Open AZW files
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Full nameAmazon Kindle EBook Format
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DeveloperAmazon
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Popularity
What is AZW file?
Azw files are electronic books in the so-called Amazon Kindle eBook format. This format is the native Ebook format of the Amzon Kindle and can only be read with these devices or the Amazon Kindle readers for Windows, Mac OSX and various mobile platforms such as the iPhone.
More info
The Amazon Kindle is a reader (ebook reader) for electronic books, magazines and other publications. Commercial AZW files can only be purchased on Amazon and must be transferred to the Kindle for mobile reading.
The AZW format is in principle a version of the Mobipocket (prc) ebook format extended by some DRM functions. Under certain circumstances, unprotected AZW files can also be read with the Mobipocket Reader by simply renaming the extension AZW to prc.
To create AZW files yourself, there is Amazon KindleGen. Among other things, this command line program can be used to convert html and epub files into the AZW format. Alternatively, you can also create a Mobipocket book (prc, mobi) with the MobiPocket Creator or Reader, for example, and change the file extension to AZW. The Kindle recognizes this book as a DRM-free AZW book.
Amazon now also uses the endings azw1 and tpz for its ebook files, which both represent an extended format and are not directly compatible with AZW.
Programs which can open a AZW file
Linux
Mac OS
Android
iOS
Windows Phone
The Amazon Kindle is a reader (ebook reader) for electronic books, magazines and other publications. Commercial AZW files can only be purchased on Amazon and must be transferred to the Kindle for mobile reading.
The AZW format is in principle a version of the Mobipocket (prc) ebook format extended by some DRM functions. Under certain circumstances, unprotected AZW files can also be read with the Mobipocket Reader by simply renaming the extension AZW to prc.
To create AZW files yourself, there is Amazon KindleGen. Among other things, this command line program can be used to convert html and epub files into the AZW format. Alternatively, you can also create a Mobipocket book (prc, mobi) with the MobiPocket Creator or Reader, for example, and change the file extension to AZW. The Kindle recognizes this book as a DRM-free AZW book.
Amazon now also uses the endings azw1 and tpz for its ebook files, which both represent an extended format and are not directly compatible with AZW.
Programs which can open a AZW file
Linux
Mac OS
Android
iOS
Windows Phone
How to open file with AZW extension?
Install Amazon Kindle or other program from the list
Most often resolving problems with opening AZW files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support AZW files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of AZW files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
Set Amazon Kindle as the default program for opening AZW files
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate AZW files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Amazon Kindle applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Amazon Kindle has been installed.
Check the section that lists most common problems with AZW files
Sometimes problems with opening AZW files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:
- File data is corrupted
- AZW files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
- Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open AZW files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
- AZW file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)