How to download ebooks

Transferring ebook files to authorized devices

Downloaded ebook files can be transferred to mobile devices via a free personal account (Adobe ID) that you set up with Adobe. This account can be created during Adobe Digital Editions installation, or afterwards from the program interface using the Authorize Computer… command on the Library menu. Once this is done, up to 6 mobile devices may be authorized with the same Adobe ID, allowing the ebook file to be transferred from the computer onto which it was downloaded. Some devices (such as the Sony Reader or Kobo eReader) can load the ebook PDF file directly; others, such as the iPad, iPhone or iPod, require an app such as Bluefire Reader in order to read the ebook.

While a mobile device can be authorized under different Adobe IDs, it is not possible to change the Adobe ID on the downloading computer.

In most cases, mobile ebook reader devices connected to your computer will be automatically detected by Adobe Digital Editions and displayed as "bookshelves" on the interface. To transfer an ebook PDF file to the device, drag and drop the ebook onto the appropriate "bookshelf". When using an app such as Bluefire Reader to view ebooks on Apple products, however, you will need to use iTunes to transfer ebook files: go to the Synch> Apps page and scroll down to see the available options for File Sharing. When adding ebooks to be transferred to the mobile device, make sure to choose the PDF file, not the .acsm file. By default, downloaded ebook PDF files are saved to the My Digital Editions folder.