AZW3 file format
| Extension | .azw3 |
| Category | books |
| Programs | Calibre |
| Main program | Amazon Kindle |
| Description | .azw (Amazon KF8 eBook File) The .azw format is an eBook file format developed by Amazon for use with their Kindle e-readers. It's also known as Kindle Format 8 (KF8), and it supersedes the older AZW format. AZW supports a variety of features including text reflow, images, tables, and interactive elements. It is designed for a more enriched reading experience with support for HTML and CSS content. AZW files are typically used for eBooks with complex layouts, such as textbooks, comics, and children's books. |
| Technical details | The `.azw3` file format, also known as Kindle Format 8 (KF8), is an advanced Amazon eBook format with these features: - Rich Formatting: Supports HTML5 and CSS3 for complex layouts. - Multimedia: Includes text, images, audio, video, and interactive elements. - DRM Protection: Often uses Amazon's DRM, but DRM-free versions exist. - Compatibility: Mainly for Amazon's Kindle e-readers and app, less so for other devices. - Backward Compatibility: Works with older .azw format devices and apps. - File Size: Efficient, beneficial for limited storage capacity. - Text-to-Speech: Supports TTS on Kindle devices. - Metadata: Contains bibliographic information. - High-Resolution Images: Supports improved visuals for illustrated books. - Advanced Typography: Allows complex formatting with HTML5 and CSS3. - Interactive Content: Includes features like hyperlinks. - Font Embedding: Permits custom fonts for unique reading experiences. - Region Magnification: Enhances readability for graphic-heavy books. - Compression: Reduces file size for efficient storage and downloading. `.azw3` is a significant upgrade, catering to complex and richly formatted eBooks within the Kindle ecosystem. |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |