Readerby BrightEng

Guide

How to import PDF and EPUB books on iPhone or iPad

Open Reader’s Library, tap Import, and choose your PDF or EPUB in Files. Reader saves an app-owned copy so you can return to the book and your reading position.

By BrightEng · Updated

Before you start

You need a PDF or EPUB that you are allowed to use, accessible in the Files picker on your iPhone or iPad. Reader does not supply a bookstore or remove document protection. If your file is stored with a cloud provider, download it before importing when possible.

Need a small file to try? Download our original sample EPUB, A Little Room for Curiosity, save it to Files, and import it using the steps below. You may use and share this short sample to evaluate Reader.

Import a book

  1. Open Library in Reader.
  2. Tap the Import button with the plus symbol.
  3. Browse Files and choose a PDF or EPUB. You can select more than one supported file.
  4. Wait for the import to finish. A single imported book opens for reading; a batch is added to your library.
  5. Open a book from the library when you want to continue reading.

Reader stores new imports as copies within the app. Deleting the original in another location and deleting Reader’s copy are separate actions. Keep an original or backup outside Reader if the document matters to you.

Choose a comfortable view

For an EPUB, open Reading Settings to adjust text and choose a theme. For a PDF, the page’s original typography and colors remain part of the document; the theme affects the controls and surrounding area. See PDF or EPUB: which should you use?.

If the import fails

  • Confirm the file is a supported PDF or EPUB, rather than a different file renamed with that extension.
  • Open the file from Files to check that the cloud provider has made it available.
  • Try a different, known-good document. A damaged or protected file may not open.
  • If Reader reports an error, keep the wording for a support request. Do not send a complete copyrighted book or private document to support.

What happens when you delete a book?

The Library’s Delete action removes the imported copy and library entry. Your saved notes and bookmarks are separate records; remove them in the Notebook if you also want those deleted. Originals in Files and device backups have separate deletion controls. See the privacy policy.

Next step

Once your book is open, explore a passage with ChatGPT if you want an explanation, translation, or word definition. You can also read without connecting an AI account.