KindleGen is a proprietary tool provided by Amazon to be used to convert source files to AZW format be used on the Amazon Kindle reader. Amazon has a self-publishing page that covers submitting a file for publication.

Contents 1 Overview 1.1 1.2 changes 1.2 2.4 changes 2 SRCS Record 3 Available Platforms 4 Kindle Previewer 5 For more information

[edit] Overview

KindleGen is a command line tool used to build eBooks that can be sold through Amazon's Kindle platform. Amazon intends this tool as the main way to submit files to be published on their web site. However, since AZW is almost identical in format to MOBI files, tools used to create MOBI files can also be used to generate AZW files but simply renaming the extension. There are some subtle differences however.

This tool is best for publishers and individuals who are familiar with HTML and want to convert their HTML, XHTML, XML (OPF/IDPF format), or ePub source into a Kindle Book. It can also generate the APNX page number file with the right input.

[edit] 1.2 changes

This 1.2 update includes:

• Support for page numbers in a book through NCX pageLists or page-map xml
• Support for AAC file format as audio/video source
• Support for Latin language (ISO-639-1 code: la)
• Bug fixes from older version of KindleGen

[edit] 2.4 changes

The version 2 KindleGen began offering support for the newer KF8 format. The released version is 2.4. It now seems to expect an ePub source input of the ePub OPF.

[edit] SRCS Record

KindleGen adds the entire contents of the source files used to create the AZW file as a record inside the file itself. This typically doubles the size of the file. There is a tool called Kindlestrip that can be used to remove this information. For more information see: MobileRead discussion thread on how to get this tool and how to use it. Click for the technical details of the SRCS Record.

[edit] Available Platforms

Unlike most Mobi creation tools KindleGen is available for a wide variety of platforms:

• KindleGen for Windows (2003, XP, Vista, 7)
• KindleGen for Linux 2.6 i386
• KindleGen for Mac OS 10.5 and above i386
• Kindle Plugin for Adobe InDesign® v0.95 (Beta)

[edit] Kindle Previewer

Kindle Previewer is a tool that emulates how books display on Kindle devices and applications. Kindle Previewer makes it easy to preview the layout of a book and make sure its text displays properly for any orientation or font size. This tool is recommended for publishers, eBook conversion companies, and individual authors in combination with KindleGen to produce the highest quality Kindle books. It is available for both Windows and Mac OS X platforms.

This tool can also be used to convert books to Kindle format. Just drag an ePub to the program.

Highlights of Kindle Previewer functionality

• Ability to preview your content across Kindle devices and apps
• Support for previewing Kindle Text Pop Ups and Kindle Panel Views
• Accurate rendering of your content across Amazon Kindle devices and Kindle Reader apps
• Faster previewing through features like Auto flip mode, Image flip mode
• Auto updates for future enhancements

[edit] For more information

• Guide to Kindle formatting (same format as mobi) link is to a site to purchase the book.
• Mobipocket Creator - free download. Also see MobiPocket Creator
• Mobipocket Development center - creation documentation
• Amazon KindleGen Download - an upgrade to mobiGen but works fine for mobi books. Kindle Previewer can also be download from this page or directly at: http://www.amazon.com/kindleformat/kindlepreviewer.
• Amazon Kindle Publish Guidlines a PDF