How to Convert iBooks to PDF: The Complete 2025 Guide

The term iBooks generally refers to the Apple Books app, an application developed by Apple Inc. for reading e-books and accessing a digital bookstore. It is available on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. Users can purchase and download e-books, PDFs, and various multimedia content. However, the iBooks format is limited to Apple devices, which poses challenges for users who wish to access it on other platforms.

To read your iBooks on common ebook readers, you must first convert the iBook to PDF before proceeding. This guide will assist you to remove DRM and convert iBooks to PDF, allowing you to read or share the book on different devices.

Understanding iBook File Formats

Before we begin the process of converting iBooks to PDF, it's important to familiarize yourself with the iBooks file formats. Currently, there are three iBook file formats: .ibooks, .iba, and .epub. For an in-depth discussion, kindly see the explanation provided below.

.ibooks and .iba

.ibooks and .iba files are created by the iBooks Author application. The .ibooks files utilize undocumented, proprietary XML namespaces and extensions to CSS, offering features such as font options, mathematical equation rendering, and enhanced interactivity capabilities.

Meanwhile, IBA files are referred to as iBooks Author documents since they originate from the iBooks Author software. These are usually digital books consisting of pages, chapters, book sections, and layout information. Table of contents, book titles, introductory media, and glossary are all stored as IBA files. The files are necessary for Picture books, Textbooks, Multimedia books, and various other digital books.

The files are stored in a compressed ZIP format, allowing for manual opening and viewing with the use of a ZIP decompression utility. The IBA file can also be exported to the .ibooks format, allowing you to save it to your iPad or share it with others easily.

.epub

.epub (electronic publication) files represent an open digital book (eBook) standard established by the W3C. EPUB stands as the most commonly utilized file format extension for the storage of eBooks and related content. The EPUB format allows for easy reading across various devices such as eReaders, iPhones, iPads, Macs, Androids, and computers.

The .epub format is capable of storing fonts, words, images, metadata, stylesheets, and content tables. EPUBs are not dependent on layout, meaning that the formatting remains consistent regardless of screen size.

Since iBooks come in different formats, like .ibooks, .iba, and .epub, and some don’t work well on non-Apple devices, converting them to a more common format like PDF makes them easier to open and share across platforms and devices.

How to Convert iBooks Files to PDF

This section will provide you with straightforward steps to convert iBooks into PDF format for enhanced compatibility. Before we begin, here’s a quick comparison table of the two tools, Pages and iBooks Author, to help you understand their differences and limitations.

Note: The following two methods only work for iBooks without DRM. If an iBook was downloaded from the Apple Books Store and has DRM protection, Pages and iBooks Author won’t be able to open or convert it to PDF.

Convert .ibooks to PDF Format with iBook Author

Converting .ibooks files into PDF format is straightforward; however, it's important to note that iBooks Author is no longer accessible or receiving updates. If you have downloaded the app before, you can still find it in your App Store history of purchases. iBooks Author remains usable on macOS Catalina and previous versions.

Here is how to convert .ibooks to PDF format using iBook Author:

Step 1. Launch iBook Author

• Please open the iBook Author on your device.
• Next, find the Share button in the top menu and choose the Export option from the drop-down list.

Step 2. Choose PDF as the Output Format

• Select the PDF format button.
• Following that, modify the Image Quality and Security Options to meet your needs.
• Next, click the Next… button to confirm the changes and proceed.

Step 3. Choose the Directory and Convert

• Please select the destination where you would like to save your converted book.
• Proceed by clicking the Export button to initiate the conversion process.

Convert .ibooks to PDF Format with Pages

As mentioned earlier, iBooks Author is no longer accessible or receiving updates. Nonetheless, certain features of iBooks Author have been incorporated into Pages. This includes the ability to convert iBooks files to PDF format. To convert .ibooks files to PDF using Pages, please follow the tutorial below.

Step 1. Launch the Pages App

• Open the Pages application on your Mac.

Step 2. Open the Book

• Open the book by navigating to File > Open With > Pages in the menu bar located at the top of the screen.
• Then select File, click Export To, and then choose PDF as the file format.

• In the Export Your Document window, click Next... to continue.

Step 3. Choose the Output Path and Export

• Enter a file name for your document in the Save As: box.
• Select your desired location for saving the new file in the Where: box.
• Press the Export button to generate your file.

How to Remove DRM from iBooks for PDF Conversion

The most popular format for iBooks is .epub. Typically, EPUB iBooks are secured by Apple FairPlay DRM, which restricts their use on non-Apple eReading applications and prevents direct conversion of these iBooks to PDF. In this case, it is necessary to get rid of the DRM before proceeding with the conversion.

ViWizard iBook Copy is a powerful tool for removing DRM from iBooks, enabling you to convert ePub files into DRM-free versions without any loss in quality. This iBook Copy application is capable of removing DRM from iBooks at a speed up to 30 times faster, while also preserving nearly all of the iBooks metadata, such as the cover, author, publisher, and release date. Additionally, it allows for batch processing, enabling you to add multiple iBook files for simultaneous processing.

How to remove DRM from .epub iBooks with ViWizard iBook Copy

Step 1. Install ViWizard iBook Copy on Your Device

• Download the software from its official website.
• Install the software on your device.
• Please ensure that the iBooks app is authorized in advance using the Apple account you used to purchase your Apple eBooks.

Step 2. Import the iBooks into the Software

• Please open the software on your device.
• Next, click on Add Files to select the iBook files from which you wish to remove the DRM. Additionally, you have the option to drag and drop the file into the operation window.
• Next, select OK from the drop-down menu to load the iBooks ePub files.

