Most conversions just work. Occasionally, though, you upload a book or document and get a message explaining that it cannot be converted. That can be frustrating, especially when you own the file. This guide explains the four most common reasons, why our converters respect them, and what your options are.
1. DRM-protected e-books
What it is
DRM, digital rights management, is a technology some e-book stores use to restrict how books can be used. A DRM-protected EPUB is encrypted so it can only be opened in approved apps or devices linked to your account.
How the converter detects it
EPUB files contain a small list describing any encrypted content. Our converter reads that list. If the book's text is encrypted, the conversion stops with a clear message. One special case is allowed: many publishers lightly obfuscate embedded fonts to protect font licences, which is not DRM on the book's content, and those books convert normally.
Why we do not remove DRM
Removing DRM is legally restricted in many countries and would break the terms under which books are sold. We do not attempt it.
What you can do
- Look for DRM-free editions. Many publishers and independent authors sell DRM-free books, and public domain libraries offer thousands of classics.
- Use the store's own features. Many reading apps offer adjustable fonts, built-in read-aloud or accessibility features for protected books.
- Ask the publisher about accessible formats if you need them for a disability.
2. Password-protected PDFs
What it is
Some PDFs require a password just to open them, often for confidential documents such as bank statements or contracts.
What the converter does
If a PDF needs a password to open, the converter cannot read it and tells you so. We never try to guess or bypass passwords.
What you can do
If the document is yours and you know the password, open it in your PDF app and save a copy without the password, then upload that copy. Many PDF apps offer a "remove security" or "save without password" option for the document owner.
3. PDFs with copying disabled
What it is
Some PDFs open freely but include permission settings chosen by the author, such as "no copying of text" or "no printing". These are signals of the author's wishes.
What the converter does
- PDF to EPUB copies the text into a new book, so it requires the copying permission. If copying is disabled, the converter refuses and explains why.
- PDF to Audio reads the text aloud, which is an accessibility use. Many PDFs allow text extraction for accessibility even when general copying is disabled. If the document permits it, conversion proceeds; if not, you get a clear message.
What you can do
If you need the content in another format, contact the author or publisher, especially if you need an accessible version.
4. Scanned PDFs
What it is
A scanned PDF is a set of pictures of pages, made by a scanner or a phone camera app. It looks like text, but there are no actual characters inside, just images. You can usually tell because you cannot select, copy or search the words.
What the converter does
Converting to EPUB or audio needs real text. When you upload, the converter checks the first pages for text. If it finds only images, it tells you the PDF looks scanned. Optical character recognition, which turns pictures of text into real text, is not currently offered.
What you can do
- Find the original digital document, which often exists if the scan was of a printed file.
- Use a scanner or app with text recognition to create a searchable PDF, then convert that.
- Use EPUB to PDF or images instead if you only need to view or print the pages.
Why we take this approach
These checks happen as soon as you upload, before any conversion work starts, so you find out immediately rather than after waiting. They reflect a few principles:
- Respecting rights. Authors and publishers have legitimate interests, and we honour the protections and permissions they set.
- Honesty. We would rather tell you clearly why something cannot be done than produce an empty or broken result.
- Security. Files are never decrypted or cracked, and passwords are never guessed.
How to tell what kind of PDF you have
A quick test answers most questions before you upload. Open the PDF and try to select a single word with your cursor or finger. If you can highlight individual words and copy them, it contains real text. If the whole page highlights as one block, or nothing highlights at all, it is a scan. If your PDF app asks for a password when opening, it is password-protected. And if text can be selected but copying is greyed out, the author has restricted copying.
Other reasons you might see an error
- The file is damaged. A broken download or incomplete copy cannot be read. Try downloading it again.
- The file is not what its name says. A file ending in .pdf might really be something else. The converter checks real contents and tells you.
- The file is too large or the document too long. Limits are shown on each tool page.
Questions people ask
I bought this book. Why can't I convert it? If the store applied DRM, the book's content is encrypted. Look for DRM-free editions or use the store's own reading features.
Can you remove the password for me? No. If you own the document, you can save an unprotected copy in your PDF app.
My PDF looks like text. Why is it called scanned? If you cannot select individual words, the page is an image of text.
Why can I make audio but not an EPUB from the same PDF? The PDF permits accessibility extraction but not general copying.
In short
When a file cannot be converted, it is usually because of DRM, a password, copy restrictions set by the author, or because it is a scan without real text. Our converters detect these immediately, explain them clearly and respect them. Look for DRM-free or unprotected versions, save your own documents without passwords, and use text recognition tools for scans.