How to Read an EPUB File on Your Laptop or PC
Since EPUB files aren’t natively supported by Windows or most default PDF/document viewers, you’ll need a dedicated reader. Here are the most reliable free options.
On Mac: Use Apple Books (Already Installed)
If you’re on a Mac, you don’t need to download anything. Just double-click any .epub file and it opens directly in Apple Books, which comes pre-installed on every Mac.
On Windows: Use Calibre
Calibre is a free, open-source ebook management tool that also works as a full-featured EPUB reader — it’s one of the most widely trusted tools in the self-publishing community, and it’s the same tool referenced throughout our other formatting guides.
- Download and install Calibre.
- Open Calibre and add your EPUB file to your library (drag and drop, or use Add Books).
- Double-click the book to open it in Calibre’s built-in viewer.
Alternative: Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe also offers a free EPUB reader, Adobe Digital Editions, available directly from Adobe’s website. It’s a solid choice if you specifically need support for DRM-protected EPUB files, which Calibre doesn’t handle by default.
Alternative: Browser Extension
If you’d rather not install separate software, the EPUBReader extension for Firefox lets you open and read EPUB files directly in your browse
Want to Check How Your Own Book Looks Before Publishing?
If you’re testing your own manuscript’s EPUB file, we can also format it correctly from the start so you don’t run into display issues once it’s live.