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PDF is a fixed-layout format that keeps text, images, fonts, and page structure consistent across devices. For Kindle users, converting Kindle to PDF can make books easier to read outside the Kindle app, annotate, print, and back up for personal use.

So, how can you convert Kindle to PDF? In this guide, I will walk through four simple but practical methods: Calibre with a DeDRM plugin, BookFab Kindle Converter, online Kindle-to-PDF converters, and screenshot or print workarounds. Each Kindle to PDF converter fits a different situation, giving you more control over how you manage, read, and back up your Kindle library.

Best Ways to Convert Kindle to PDF at a Glance

To help you choose the right method more quickly, the table below compares the main Kindle to PDF converters based on DRM support, pricing, and the types of users they suit best.

Kindle to PDF converterFree/PaidWorks for DRM BooksBest For
BookFab Kindle ConverterPaid (Full free trial available)YesConverting Kindle books in any format and batch processing
Calibre + DeDRM pluginFreeYes (with extra plugins)Users who already use Calibre to manage their Kindle library
Online converter (Zamzar)Free/PaidNoDRM-free Kindle files and quick one-time conversions
Screenshot workaroundFreeYesSaving a few selected Kindle pages

1. Convert Kindle to PDF with Calibre (Free Method)

We know Calibre is an open-source eBook manager, but it also works as a Kindle to PDF converter. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and can convert Kindle formats such as AZW, MOBI, and KFX to PDF. However, Calibre alone cannot convert encrypted Kindle books. To make this workflow work with Kindle books downloaded from the Kindle app, you usually need two extra parts: a compatible DeDRM plugin and the KFX Input plugin. Once these tools are prepared, the setup is not difficult if you follow the steps below.

Step 1: Install Kindle for PC and Download Kindle Books

Install Kindle for PC and sign in with the Amazon account that owns the book. Open your Kindle library inside the app, then double-click the book cover to download it to your computer.

Step 2: Install Calibre and Plugins

Download and install Calibre on your computer. 

Then, install the DeDRM plugin. Download the latest stable DeDRM_tools package from the Satsuoni's GitHub release page. After downloading DeDRM_tools_xxx.zip, extract it first. Open the extracted DeDRM_tools_xx folder, then find the Calibre plugin file named DeDRM_plugin.zip. In Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins > Load plugin from file, select DeDRM_plugin.zip, confirm the warning, and restart Calibre when prompted.

Some Kindle books downloaded through newer Kindle apps may use the KFX format. To help Calibre read this format, install the KFX Input plugin as well. In Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins > Get new plugins. Search for KFX Input, select it, and install it. After installation, restart Calibre again. 

Convert Kindle to PDF with Calibre: install plugin

Step 3: Convert the Kindle Book to PDF

In Calibre, click Add books and import the Kindle book downloaded through Kindle for PC. 

Select the book in your Calibre library and click Convert books. In the upper-right corner of the conversion window, choose PDF as the output format. Click OK.

Convert Kindle Book to PDF with Calibre

 

Step 4: Check the PDF Output

Click Jobs in the bottom-right corner of the Calibre interface to see the books currently being converted. When the task finishes, open the PDF and check the cover, page order, images, table of contents, and print preview. If the PDF looks messy, go back to Calibre's conversion settings and adjust the page size, margins, and font options before converting again.

Convert Kindle Book to PDF with Calibre
PROS
 Free and open-source software with no subscription.
 Converts Kindle to PDF and other 50+ eBook formats.
 Allows you to customize details and covers of the PDF before conversion.
CONS
 Interface may feel complex or outdated for beginners.
 Extra plugins are required to convert Kindle DRM-protected books.
 Even with the KFX Input plugin installed, the decryption results remain inconsistent.

2. Convert Kindle to PDF with BookFab Kindle Converter (Simplest Method)

BookFab Kindle Converter is a dedicated Kindle to PDF converter. It converts Kindle books to PDF or EPUB and removes DRM at the same time. This method is especially beginner-friendly. Unlike Calibre, it does not require you to install any plugins or search for an old version of Kindle for PC. It automatically detects the books you have downloaded through Kindle for PC, so all you need to do is select the books and convert them with one click. I would use it when I need to process several Kindle books and want a cleaner workflow. Calibre is powerful, but it can feel like a toolchain. BookFab is more focused on the Kindle conversion task itself.

  • Requirements: BookFab, Kindle for PC (required on Windows but not on Mac)

Video Tutorial: How to Convert Kindle to PDF with BookFab Kindle Converter

For a more visual, step-by-step walkthrough, you can watch the tutorial video we created.

Step 1: Download Kindle Books via Kindle for PC

Launch Kindle for PC and log in. In your Library, right-click the book you want to decrypt and choose Download. Ensure the download finishes completely. By default, Amazon saves these files to your "My Kindle Content" folder within your Documents directory.

