How to Convert AZW3 to EPUB with Online and Desktop Tools
Summary:In this guide I look at why AZW3 often feels restrictive and show when it makes sense to convert AZW3 to EPUB instead of staying inside the Kindle app. The article compares desktop and online AZW3 to EPUB converter options, focusing on BookFab Kindle Converter for a stable Windows workflow, with FreeConvert, Zamzar and CloudConvert as browser-based alternatives.
I often buy a Kindle book, see the .AZW3 file, and realise it will not open on a Kobo device or in many EPUB reader apps on a phone or laptop. Over time this creates a mixed library of AZW3, older AZW files, EPUB and PDF spread across different devices and folders. At that point a question comes up: how can AZW3 be converted to EPUB in a safe way?
This article explains when conversion is actually useful. It compares the main types of AZW3 to EPUB converter, walks through a desktop workflow with BookFab Kindle Converter, and also looks at online ways to convert Kindle to EPUB. Common issues such as failed conversions and DRM limits are covered so the whole process is clear.
When You Should Convert AZW3 to EPUB
What AZW3 and EPUB are
AZW3 is Amazon's version of an ebook file for the Kindle ecosystem. It is used by Kindle e-readers and Kindle apps as one of their native formats, often wrapped in Amazon's DRM so the file is tied to a specific user account.
EPUB is an open standard maintained by the publishing industry and is widely supported by reading apps and ebook devices on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and many dedicated e-readers. Stores, libraries and self-publishing platforms use EPUB as their default delivery format because it adapts well to different screen sizes and allows user-controlled settings such as font size and background.
Common scenarios to convert AZW3 to EPUB
Many situations push readers to move an ebook from AZW3 into EPUB rather than stay inside the Kindle ecosystem.
- A very typical case is device switching. Many popular e-readers such as Kobo focus on EPUB and PDF as their native formats. Someone who buys a title from Amazon but prefers to read on a Kobo or PocketBook often ends up converting AZW3 to EPUB so the same book works on both platforms.
- Library consolidation. Over time many readers end up with a mixed collection: Kindle purchases in AZW3, public-domain or store-independent titles in EPUB, and personal documents in PDF. When three or four formats are spread across several apps, everyday use starts to feel messy. By converting portable AZW3 titles to EPUB, readers can keep most of the library in a single format that works in many apps and on many platforms.
- Long-term access. AZW3 is a proprietary format controlled by Amazon, and recent policy changes have drawn attention to that fact. In 2025 Amazon began removing the long-standing "Download & Transfer via USB" option, which had allowed users to download Kindle books to a computer and store their own copies. As services become more cloud-centric, some readers prefer to keep important titles in an open format like EPUB that is not tied to a single vendor’s download policy.
Compare AZW3 to EPUB Converter Options
Most conversion workflows fall into two groups: desktop software and online services. Both can handle AZW3 files, but they trade off convenience, control and long-term use in different ways.
Desktop AZW3 converters versus online tools
Desktop tools install on Windows or macOS and run the conversion locally. Online tools, on the other hand, run in a browser.
| Aspect | Desktop AZW3 Converters | Online AZW3 to EPUB Tools |
| Typical examples | BookFab Kindle Converter, Calibre, Epubor | CloudConvert, ZamZar, Bookize |
| Access to Kindle files | Can read AZW, AZW3, KFX from Kindle for PC / Mac libraries | Usually work only with files manually exported or downloaded |
| Best use case | Large or growing libraries, repeated conversion tasks | Occasional one-off jobs for a few DRM-free AZW3 files |
| Batch conversion | Yes, supports bulk conversion with queues and presets | No, often limited by file count or total size |
| Advanced options | More control over metadata, layout, output folders, and sometimes device profiles | Usually minimal options; aims for a generic EPUB |
| Speed considerations | Uses local CPU and disk; fast for large batches on a modern computer | Adds network time on top of conversion, slower for big files or slow networks |
| Privacy and data control | Files stay on the local system unless put in cloud folders on purpose | Files are sent to third-party servers; deletion depends on the service provider |
| Long-term robustness | Can be updated to track new Kindle formats and workflows | May lag on new formats; some services change or disappear over time |
This comparison makes the trade-offs more visible. Desktop tools demand an initial setup but suit regular use and bigger collections. Browser tools are quick to try and useful on shared machines, but work best for light, occasional conversion needs.
Key factors
Conversion quality. A good AZW3 to EPUB converter should preserve chapter structure, table of contents, images, and basic styling. Desktop tools often expose more options here: font embedding, page breaks, margin handling and metadata editing. Online tools usually hide these details and aim for a generic file, which is less ideal for technical books with complex layouts.
Speed is tied to both file size and environment. Local converters take advantage of the computer’s CPU and storage, so batch jobs on a modern desktop can finish quickly even when dozens of books are queued. Online tools add upload and download time on top of the actual conversion, which can become noticeable for large files or slower connections.
Privacy and data control round out the comparison. Desktop tools process AZW3 files locally. That is a clear advantage when dealing with personal documents, work material, or any content that should not be sent to third-party servers. Online services typically promise to delete uploaded files after a short period, but this depends on their policy and implementation, and it is not always possible to verify.
Therefore, weighing these factors will help you narrow down your choices and determine which AZW3 converter is more suitable for your application.
Convert AZW3 to EPUB with BookFab Kindle Converter
For readers who prefer a desktop tool, BookFab Kindle Converter is a focused way to turn Kindle formats such as AZW3, older AZW and modern KFX into EPUB. It works with Kindle for PC, scans the local Kindle library, and converts supported titles into standard EPUB files that open in apps like Calibre, Apple Books and Adobe Digital Editions. The tool is updated for Amazon's 2025 DRM changes, with both a standalone converter and a Calibre plugin.
