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If you already know how to convert a web page into PDF, then how about converting it into other types of e-book formats such as .mobi or .epub? If that is what you want, then there are also certain types of tools for that. Speaking of which, you might to check out this free browser extension for Chrome called dotEPUB.
What is it and what does it do
Main Functionality
What is dotEPUB? Basically, it’s a free browser extension that can convert any web page into MOBI (.mobi) or EPUB (.epub) format. You can use the MOBI format if you want to read your e-books using your Kindle Reader. In addition, the extension also features an “immersive mode”. In this mode, all of the links and images will be removed from the converted document.
Pros
- User-friendly and accessible
- No registration or sign in required
- Converts any web page into .mobi (for Kindle) or .epub
- Features an “immersive mode” in which all of the links and images will be removed from the converted e-book file
- Ideal for saving articles and posts for offline reading
- Caters to readers and content publishers
- Also supports other browsers such as Safari and Firefox (via a separate extension or bookmarklet)
Cons
- You cannot edit and preview the file first before conversion
- Lacks advanced tools and options
Discussion
Have you ever thought of building your own personal library of online content? With that, you could start by converting your favorite blog posts and web pages into e-books. Of course, when it comes to e-books, you have the choice to save your converted file into MOBI, EPUB or PDF. While the latter is a more versatile and universally accepted format, opting to save your e-books in .mobi or .epub will also come in handy especially if you are using a particular e-book viewer or reader (ex. Kindle Reader, Calibre).
Now, if you want to use dotEPUB, you basically have the choice to install its extension or use its bookmarklet. If you choose to download and install the extension, then you may do so on selected browsers such as Safari, Firefox and Chrome.
Once installed, the extension will place a shortcut icon to your browser’s omnibar. Right-click on the icon then select “Options”. You will then be taken to the extension’s options page. There, you can choose whether to save a web page as MOBI (.mobi) or EPUB (.epub). You can also choose to activate the extension’s option for “Immersive mode”.
When on “Immersive mode”, the extension will exclude any image or link from the original file. This will allow you to focus more on the context instead of other elements such as the file’s links and photos. After you’re done setting up the extension, do not forget to “Save” your changes.
So, there, you may start browsing for web pages that you wish to download as e-books. Once you find one, simply click the extension’s icon on the omnibar and then just wait until it asks you to download the converted web page. You may save and view the converted web page or post using your preferred EPUB or MOBI reader.
To sum it up, dotEPUB is a good tool for converting and downloading any web page into .mobi or .epub. It’s just that it also has its own set of drawbacks like its lack of support for advanced tools and options. Like, for example, it does not allow you to edit and preview the output file first before proceeding with the conversion.
Thus, you can notice that the format or layout of the converted e-book doesn’t appear too refined. There are no proper margins and spacing. You cannot even select the pages that you want to exclude from your e-book. Now, if only these issues get fixed then dotEPUB will become even better.
Conclusion and download link
dotEPUB is a good and reliable online tool for converting any web page to MOBI or EPUB. It may have its own set of downsides but all in all, it does the job. If you don’t want to install its extension, then you can opt to use its bookmarklet. So go ahead and check it out.
Price: Free
Version reviewed: 1.07
Requires: Chrome on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, Linux and Mac OS X