How to convert Kindle to PDF Using BookFab

Step 2: Open BookFab Kindle Converter 

Download and install the BookFab program on your computer. Once installed, launch the application and select Kindle Converter from the left-hand sidebar.

  Free Download 

  100% Safe & Clean

  Free Download 

  100% Safe & Clean

Step 3: Select Output Format and Kindle Books

Click the three-line menu icon in the upper-right corner and choose Settings. In the dialog box, go to Book Downloads > Kindle Converter > Format Options, pick PDF from the drop-down list, then click OK to save your changes.

How to convert Kindle to PDF Using BookFab

Click the Refresh button in BookFab. The program will automatically scan your computer for Kindle books downloaded via Kindle for PC and display them in the interface. How to convert Kindle to PDF Using BookFab

Step 4: Convert Kindle to PDF 

Click the Convert & Decrypt button to begin the process. BookFab will simultaneously remove the DRM and transform your books into PDF files. 

How to Convert Kindle to PDF with BookFab Kindle Converter

After the conversion is complete, hover over the converted book and click the folder icon to open the output folder, where you will find your DRM-free PDF files ready for reading on any device or app.

Note: On Mac, BookFab Kindle Converter is even simpler and removes the need for Kindle for PC. Using the built-in browser, just log in to your account, select a book, and click the blue download button to save it directly as a PDF.

How to Convert Kindle to PDF with BookFab Kindle Converter on macOS

PROS
  Supports both PDF and EPUB output
 One-click Kindle DRM removal and format conversion
 Supports all Kindle formats, including KFX, MOBI, and AZW
  High-speed batch processing
  Allows users to convert 3 full Kindle books for free 
CONS
 Only compatible with Windows and macOS currently
Bonus: BookFab, the best companion to Calibre, has launched a dedicated BookFab Calibre plugin that enables Calibre to decrypt Kindle books in any format. A free lifetime license for the plugin is included with your BookFab Kindle Converter purchase. You can also try this Calibre plugin for free on up to 3 books before deciding to buy.

3. Convert Kindle to PDF Online (Best for Small DRM-free Books)

If you prefer not to download any software and are looking for the most convenient way to convert Kindle to PDF, Zamzar is a good choice. This online Kindle to PDF converter offers a simple drag-and-drop interface and support for popular formats, and lets you convert DRM-free Kindle eBooks to PDF for personal backup.

That said, this convenience comes with some clear limitations. In my testing, the free version only supports files up to 50 MB and does not support DRM-protected Kindle books. As a result, it is not the most cost-effective or practical solution for most users, and is mainly suitable for occasional conversion of small DRM-free Kindle files. Below is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Upload Kindle Books to Zamzar

Open the Zamzar AZW-to-PDF converter in your browser. Click Choose Files and select your Kindle file from your computer, or drag and drop it into the upload area. You can also import files from cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive if needed.

Keep in mind that free accounts have a size limit, so very large Kindle files may require you to sign up for a plan.

Convert Kindle to PDF with Zamzar Kindle to PDF Converter

Step 2: Convert Kindle to PDF Online

In the "Convert To" drop-down list, select PDF as the target format. Then click Convert Now to start converting your Kindle file to PDF. For small, DRM-free files, the process usually finishes in a short time.

NOTE: If you want Zamzar to notify you by email when the conversion is finished, tick the "Email when done" option and enter your email address.

Step 3: Download Converted PDF Files

Once the conversion is complete, this Kindle to PDF converter will display a Download button next to your file. Click it to save the PDF to your computer or device. Converted files are stored on the servers only for a limited time, so it's best to back up your PDF promptly. Note that, like other online converters, Zamzar works with DRM-free Kindle files. 

PROS
 No cost and no need to install additional software.
 Allows direct upload from cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive).
 Compatible with multiple Kindle formats, including AZW, MOBI and PRC.
CONS
 Cannot convert DRM-protected Kindle books.
 File size limit (up to 50MB for free users).
 Converting multiple books can be slow and cumbersome.
 You must provide an email to receive converted files.

4. Convert Kindle Books to PDF via Screenshot (Best for Selected Pages Only)

If you only need a few Kindle pages, screenshots can be the quickest workaround. This method does not truly convert a Kindle book into a PDF, but it can help you save selected pages, charts, illustrations, or short reference sections as image-based PDF files.

I do not recommend this method for a full Kindle book. It is slow, the text may not be searchable, and the final PDF quality depends on your screen resolution. However, for one or two pages, it is simple and does not require plugins or conversion settings.

Step 1: Open the Kindle Book on Your Computer

Open Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac and sign in with the Amazon account that owns the book. Open the title you want to capture, then go to the page you want to save.

For better results, adjust the reading window before taking screenshots. I usually make the Kindle window large enough, choose a clean background, and use a comfortable font size so the captured page stays readable later.

Step 2: Capture the Kindle Page

On Windows, press Win + Shift + S to open the screen snipping tool, then drag to select the Kindle page area you want to capture. You can also use the Snipping Tool app if you prefer a visible interface.

