FB2 file format
| Extension | .fb2 |
| Category | books |
| Programs | Calibre Cool Viewer Apple iBooks Calibre |
| Main program | FBReader |
| Description | In 2004, Dmitry Gribov unveiled FictionBook 2.0, otherwise known as FB2, a novel eBook format. This format, created in Russia, has gained immense popularity within the Russian digital book market. Unlike other digital book formats that only support plain text, FB2 files are distinctive as they contain a single XML file rather than several. Being open-source and without digital rights management, FictionBook is favored by online digital library users/communities. FictionBook is compatible with many e-readers because FB2 files convert easily to other formats. |
| Technical details | In contrast to formats that only support plain text, FB2 files can incorporate epigraphs, formatted verses, quotations, and other essential elements found in fiction. Many text-only digital formats often omit vital information such as the author's name, biography, book title, and publisher from the eBook cover image. Alternatively, the FB2 structure permits the inclusion of this vital information within the book file itself, recreating the experience of a physical book. FB2 also supports a broad array of character types found in word processors. FictionBook supports inline formatting options such as bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, subscripts, and superscripts. The file structure includes a stylesheet for storing relevant formatting information. FB2 files are structured to present the main text first, allowing readers to begin reading while the rest of the book loads. |
| MIME type | text/xml application/octet-stream |