Compare
EPUB vs DOCX
EPUB is an e-book package for reading apps; DOCX is a word-processing document intended for continued editing. Choose between reader-focused delivery and document editing.
Which format should you choose?
Use EPUB to distribute a reflowable e-book, and DOCX when text, formatting, comments, or other document elements must remain editable. Consider PDF when fixed page layout is required.
Good fit for EPUB
Ebooks, manuals, and digital publications
- Text-first publications that adapt to reader screens
Good fit for DOCX
Creating editable documents
- Reports and drafts revised collaboratively
Basic information
| Field | EPUB | DOCX |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .epub | .docx |
| MIME type | application/epub+zip | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Common uses | Ebooks, manuals, and digital publications | Creating editable documents |
| How to open | Open it with an EPUB reader or compatible reading app. Check that the recipient's device or store accepts the file. | Open it in Microsoft Word or a DOCX-compatible word processor. For important documents, check fonts, figures, comments, and page breaks in the recipient's environment. |
| Export or convert | When converting from DOCX, HTML, or PDF, check the table of contents, reading order, images, links, fonts, and page breaks on target readers. | For final distribution, export to PDF. Before and after export, check font substitution, page breaks, links, and image resolution, and retain the editable DOCX separately. |
Choose by use case
Text-first publications that adapt to reader screens
Ebooks, manuals, and digital publications
EPUBReports and drafts revised collaboratively
Creating editable documents
DOCXKey point 1
EPUB is an e-book package designed for reading systems.
More on the differencesKey point 2
DOCX preserves editable word-processing content and formatting.
More on the differencesFrequently asked questions
Which format should I send for editing?
Use DOCX when the recipient needs to revise the text or document formatting.