Step 3. Choose the Output Directory

• Once the books have been properly loaded, you must click on the Output panel to configure the output folder to suit your preferences.

Step 4. Start Removing the iBooks DRM

• To start the copy process, just click the prominent orange Convert button located at the bottom right. This action will initiate the process of removing DRM from your iBooks files and creating copies of the DRM-free ePub files, allowing you to read them on any e-book reader.

Recommended iBook to PDF Converter Tools

In this section, we will present a selection of dependable tools that you can utilize to convert DRM-free iBooks into PDF format. You have two main options to choose from: online converters and desktop software. Each comes with its own advantages, depending on your preferences for convenience, features, and control. Let us examine each option in greater detail.

Online Tools to Convert iBooks to PDF

Online conversion tools provide an easy and efficient method for converting iBooks. It is accessible directly through your web browser. You can try Online-Convert, ZAMZAR, and CloudConvert as online iBook to PDF converters.

1. Online-Convert

Online-Convert is particularly useful for converting .epub iBooks to PDF when you want customization during the conversion process. It offers advanced options such as changing font settings, choosing target ebook reader, and even embedding fonts into the final PDF. This makes it ideal for users who want their converted files tailored for specific devices or reading preferences, all directly from a web browser.

2. ZAMZAR

Zamzar makes it easy to convert .epub iBooks to PDF through its user-friendly interface and straightforward steps: simply upload your file, select PDF as the output format, and initiate the conversion. While it doesn't offer deep customization, it’s perfect for quick, straightforward conversions when you're in a hurry or working from a device without extra software. Plus, it supports over 1,100 file formats, making it one of the most versatile converters available.

3. CloudConvert

CloudConvert shines when converting .epub files to PDF with a focus on preserving layout and formatting accuracy. Its high-quality output and support for file integrations (like Google Drive or Dropbox) make it ideal for users managing multiple files or needing dependable conversion results for professional use. Its reputation for data privacy also makes it a trusted option for handling personal eBooks.

Desktop Software to Convert iBooks to PDF

If you prefer working offline or need more control over your file conversions, desktop software offers powerful and flexible solutions. Below are three highly recommended desktop tools for converting .epub iBooks to PDF.

1. Calibre

Calibre is a powerful, free, open-source eBook manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux that excels at converting DRM‑free .epub files to high-quality PDFs. It offers advanced formatting controls, like adjustable fonts, margins, heuristic processing, and metadata editing, and also supports batch conversions and e-reader delivery via email or USB. With support for plugins, Calibre can be extended to remove DRM, making it a flexible end-to-end solution for eBook organization and conversion.

2. Any eBook Converter

Any eBook Converter is a dedicated desktop tool that handles .epub to PDF conversions swiftly and reliably. Supporting eBooks from Kindle, Adobe, Nook, and Kobo, it covers 24 input formats and outputs to plain PDF (in addition to ePub, Mobi, AZW, and more). Unique features include metadata editing (title, author, publisher, etc.) before conversion and batch processing with a single click, ideal for users with large personal libraries who want polished PDF files with accurate metadata.

3. Epubor EPUB to PDF Converter

Epubor EPUB to PDF Converter is another professional desktop app for Windows and Mac that converts DRM-free .epub files to PDF with high accuracy and preserved formatting. Powered by Epubor's eCore engine, it offers 60× faster batch conversion. Users can customize output for specific devices, and the tool auto-detects and repairs broken EPUB files. While it only supports DRM-free EPUBs, it remains a top choice for users seeking high-speed, professional-grade conversions with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I convert iBooks directly on an iPhone or iPad?

Yes, it is possible to convert iBooks to PDF directly on your iPhone or iPad. You can utilize the Share feature. Kindly follow the tutorial provided below:

• Launch the iBook within the Apple Books application.
• After tapping the Share icon (an arrow-pointing box), choose Print.
• In the Printer Options, perform a two-finger outward pinch gesture on the print preview to expand it to full-screen mode.
• Tap the Share icon once more and choose Save to Files or other options to save it as a PDF.

However, please be aware that if the iBook is secured by DRM, converting it to a PDF may not be legally permissible.

Is it legal to remove DRM from iBooks?

DRM removal is prohibited in the US. Nonetheless, legality varies depending on the jurisdiction. In certain regions, removing iBooks DRM or other digital media may be considered legal for personal use. However, distributing DRM-free files or bypassing DRM for commercial purposes is often illegal.

Can I convert iBooks to PDF directly on Windows?

Yes, it is possible to convert iBooks to PDF directly on Windows. An online converter can be accessed directly through your Windows device's browser. Alternatively, you may opt for a third-party application such as Calibre. Keep in mind that only DRM-free iBooks can be converted.

Is it possible to convert iBooks to PDF using iTunes?

Yes, it is possible to utilize iTunes for the manual conversion of iBooks to PDF format. It is essential to begin by removing the iBook DRM. Consider using ViWizard iBook Copy to get rid of DRM, and once the DRM is successfully removed, you can convert iBooks to PDF through iTunes.

Conclusion

To conclude, converting iBooks to PDF is simple; you can simply use iBooks Author or Pages to directly export iBooks to a PDF file format. However, if the iBook files are protected by FairPlay DRM, you cannot directly convert them to PDF; you will need to remove the DRM first and then proceed to convert them into PDF format.

Consider using ViWizard iBook Copy to remove the iBooks DRM and convert them with an online ebook converter, or opt for Calibre. Please ensure that any methods you employ to convert your iBooks to PDF follow copyright laws. Use the converted files only for personal purposes and avoid sharing or distributing them.