On Mac, press Shift + Command + 4, then drag to select the Kindle page area. Release the mouse or trackpad to save the screenshot.

Then, repeat for the pages you need.

Step 4: Combine the Screenshots into a PDF

After capturing the pages, combine the images into one PDF.

On Windows, you can select the screenshots, right-click, choose Print, and use Microsoft Print to PDF. You can also insert the images into Word or a PDF editor and export them as a PDF.

On Mac, open the screenshots in Preview, arrange them in the correct order, then export or print them as a PDF.

PROS
 No converter or plugin setup needed.
 Useful for small page ranges.
 Suitable for DRM-protected Kindle books.
CONS
 Not a real full-book conversion.
 Very slow for many pages.
 Final quality depends on screen resolution and capture size.

Can You Download Kindle Books as PDF Directly?

You might be wondering: "Do kindles allow PDF downloads so I can skip the Kindle to PDF conversion entirely?" The answer is yes, but only for DRM-free titles where the author has explicitly enabled download permissions. 

Since January 20, 2026, Amazon has begun allowing users to download certain DRM-free books directly from their website in EPUB or PDF formats. To check this, log in to your Amazon account on the web and navigate to "Manage Your Content and Devices." If the author or publisher has enabled downloads in the Publisher Center and the book is DRM-free, you will see an option to download it directly as a PDF. However, with 97% of Kindle eBooks being DRM-protected, this method is quite limited and doesn't work for Kindle Unlimited titles.

Another workaround is using the Kindle Cloud Reader in your web browser and using a browser extension to "screenshot" every page to compile a PDF. However, this method is highly impractical and results in poor image quality and broken layouts.

So, if you want high-quality PDF versions of your Kindle library, including those protected books, the most effective way is to convert Kindle to PDF with specialized software. Using Calibre or BookFab Kindle Converter will yield the best results.

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Related Reading: Download PDF books for free.

FAQs about Kindle to PDF Conversion

Is converting Kindle to PDF legal?

In many regions, if you bought a Kindle eBook legally, making a copy in another format (such as PDF) for your own private use is treated as format shifting and may be tolerated. That said, copyright laws differ from country to country. Removing or bypassing Amazon's DRM can be restricted, and sharing, uploading the converted PDF is usually not allowed.

Why is the converted PDF badly formatted?

This usually happens because Kindle books and PDFs are built for different reading experiences. Most Kindle books use reflowable formats, which means the text adjusts automatically to different screen sizes and font settings. PDF, by contrast, is a fixed-layout format. During conversion, line breaks, spacing, page structure, and image placement can all change, which may result in messy formatting or awkward page layout.

If you want to minimize formatting issues, you can try BookFab Kindle Converter. As a dedicated format conversion tool, it generally delivers higher-quality output and is less likely to cause layout problems during Kindle to PDF conversion.

Can I convert KFX to PDF?

Yes, KFX can be converted to PDF, but it is usually harder to handle than older Kindle formats such as AZW or AZW3. In many cases, KFX files need additional support before they can be converted correctly, which is why they often cause more issues in Calibre workflows. If you are not a technical user, you may find it easier to use BookFab Kindle Converter for KFX to PDF conversion, or try the BookFab Calibre Plugin instead of the DeDRM plugin. Both options support KFX files and can make the process more stable and easier to manage.

How can I transfer the converted PDF to other devices?

Once the conversion is complete, you can transfer the PDF like any normal document. You can move it to another device using a USB cable, cloud storage, email, AirDrop, or a file-sharing app. After that, the PDF can be opened on phones, tablets, computers, eReaders that support PDF, or note-taking apps for reading and annotation.

How long does it take to convert a Kindle book to PDF?

For a typical novel-length Kindle book, the actual conversion step is usually quite short, often from a few seconds to a couple of minutes on a modern computer. The real time cost often comes from other factors: downloading the original Kindle file, dealing with DRM where local law allows it, uploading large files to an online converter, or converting several books in a batch.

Desktop tools such as Calibre tend to be faster once everything is set up. Online converters may take longer if your internet connection is slow or if the service is busy.

How to convert a PDF for a Kindle?

You can use the Send to Kindle service by emailing your file to your Kindle address with the word "convert" in the subject line. This simple trick lets Amazon reformat the PDF so you can actually adjust the font size and line spacing. Another choice is to use Calibre to convert the PDF into AZW3 or KFX format manually, which gives you total control over the margins and layout before you sync it to your device.

Conclusion

Converting Kindle books to PDF is a practical way to ensure your library stays accessible on any device. If you're comfortable with manual setups, Calibre is a solid free option. For those who want a faster, more reliable way to convert Kindle books in any format, BookFab Kindle Converter is a practical option worth considering. Regardless of the tool, moving to PDF gives you more control over your digital content and permanent backups.

Disclaimer: The Kindle to PDF methods mentioned in this article are intended for personal backup purposes only. Please ensure that your actions comply with all applicable copyright laws and regulations.