AZW file format
| Extension | .azw |
| Category | books |
| Programs | Amazon Kindle Reader Kindle for iOS Kindle for Android |
| Main program | Amazon Kindle Reader |
| Description | The AZW file format was introduced to Kindle devices in 2007, serving as a precursor to AZW 3 (also known as Kindle Format 8). This format evolved from the MOBI file format, which Amazon acquired in 2005. Despite its MOBI origins, the AZW format offers superior compression capabilities, leading to significantly smaller file sizes compared to its predecessor and can be used on Amazon Kindle devices or any devices with Kindle software installed. Although the AZW and MOBI formats share numerous similarities, there are some key differences. The AZW format has faster compression than MOBI. It includes Amazon's Digital Rights Management (DRM), restricting file usage to a specific user account, not just a device ID, associated with the user's information. The AZW format has a unique characteristic: it limits modification of a file's book metadata. |
| Technical details | To provide further clarity, "better compression" refers to the AZW format's ability to reduce the size of a file more efficiently than the MOBI format. This feature is particularly advantageous for users seeking to conserve storage space on their devices. On the other hand, when we refer to the format being "restrictive", it means that it limits the ability to make changes or additions to the file's metadata. This restriction becomes especially useful when managing book series, where maintaining consistent metadata is crucial. In the context of the AZW format, "book metadata" refers to data describing the file's attributes; for example, the author, cover art, or series order in a set of books. Lastly, "devices with Kindle software installed" refers to various electronic devices with installed Kindle software. |
| MIME type | application/vnd.amazon.ebook |