KF8 (Kindle Format 8) is a format developed by Amazon for eBooks that are intended to be read on Kindle devices and applications. Invented by the company’s e-reader, the format was introduced as an evolution of Mobipocket, with improved formatting options and greater flexibility.
KF8 offers many features not previously seen in digital books, including embedded audio and video files support; fixed-layout formatting; interactive elements such as pop-up windows, hyperlinks, and image zooming; advanced typographic control; improved design capabilities for complex layouts; more fonts (including drop caps); more attractive tables and borders; special effects like inline shading.
The KF8 format allows publishers to create books similar to print titles while adapting them for the various screen sizes across its e-readers, tablets, or smartphones. This is important because readers increasingly expect technology companies to adopt standards rather than expecting customers to choose between different experiences.
KF8 enables publishers to make their ebooks visually rich using background images on pages or spreads. It also supports “fixed layout” – whereby each page in a book is rendered precisely how it appears in print – allowing comics or children’s illustrated titles, for instance, to work better digitally.
Because it can offer so much more complexity than previous formats used by Kindle, KF8 will have particular appeal for types of content such as cookery books or graphic novels.
There are several tools available that enable people to create KF8 eBooks: Amazon provides Kindle Publishing Guidelines free online (DOC), but there are also third-party authoring tools such as Sigil or Calibre, which allow you either build your eBook from scratch or convert documents into other formats.
There are also eBook production companies that provide conversion services at a cost. Once you have created your ebook in KF8 format, you can upload it directly onto the Kindle Direct Publishing platform, giving access “to millions” of Kindle users worldwide.