Alternative to Calibre

[Bar0n]

Calibre is a fairly nice app to convert PDFs to epub format. However, occasionally it messes up the page layout completely.

Are there any alternatives some of you have tried and tested?

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Calibre is a fairly nice app to convert PDFs to epub format. However, occasionally it messes up the page layout completely.

Are there any alternatives some of you have tried and tested?

That is because the creators of the PDF used a method of creating it that has a lot of junk hidden characters and formatting that is superfluous, do not think you are going to find a better program currently ...

It is not Calibre's fault that they convert poorly, rather the person or program used to create those PDF's are at fault ...

 

[Freaksta]

If you go into calibres FAQ you will see that the least favourite format for conversion is PDF.

 

[Crusader]

PDF is for creating documents suitable for printing. It mimics the exact print layout and this makes most PDFs unsuitable for conversion to other formats. Calibre does a decent job, but the source document (PDF) causes the problem.

 

[Bar0n]

Looks like I'll have to drag my netbook to some of my classes then. Thanks guys.

 

[Terencek]

Sometimes the freebie MobiReader for PC (if still available) does better conversions from PDF than Calibre. You just drag and drop your PDF into the open MobiReader screen and it will convert, then you export the open file as a .MOBI. But as with all PDF conversions, your mileage may vary....

If the document you are converting is mainly text, you can of course always copy and paste it into a .DOC and then work your way to a Calibre conversion from there.

 

[Kirst85]

I agree with Terencek, the best way to deal with text only pdfs is to copy and paste into a DOC and convert that in Calibre.
I have tried multiple programs to convert .PDF and nothing does a great job.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

...
It is not Calibre's fault that they convert poorly, rather the person or program used to create those PDF's are at fault ...

+1

 

[Bar0n]

Sometimes the freebie MobiReader for PC (if still available) does better conversions from PDF than Calibre. You just drag and drop your PDF into the open MobiReader screen and it will convert, then you export the open file as a .MOBI. But as with all PDF conversions, your mileage may vary....

If the document you are converting is mainly text, you can of course always copy and paste it into a .DOC and then work your way to a Calibre conversion from there.

Sadly some of them contain images as well, which are fairly important.

 

[cerebus]

I loathe PDF's. You can't imagine how much. A noncontiguous text format.... what a brainwave.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

I share your point of view - unfortunately, I don't see them disappearing any time soon - pity ..