes, most FB2 to PDF converters support embedded fonts and will preserve them in the converted PDF document.

Convert FB2 to PDF: Conclusion

FB2 is a versatile file format that can be used for both personal and commercial purposes. Whether you are a reader or a publisher looking for an effective method to circulate digital books, the FB2 format is worth considering.

As you can see, the process of converting from FB2 to PDF is relatively straightforward. The most important point to remember is to ensure you have the right PDF converter for the job.

Also, remember to adjust the settings to meet your needs. By following the tips above, you can be certain that your FB2 files are converted accurately and all the formatting and images are intact. Best of luck!

Rean Uehara

Expert Tech Writer

Rean is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, operations specialist, and eCommerce coach who focuses on distributed teams. He began working remotely on web-related projects in 2010 and has never looked back. His articles published on Hongkiat, so his authoritative opinion on technology can be fully trusted.
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