Kindle (iOS)

Overview

If you plan to publish your book via Amazon, or on Kindle devices via some other distributor, you may want to preview your book using the Kindle app that is available for iOS devices (iPads and iPhones). This page describes the process for transfering your e-book to one of those devices.

When submitting your e-book to Amazon, you should convert the EPUB file to MOBI format as described on the KindleGen page. However, when transferring the file directly to your own iPad or iPhone, often called sideloading, you should follow the process described here. There are two main steps:

1. Create an ".azk" file using Kindle Previewer
2. Transfer the ".azk" file using iTunes

The AZK Format

When you use KindleGen, the program creates two versions of your book and stores them both in the ".mobi" file. One of the versions is designed for older Kindle devices, and one is for newer. The AZK format is for newer devices. When you submit the ".mobi" file to Amazon, they keep both versions, but they download only the appropriate version when a user requests a download to a specific device.

Create an AZK File

To create an AZK file, you will need a copy of Amazon's Kindle Previewer 3 program. These instructions assume you have Kindle Previewer 3 installed as a viewer.

1. In Gedcom Publisher, make your book (if you haven't already) and then use the File > Browse Book > Kindle Previewer 3 command to open the book in Kindle Previewer 3. If you do not have Kindle Previewer 3 in the Browse Book submenu, you must install it. To install Kindle Previewer 3, see the instructions on the Kindle Previewer page.
2. After Kindle Previewer opens your book, select the File > Export command.

   This will open an Export window where you can choose the location and name of the exported book.

3. Before you click the [Export] button in the Export window, change the "Save as type" choice to "Books - for sideloading to iOS devices".
4. Change the file name, if desired.
5. Click the [Export] button.

Copy AZK File to iPad or iPhone

Here are the steps to copy the AZK file from your computer to an iPad or iPhone using iTunes. These instructions assume you are using iTunes 12.

1. With your device connected via USB and iTunes running on your computer, view your device by clicking on the device's icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window.

   

2. Click "File Sharing" in the section list in the left sidebar of the iTunes window.
3. Click Kindle in the list of Apps. You may have to scroll the list to see the Kindle icon.
4. Drag the AZK file to the documents area or add it via the "Add File..." button.

After completing the steps above, when you open the Kindle app on your iPad or iPhone, you should see your book in the Kindle library.