How to Read eBooks

    When you purchase an ebook, the file will be either immediately readable with any reading app or it will be protected.

    How to Read eBooks that are not protected

    If an eBook is not protected, it can be read on any device (smartphone, PC, tablet), with any reading-enabled app, or directly with an eReader. In that case, you will only need to download the file in ePub or PDF format.

    Here are some of the best reading apps for non-protected eBooks:

    How to read eBooks with Social DRM (watermark)

    Like those without protection, this type of ebook can be read without limitations, on any device. 

    The watermark, also called soft DRM, is a form of non-invasive protection.

    This is how it works: the name and/or email of the owner of the book (or other information) will be inserted in the book so that if the copy is dispersed online, it can be traced back to those who made it available online for free. The watermark is visible on the last page of the ebook but is also inserted and hidden on every page.

    If protected with a watermark, the eBook can be read on all e-readers, tablets, smartphones, and computers and does not need specific apps to be opened, exactly as if it wasn't protected (see reading apps recommended in the previous paragraph).

    How to read DRM Protected eBooks

    DRM is a copy protection that some publishers choose to apply to their eBooks. If an eBook is DRM-protected, when you download it you will first receive a URLLink.acsm file, which is your "personal key" to access the book in the format you ordered.

    ⚠️ Important update: Following recent updates, the Adobe e-book platform has transitioned to being managed by Wipro. As a result, the Adobe ID is no longer used for logging in, and you must create a ByteBooks ID instead. The reading application remains the same.

    DRM-protected eBooks allow you to read purchased books on a maximum of 6 devices authorized with the same ByteBooks ID. These eBooks do not allow you to print, copy, or modify their content, and they are not compatible with Kindle devices and apps.

    To correctly open a DRM-protected eBook on a computer, follow these steps exactly:

    • Create a ByteBooks ID: Go to the ByteBooks website to create your personal account. Your username will be your email address, and you can choose your own password. Please note: If you previously had an Adobe ID and already own eBooks, you must create your new ByteBooks ID using the same email address so you don't lose your library. Attention: It is very important to create this account before opening the book for the first time.
    • Download and install the free Adobe Digital Editions program. If you already have the program installed on your computer, nothing changes and you can continue using your current version.
    • Authorize the computer: If you are not prompted to do so the first time you launch the app, open the program, click on "Help" at the top, and select "Authorize Computer". During the authorization process in Adobe Digital Editions, wherever it still asks for an "Adobe ID", you must enter the credentials for your new ByteBooks ID.
    • Open the book: Drag the previously downloaded URLLink.acsm file into the Adobe Digital Editions window. The program will download and open the complete book in the format you ordered. The file will be saved in your Documents > My Digital Editions folder (Documents > Digital Editions if you are on a Mac).

    For reading on mobile devices (iPad, Android), you can use the free Adobe Digital Editions app or compatible applications. In this case as well, it is essential to authorize the app by entering your ByteBooks ID (instead of the Adobe ID) as soon as it is installed, and strictly before opening the eBook.

    If you need assistance, support, downloads, and account management (including password recovery) are now handled entirely through the ByteBooks transition page.

    How to read FXL ebooks (Fixed Layout)

    If you have purchased a fixed layout eBook, such as a photo book, cookbook, or comic book, you may experience display issues if the application or e-Reader you normally use does not fully support this format.

    Here is a list of the best eBook reading apps for fixed layout formats:

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