💡When using the AZW3 to EPUB converter, be sure to comply with Amazon's Terms of Service and local copyright laws. Your conversion should be limited to personal use of the books you have legally acquired, and the decrypted files must not be redistributed.
Advantages:
- Fast batch conversion for large libraries
- Designed for Kindle for PC files, it decrypts and converts AZW3, AZW and KFX to EPUB
- After Kindle for PC has downloaded the books, Auto Scan mode detects the files automatically
- A free plugin lets BookFab run its decryption step from inside Calibre
Limitations:
- The current system requirement is Windows, with no native macOS or Linux version
- There is a trial version, but full use of BookFab requires a licence
Steps to convert AZW3 to EPUB Using BookFab Kindle Converter
Step 1. Prepare Kindle for PC and BookFab
Install Kindle for PC, sign in with the Amazon account, and download the Kindle books that should be converted.
Once the titles appear in Kindle for PC, install and launch BookFab, then open the “Kindle Converter” module in the left sidebar.
Step 2. Scan the local Kindle library and choose titles
In BookFab, use the refresh icon so the program can scan the folders used by Kindle for PC. Downloaded books are listed inside the client with their titles and covers. Select the entries that need to move from AZW3 or AZW into EPUB format.
Step 3. Run the conversion to EPUB
Start the conversion from within BookFab. The software analyses each selected file and, where allowed, removes DRM and produces an EPUB copy. The converted files are saved to a local folder, which can be opened directly from the interface.
Step 4. Organise EPUB files in Calibre or other apps
After conversion, the new EPUBs can be added to Calibre for tagging, and series grouping, or they can be imported into apps such as Apple Books.
Online Tools to Convert AZW3/AZW Files to EPUB
For a single book or a short batch, browser-based services are often faster to reach. Three of the more established options are FreeConvert, Zamzar and CloudConvert.
FreeConvert
FreeConvert AZW3 to EPUB converter is aimed at readers who want more control than a basic tool. It accepts AZW3 from local storage, cloud drives or a URL, with a 1 GB limit on the free tier. An Advanced settings panel exposes options usually only seen in desktop software: optimisation for specific e-readers, font rescaling, input encoding and basic metadata edits for title and author.
Pros
- Supports uploads from various channels, which makes it flexible when files are scattered.
- Handles both AZW3 and AZW to EPUB conversion in the same ecosystem.
- Uses HTTPS and 256-bit SSL encryption with automatic file deletion after a few hours.
Cons
- Free tier shows ads and mentions queues for large files
- Conversion still runs on remote servers, so sensitive documents may be better kept on local tools
Steps to convert AZW3 to EPUB with FreeConvert
Step 1: Open the AZW3 to EPUB Converter page on FreeConvert and click Choose Files, or pick a cloud source such as Dropbox or OneDrive.
Step 2: Make sure EPUB is selected as the output. If needed, use advanced e-book settings to adjust margins, fonts or metadata.
Step 3: Start the conversion. When the status changes to "Done", use the Download EPUB link to save the new file.
Zamzar
Zamzar is one of the older names in general file conversion and positions its AZW3 to EPUB page as a simple, no-software route. The interface is minimal. The same platform can also convert AZW3 into a range of other ebook formats, and accepts many sources such as AZW, PDF or DOC when the goal is to create an EPUB file.
Zamzar has been running since 2006 and supports hundreds of formats, which makes it useful as a general fallback when other tools do not recognise a file.
Pros:
- Very simple three-step interface: pick AZW3, choose EPUB, click convert.
- Converts both AZW3 and AZW to EPUB, plus many other ebook formats in and out.
- Desktop apps and API are available for users who later decide to automate conversions.
Cons:
- No detailed ebook-specific options such as margins or device profiles.
- Free usage is subject to file size and volume limits.
- Some workflows still encourage email notifications, which may not suit every privacy preference.
CloudConvert
CloudConvert is an online AZW3 to EPUB converter aimed at people who often work with many file types, not just ebooks. It runs in the browser and supports other ebook formats such as EPUB, PDF, AZW and CBZ. The converter also exposes an API for scripted or automated use.
Pros:
- Converts AZW3, AZW and many other ebook formats from a single web interface.
- ISO 27001 certification and a detailed security statement give clearer assurances than many online converters.
- No installation required, works across common desktop and mobile platforms.
Cons:
- It cannot read directly from Kindle libraries.
- Free tier is limited by the number of conversion minutes.
FAQs
The legal issue depends on where the reader lives, how the book was obtained, and what happens to the converted file afterward. In several regions, bypassing DRM can be prohibited even when the purpose is private use. Some jurisdictions allow limited copying or format-shifting for personal use.
Because of these differences, it is important to check local copyright and anti-circumvention law, and keep any converted files strictly for personal reading.
The choice depends on how often conversion is needed, and how large the library has become. Desktop converters usually offer better control over metadata, output folders and batch jobs. They are preferred for regular use, or for large collections. Online AZW3 to EPUB converters are easier to try for a single book on a shared device, but they add upload and download time and rely on the provider’s handling policies.
- The file may still carry active DRM from Amazon, which prevents normal conversion tools from reading the content.
- The download is incomplete or corrupted, especially when files are copied manually from a device rather than through Kindle for PC.
- Some online converters only accept AZW3 but not newer KFX variants.
Checking the file's origin, confirming that it opens in the Kindle app, and re-downloading it via Kindle for PC usually helps narrow down the problem.
Conclusion
Converting AZW3 to EPUB is more about keeping an ebook library usable across apps and the next few years of platform changes. For regular conversions on Kindle for PC, desktop program such as BookFab Kindle Converter can be used. Online services like FreeConvert or CloudConvert can satisfy the requirements for smaller conversions that occasionally call for the use of a browser.
