Adobe PDF files are the most popular e-book format used for printing and sharing information. Created by Adobe Systems in 1993 as a form of document exchange, the PDF represents a two-dimensional document independent from the original application software, hardware, and operating system. Although a PDF emulates the original document layout, the text tends to be extremely light and small when viewed on the Kindle.
Kindle is not a format but an e-reader device. Developed by Amazon, the Kindle e-reader allows for consumers to read a variety of e-books formatted in the AZW or MOBI format as well as PDF or converted e-pub files.
The AZW or Amazon Whispernet is the e-book format used exclusively on the Kindle e-reader device. The non-DRM AZW format is the same as the MOBI format and any MOBI tool such as Amazon's MobiPocket Creator allows conversion to an AZW compatible Kindle file.
Converting the PDF to other e-book formats produces a better quality product; however, conversion to a new format fails to retain the original layout and structure. Amazon reports PDF exports often contain problems such as "irregularly bolded text, irregular page breaks, inconsistent font sizes, inconsistent text flow, and missing or over-sized images."
Converting a PDF file to a compatible Kindle format requires either an Amazon.com account with registered Kindle device, or a third-party service such as Calibre or Mobipocket Creator. Only DRM-free PDF files may be legally converted.
Individuals, business owners and government agencies trust and rely on PDF as a way to share personal or sensitive information by password-protecting or digitally signing PDF file.
DRM protects the interests of the copyright owner for electronic media such as CDs, DVDs and e-books; however, the inability to read purchased products on a variety of devices proves frustrating to many consumers. Digital Rights Management e-books lock to Kindle devices, preventing unauthorized sharing or use of the e-book on any other device; however, as of July 2011, up to six devices may be registered to the same Amazon account allowing simultaneous sharing of purchased e-books.