Not that long ago, a friend sent me a preview of a book that she was about to have published and asked me to read it. I was delighted — but unfortunately, the copy she sent was formatted as a PDF. And since I usually read books and other documents using my phone, I knew already that this was a recipe for eyestrain.
I spent a frustrating three days squinting at my screen until somebody reminded me that you can email a PDF to your Amazon account in a way that will convert the file so that it is formatted for easy reading on a Kindle or the Kindle app. I tried it, and it worked like a charm, making the document much easier to read.
If you ever find yourself faced with the same problem, here’s how to convert a PDF so it can be easily read using a Kindle or Kindle app.
First, you have to establish two points of information: you need your special Kindle email address (to which you’ll be sending the file), and you need to make sure the personal email address from which you’ll be sending the file is verified by Amazon.
On your laptop or desktop, go to Amazon’s settings to find your device’s unique Kindle email address. This address is where you will send the PDF file. If you don’t see your current email address, you can add a new one.
You can also find your Kindle email address on your mobile Kindle app. Simply follow the steps provided to locate your unique Kindle email address.
Once you have established the necessary email addresses, it’s incredibly simple to send a PDF to your Kindle or a device with a Kindle app. All it takes is an email.
Compose a new email and enter your Kindle’s unique email address in the “To” field. Attach the PDF file you want to convert to Kindle format. You can add a subject and message to the email if desired, but this is optional.
Click “Send” to deliver the email to your Kindle or Kindle-enabled device. It may take a couple of minutes for the file to appear, but soon enough, you will have a Kindle version of your PDF that you can enjoy.
The converted PDF will maintain its formatting and can be bookmarked, annotated, and customized with different typefaces and font sizes. Although some glitches may appear during the conversion process, the end result is generally a far more readable document.
Keep in mind that not all PDF files will convert perfectly, as some complex layouts or graphics may not translate well. However, most text-based documents should convert without major issues.
It’s worth noting that this article was originally published on July 6th, 2020, and has been updated to account for changes in the app as of August 23rd, 2023, at 3:19 PM ET.
In conclusion, converting a PDF to a Kindle-friendly format is a simple and effective way to make your documents easier to read on a Kindle or Kindle app. By following the steps outlined above, you can seamlessly transfer PDF files to your Kindle device and enjoy a more enjoyable reading experience. So the next time you find yourself struggling to read a PDF on your phone or computer, remember that you can easily convert it to Kindle format and save your eyes from unnecessary strain.