How to Convert MOBI to PDF on Mac – A Simple Guide
You will know MOBI is not the most convenient format if you’ve ever tried to read a MOBI file on your Mac. They’re great for eReaders, but if you’re on a Mac and need a more versatile format, converting to PDF is often the best option. PDFs are easy to view, share and even annotate across almost any device.
The good news? Converting MOBI files to PDF on a Mac is easy. So let’s walk through some simple methods you can use.
Table of Contents:
Why Convert MOBI to PDF?
But first, let’s briefly talk about the “why.” Quite frankly .mobi files are old. Their only use was for Amazon Kindle but even that moved to azw3 and now KFX. They work fine on e-readers but can be annoying on desktops or laptops. On the other hand, PDFs are supported universally and keep formatting even across devices.
Converting MOBI to PDF allows you to:
- Read the content on any device without any special apps.
- Print or share with original layout.
- You can make annotations or highlight text more easily.
- Send to Kindle on mac supports PDF format but not the MOBI format.
Method 1: Use a Desktop App
Consider getting a dedicated desktop app if you need to convert files regularly. It will be an ideal solution to deal with large files, multiple files or for offline access. Many tools are available for Mac, but we recommend All-in-One Document to PDF Converter.
With this tool, you can effortlessly convert MOBI files into PDF files of high quality. It keeps the formatting and layout of the original document intact after conversion. Plus, this tool handles a wide range of document formats, including MOBI, AZW, EPUB to PDF, etc. So you get multiple conversion tools within one software.
Download Now
(Windows) Download Now
(Mac) Purchase Page
(Both Win & Mac)
Finally, the intuitive interface and batch conversion capabilities with advanced options that you can set on the output PDFs make this MOBI to PDF Converter ideal for both casual and professional users.
Steps to Convert MOBI to PDF on Mac using Professional Software:
Follow these simple steps to convert MOBI to PDF using the desktop app:
- Download, install and launch the tool on your Mac computer.
- Click the “Add Files” button and select the MOBI files you need to convert. Batch processing can also be done via the “Add Folder” option.
- The software interface allows you to preview the .mobi ebooks and select them.
- If needed, you can also make adjustments in terms of page orientation, margins, encryption, etc. This is optional but can be useful.
- You hit the “Export” button and allow the software to process the files. After that, you’ll see that your PDFs have been saved in your output folder.
Pros:
- Batch Conversion
- Maintains Formatting
- User-Friendly Interface
- Wide Compatibility
- Customizable Options
Cons:
- While it offers a free demo, full access requires a purchase.
Keep in mind: Before trying any methods given below, make sure to keep a copy of your original MOBI file as a backup. This will act as a fail-safe incase something happens to your original file formatting.
Method 2: Calibre – The All-in-One eBook Manager
Calibre is a free, open-source tool that’s perfect for managing eBooks. It supports macOS and can convert between nearly any eBook format you could imagine.
Here’s how to use Calibre to convert a MOBI file to PDF format:
- Download and install Calibre for Mac on your computer.
- Load Calibre and then select “Add books” to upload your newly obtained MOBI file.
- Click on your MOBI file, press the ‘Convert books’ button and choose PDF as the output format.
- After the conversion, you must download the PDF to the desired place.
Pros:
- Free and Open Source
- Supports a wide range of eBook formats.
- Customizable options.
- eBook Management
Cons:
- Learning Curve
- Bulky Software
- Formatting Issues
Method 3: Using Free Online MOBI to PDF Tools
Online converters are also a good option to convert MOBI to PDF on Mac. It is especially convenient for converting one or two small .mobi files. Plus, you do not need to install any software and hence can convert file from any Mac device.
Here are the steps to download a MOBI file as PDF using Online converters:
- Choose an online website for conversion. Examples are Zamzar, CloudConvert, Online-Convert.
- Simply drag and drop your file onto the site or use their upload button.
- Most tools let you pick PDF from a dropdown menu.
- As soon as it is done, download the PDF version of your MOBI file.
Pros:
- No Installation Needed
- Easy to Use
- Quick Results
- Accessible Anywhere with internet
- Free (Usually)
Cons:
- Privacy Concerns
- File Size Limits
- Limited Features
- Internet Dependence
- Ads and Restrictions
Bonus: Convert MOBI to PDF with Kindle App and Print-to-PDF
If you already use the Kindle app on your Mac, you can try this workaround. This method works best for simple MOBI files. However, it might not preserve complex formatting perfectly.
Here are the steps to export MOBI to PDF on Mac using Amazon Kindle app:
- Open Kindle for Mac and enter the application using the Amazon account details.
- Put the eBook (mobi) in your “My Kindle Content” folder (Library > Application Support > Kindle > “My Kindle Content”).
- Reopen the Kindle for Mac. It is now possible to open and read mobi eBook in Mac.
- Click on File and choose Print or press Command + P on Mac. In the print dialog, select the PDF from the PDF dropdown menu and then select Save as PDF.
- Choose the desired folder and then click on the Save button to save the PDF.
Conclusion
It is quite easy to convert MOBI to PDF on a Mac. From easy websites to use to borrow a Kindle and fast conversion tools, to more professional software to convert e-books to different formats, to open-source programs such as Calibre, to tools integrated into the Kindle application, there is a way to meet your needs. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses that we have laid out in the open for you to see.
And now that you know how, you can read your eBooks in a style that will be comfortable, easy to share and fully compatible with all platforms.