CNET Editors' review
DNAML's PDF to ePub converts e-books formatted as PDFs into the industry-standard ePub format in six quick steps. It can convert an unlimited number of files and automatically split the output into segments that conserve device memory. It even offers a scripting language option for advanced users.
PDF to ePub's gray-skinned interface combines a wizard with a conventional file menu. The program opens with Step 1, Select PDF file, which involves browsing to a file and selecting one of three output file types: ePub, HTML, or Kindle (mobi). However, when we clicked Next, we received a Product Activation Wizard that required us to submit personal data to obtain an activation code. After we registered, PDF to ePub proceeded to Step 2, selecting text for extraction. The next step, Step 3, involves fixing characters in the extracted text. The program recommends not skipping this step, which involves reviewing a long list of glyphs, extracted characters, and characters the program intends to use for them. We could alter this last option, substituting custom characters for the program's selections. This is a time-consuming process, but it's worth going through, and you can save the settings as a Rules Set that can be applied optionally in the next step, Step 4. Step 5 involves changing the Edit rule set and or language, which is recommended for advanced users only. Step 6 involves choosing an output directory and file name. A progress bar tracked our job when we clicked Convert. Our finished document appeared in the destination directory and opened normally when clicked.
As e-books become ever more prevalent, the need for tools like PDF to ePub will only grow. While we're not crazy about having to register to use freeware, the registration process is free and quick. PDF to ePub is great for converting PDFs to the leading e-book formats. It is recommended for readers, writers, and others.
Publisher's Description
From DNAML:
Using PDF to ePub, publishers, authors, conversion and design houses can now convert an unlimited number of trade paperback style PDF eBooks into the industry standard ePub format in just six simple steps. Full list of features: - Quick conversion (2 to 5 minutes for an average trade title). - 100 % text accuracy for text PDFs. - Auto paragraph joining algorithm that works automatically across multiple pages. - Correctly splits final HTML into multiple segments, improving performance and lowering memory requirements for ePub readers and eBook device. - Provides the PDF to ePub user the option to overwrite glyphs (character images) utilised within the PDF, with custom characters using a simple interface which requires no programming knowledge. - Converted ePub will be automatically validated to ensure 100% compatibility with ePub check. - Can convert from PDF to HTML allowing for web pages creation from the PDF text. - Customise PDF area to extract from thus avoiding common problems with other conversion tools like headers and footers of pages being treated as body text. - Provides the PDF to ePub user a pre-set option using PDF to ePub preset rules or to employ custom rules to the ePub conversion process. - For Advanced users - PDF to ePub uses a powerful scripting language (.lua) to allow the PDF to ePub user to fully customise how text and images are extracted from the PDF files. - Provides the end user the ability to set DPI (resolution) for images and glyph (character images). - Export for Kindle format.
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All versions:
2.8 starsout of 32 votes
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Current version:
1.7 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
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"Worked once, then never again"
Version: PDF to EPUB 1.5
Pros
Well, the user interface is easy enough to use and reasonably decent-looking. The one time it worked, the resulting epub file was fine.
Cons
It only worked once. The next time I tried to use it, the program errored out. I tried again the next day, same error. Tried re-PDFing the origin file - it still didn't work. I have uninstalled it.
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"Does not work"
Version: PDF to EPUB 1.5
Pros
none, does not get far enough to have any
Cons
As soon as I opened it, it closed itselfe. Did nothing
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"Don't waste your money!"
Version: PDF to EPUB 1.5
Pros
None. What you mostly will get is frustrated and the dog's breakfast that results.
Cons
Don't believe anything PDF-to-anything converter vendors say. In general, PDF conversion is iffy to impossible simply because of the nature of PDF files. You can try converting PDFs to RTF on the Zamzar site and then copy editing the resulting RTF according to the directions you can get anywhere on the web. Once the RTF is cleaned up, you can export it as an EPUB from the Open Source OpenOffice's or the open source Libra Office's Writer word processor with a plug-in available from Open Office. Or you can get the Open Source Calibre (check out its options!) and convert the RTF to EPUB (every reader except a Kindle) and Mobi (Kindle). Or you can convert the PDF directly to an EPUB on Zamar or in Calibre and then copy edit the EPUB with the open source WYSIWYG Sigil EPUB editor. In no case should you pay for any software to do this chore as they are all not efficacious.
Summary
Don't believe anything PDF-to-anything converter vendors say. In general, PDF conversion is iffy to impossible simply because of the nature of PDF files.
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"Does what it says on the tin"
Version: PDF to EPUB 1.5
Pros
Converts PDFs to e-pub admirably.
Cons
Only downside is that unless you name the file correctly, it comes up with unknown name and author
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"Mostly mediocre"
Version: PDF to EPUB 1.5
Pros
Does convert alot of pdfs pretty good.
Cons
Does not work as well as alot of other programs out there. Also, does not and cannot tag a file. When I loaded a converted pdf into my e-reader, it identified the file as "Unknown Book" and "Unknown Author."
Summary
Use something else.
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"Fails to convert. No log file. Garbage..."
Version: PDF to EPUB 1.5
Pros
None that I can find.
Cons
Waste of time.
Results 1-6 of 6
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