How to Convert iBooks to PDF

For sharing iBooks with non-Apple users, customers have to convert .epub files with DRM protection to PDF files so they can be viewed on different eBook reader devices and software. PDF is the most popular eBook file format, independent of software, hardware, and operating systems. It also has a fixed layout configuration. In this article, we'll show you a step-to-step guide for how to convert iBook to PDF in 5 ways. 

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How to Convert Apple Books (iBook) to PDF

1. Print to PDF from Apple Books (Mac)

Works best for: DRM-free EPUBs, Personal documents imported into Apple Books, Mac users

1. Open the book in Apple Books on your Mac.
2. Click File → Print.
3. In the print dialog, click the PDF dropdown.
4. Choose Save as PDF.

This is the most native method because it uses macOS’s built-in PDF tools. If the book allows printing, the process is quick and usually preserves the layout fairly well.

• Pros: Native Mac method, No extra software needed, Keeps formatting reasonably well
• Cons: Often blocked for DRM-protected books, Not reliable for purchased books from the Apple Books store

2. Export EPUB and Convert to PDF

If your iBook file is actually an .epub file, converting it directly to PDF is often the cleanest option.

Using Calibre: Calibre is one of the most popular free ebook management tools, and it supports EPUB-to-PDF conversion.

1. Install Calibre.
2. Add the EPUB file to your library.
3. Select the book.
4. Click Convert books.
5. Set Output format = PDF.

If your file is DRM-free, Calibre is usually the best overall choice. It gives you more flexibility than printing and works well for people handling multiple EPUB files.

• Pros: Free to use, Supports batch conversion, Offers useful formatting controls
• Cons: DRM-protected books usually fail, Formatting may need cleanup for complex layouts

3. Screenshot or Scan Method

Works for: DRM-protected Apple Books, Books that cannot be exported normally

If a book is DRM-protected and cannot be printed or exported, the screenshot method may be the only practical workaround for personal reference.

1. Take screenshots:
   • Open the pages in Apple Books.
   • Take screenshots page by page.
   • Combine the screenshots into a PDF.
2. Use scanning or OCR tools:
   • After capturing the pages, you can use scanning apps or OCR tools to turn the images into a editable and searchable PDF.
   • Install Wondershare PDFelement and open your PDF book. The program will prompt that the book is scanned and provide you the OCR option. Click Perform OCR to scan the PDF and turn it to editable text.

This method is far from ideal, but for DRM-protected books, it is often the only path that consistently works. It is best for short sections or one-off needs rather than full books.

• Pros: Works on almost anything, Can help preserve content when export options are blocked, OCR can make the final PDF searchable
• Cons: Very time-consuming, Lower image quality than direct export, OCR text recognition may be imperfect.

4. Use "Save as PDF" on iPhone or iPad

For some files, you may be able to create a PDF directly from iPhone or iPad using the Share Sheet and print preview trick.

1. Open the document or book.
2. Tap the Share icon.
3. Choose Print.
4. Pinch out on the print preview to open it as a PDF preview.
5. Tap Share again and save the file as a PDF

This method is worth trying for personal documents or DRM-free files, but it should not be your main plan for store-bought Apple Books titles.

• Pros: No extra software, Fast for supported files, Convenient on iPhone or iPad
• Cons: Limited support in Apple Books, Usually blocked by DRM, Not dependable for purchased protected content

5. Remove DRM and Convert iBook to PDF

Some users remove DRM from purchased books first and then convert the file to PDF using tools like Calibre.

1. Download the purchased book.
2. Remove DRM with tools such as DeDRM plugin.
3. Convert EPUB to PDF using Calibre.

Because of that, this method carries legal risk depending on where you live and how you use the file. If you are looking for a safe, compliant option, it is better to focus on DRM-free content, personal documents, or screenshot/OCR methods for limited personal use where allowed.

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Which is the Best Way to Convert Apple Books (iBook) to PDF

• DRM-free EPUB: Use Calibre
• Personal Apple Books document: Use Print → Save as PDF
• Need highest quality: Use a desktop converter
• DRM-protected purchase: Screenshot/OCR is usually the only practical option
• Quick one-off conversion: Try an online or mobile print-to-PDF method
• Created the book yourself: Export directly whenever possible

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How to Edit iBook in PDF

PDFelement is the best PDF editor for Mac on the market. Effortlessly convert unprotected EPUB files into PDF documents. Simply import your EPUB file into PDFelement to edit, view, or share the content with other users. Some other features include:

• Fill and create PDF forms
• Organize pages by inserting page numbers, headers, and footers
• Authorize documents with digital signatures and password protection
• Use industry-standard OCR tools to unlock text within graphics
• Pay one-third of the price of other PDF editors on the market
• Convert PDF documents into various formats like HTML, Word, Excel, PPT, etc.

Final Thoughts

There is no single best way to convert Apple Books to PDF because Apple Books files vary so much in format and restrictions. If the file is DRM-free, conversion is usually simple. If it is protected, your options become much more limited.

For most users, the best starting point is Print to PDF on Mac or Calibre for EPUB files. If those fail because of DRM, screenshots plus OCR are the most reliable fallback, even though they take more time and effort. The key is choosing the method that matches your file type, quality needs, and legal comfort level.

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