Should Ebook Be In PDF or EXE?

I have no downloaded any ebook in EXE format, for today the standard seems to be the PDF format, they look the same in all pc ,and laptops, and can been easily print.

Most people seem to prefer PDF's as they are easier to open and to access.

Also, there can be an issue with viruses with .exe files. If you are concerned about protection, you can always use a password with your PDF.

I don't have a large amount of technical knowledge about the pros and cons of each, but I know I prefer PDF's and that seems to be the general consensus.

I've heard about turning it into an EXE to add perceived value. But if you would go that route you should add a little more, maybe quiz questions or something. But if it's just an ebook just do a PDF. Personally I'd be kind of PO'd if I purchased an ebook at it was in EXE format with no extras.

This topic seems to come up regularly here.

And the answers are usually the same - PDF is a universal format that can be read on any computing device, so for that reason alone its the best choice. EXE is a Windows-only format, and the thought of viruses and/or non-standard interfaces is enough to scare away most users.

You might also consider ePub and AZW, as these are the formats used by eReaders.

Bill

PDF format is the best.

pdf always. the exception is if you want to make your book rebrandable. In that case yes, you might need to make it an exe so they can enter their affiliate id before generating the pdf with their affiliate links. but even in this case you'd still want to have the pdf bundled in as well.

PDF only, always. All Mac users can't open exe (without having Windows also installed).

I've created several eBooks and also recieved many eBooks from other marketers - all in pdf format... I think it's much more convenient (user friendly)for your prospects or consumers to download and save a PDF file to their desktop...

PDF is now such a widely known format. I remember years ago when some eBooks would come in an EXE format, but nowadays this looks very dodgy as it is a perfect cover-up for a virus. PDF is very standard, and also highly compatible on today's popular eBook reading devices, e.g. Kindle. I highly recommend you use PDF!

It definately should be in .exe alright...

.. if this year is 1991

I would suggest that you will have it in PDF format. It is smaller in size and is readable with all PCs with PDF reader.

On the other hand, EXE is prone to viruses...

You should offer it in as many formats as people read ebooks. Here are some to consider.

.exe only if the .exe version has extra capability.
.pdf
.epub (most ebook readers handle this)
.mobi (for Kindle readers and apps)
.html

keep it simple = pdf

EXE = Windows readability.

PDF = Windows / Mac / Linux readability.



Richard

PDF every time, all the way.

Hmmm, saying "all the way" reminded me of something.

Enjoy!

EBooks are definitely meant to be put into an EXE. file for better value of the product.

most use PDF so better to go for PDF

I don't really see the point of using .EXE's.

For starters, EXE's are more suspicious if you offer the file to your subscribers or buyers. This proves true mostly in cases where you haven't established a brand name for yourself. Also, PDF's are basically portable in the sense that users can use them with more flexibility - they can load it on their laptop, mac, ipad, iphone, or any portable user device. So why bother with EXEs?

for me PDF is the best option

Another vote for PDF... if possible it's good to offer a Kindle and Nook version on those platforms. But it depends on what kind of ebook it is.

This topic comes up here quite a bit and the same misinformation that comes up in those threads has come up in this one as well.

Here's the short version:

I sold an ebook in EXE file format for a couple years and never had to worry about ebook security as it was rock solid. BUT, there were too many customers having problems with their anti-virus software or firewall conflicting with the ebook software.

Thus, as I started to sell more ebooks, customer service became more of a pain. I ultimately switched to PDF format and sales have not suffered. With more and more people reading ebooks on mobile devices, PDF is definitely the way to go now.

Don't worry about password protecting it as that will just annoy people and won't deter thieves at all.

There are some companies that offer ebook software that is MAC compatible so don't assume MAC users will automatically be excluded.

Also, this fear of EXE ebooks is most prevalent in the IM niche for whatever reason, but if you are selling a product outside this niche, it's not really an issue. At least it wasn't for me.

Hope that helps.

(Damn, this was supposed to be the short version.)

PDF is much common and I think is easier to create ..

If I downloaded somebody's e-book and it turned out to be an exe I'd delete it right away. I relate them to viruses

One thing that hasn't been directly mentioned (though it's been implied) is that an EXE is a MS-Windows executable program. I know of no e-book reader program for Mac OS, Linux, OpenSolaris, etc. that will read a Windows executable file as an e-book. Adobe and others offer free readers for PDF files for most (all?) of the popular operating systems.

Go with PDF.

Depending on your PDF creation software, you may be able to add all kinds of security to a PDF, if that's important to you. Some let you make it so that the person reading can't do a copy/paste of any of your PDF file. Some let you protect the file so that the user needs to enter a password before they can read it.

One feature that some EXE e-books had back when they were popular was the ability to do simple animation, like having bullet points fly into the page one at a time. Today we do that with video and charge even more for it.


Scott