You can easily add your own digital books, such as EPUB or PDF files, to the Apple Books app (formerly iBooks) on your iPhone or iPad by utilizing iCloud Drive and the Files app. This method allows you to import personal documents and books from various sources directly into your digital library.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Books via iCloud Drive
This process involves first ensuring your book is accessible through iCloud Drive, then using the Files app to import it into Apple Books.
1. Transfer Your Book to iCloud Drive
Before you can import your book, it needs to be stored within your iCloud Drive.
- From a Computer (Mac or PC):
- Open your file explorer (Finder on Mac, File Explorer on PC).
- Navigate to your iCloud Drive folder.
- Drag and drop your book file (e.g.,
.epubor.pdf) into a preferred folder within iCloud Drive.
- From Another App on Your iPhone or iPad:
- If your book is in an email, a messaging app, or another cloud service app, look for a "Share" or "Save to Files" option.
- Tap this option and select "iCloud Drive" as the destination, choosing a specific folder if desired.
2. Import into Apple Books Using the Files App
Once your book is on iCloud Drive, follow these steps on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Files App: Locate and tap the blue "Files" app icon on your device's Home Screen.
- Navigate to iCloud Drive: If you're not already there, tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen, then select "iCloud Drive" under the "Locations" section.
- Locate Your Book: Browse through your iCloud Drive folders to find the specific book file (EPUB or PDF) you wish to add.
- Select and Share: Tap on the book file to open a preview. Then, tap the Share button (a square with an arrow pointing upwards) located in the lower-left corner of the screen.
- Open in Books: In the share sheet that appears, scroll horizontally through the app icons until you find "Books" (or "Copy to Books"). Tap this icon.
Your book will automatically open within the Apple Books app and be added to your library, ready for reading.
Supported Book Formats
The Apple Books app primarily supports the following file types for personal imports:
- EPUB (.epub): This is the industry-standard format for ebooks, allowing for reflowable text that adjusts to screen size and user preferences (font size, themes).
- PDF (.pdf): Ideal for documents where the original layout and formatting are critical, such as textbooks, academic papers, or graphic novels with fixed layouts.
Tips for a Seamless Experience
- Organize Your Files: Consider creating a dedicated folder within iCloud Drive, such as "My Books" or "Ebooks," to easily manage your personal book collection.
- Check File Compatibility: Always ensure your book is in a supported format (EPUB or PDF) before attempting to import it. Other formats may not work directly.
- Sync Across Devices: Once a book is imported into Apple Books on one device, it will automatically sync across all your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) signed in with the same Apple ID, provided that "Books" is enabled in iCloud settings.
- Alternative Cloud Services: The Files app also allows you to connect to other cloud storage providers like Dropbox or Google Drive. You can follow a similar "Share" > "Open in Books" process from those services as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if "Books" isn't an option in the Share Sheet? | You might need to scroll through the app icons horizontally in the Share Sheet. If still not visible, tap "More" (the three dots icon) at the end of the app list to reveal more options. Ensure the Apple Books app is installed and up to date on your device. |
| Can I add audiobooks this way? | No, this method is for text-based books (EPUB/PDF). Audiobooks generally use different file formats (e.g., M4B, MP3) and are typically managed through the Books app's audiobooks section or transferred via other methods like syncing with a computer. |
| How do I remove a book from Apple Books? | Open the Apple Books app, go to your Library, tap "Edit" in the top-right corner. Select the book(s) you wish to remove, then tap the trash can icon or "Remove" to either remove from your device (keeping it in iCloud) or delete it from all devices (removing it from iCloud and your library permanently). |
