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Using ePlatform with an eReader & Adobe Digital Editions

Adobe Digital Editions provides a way to download ePlatform eBooks to a Windows or Mac computer and transfer them to a compatible eReader.

For most readers, the ePlatform app or web browser is the easier option. Adobe Digital Editions is mainly intended for dedicated eReaders that cannot use the ePlatform app or web reader.

On this page

Supported eReaders

Adobe Digital Editions works with eReaders that support Adobe Digital Rights Management, also known as Adobe DRM. This includes compatible models from:

  • Kobo;
  • Nook; and
  • PocketBook.

Compatibility can vary between models. Check your eReader's documentation to confirm that it supports Adobe DRM and Adobe Digital Editions.

Standard Kindle eReaders do not support the library eBook formats required for this process. If you have a compatible Amazon device that supports the ePlatform app, install ePlatform from the Amazon Appstore instead.

Before you begin

You will need:

  • a Windows or Mac computer;
  • a compatible eReader;
  • the USB cable supplied with your eReader;
  • an internet connection;
  • your school or library's ePlatform sign-in details; and
  • Adobe Digital Editions installed and authorised on the computer.

This process is for eBooks. To listen to an Audiobook, use the ePlatform app or web browser.

Install Adobe Digital Editions

  1. Go to the Adobe Digital Editions download page .
  2. Select the installer for Windows or Mac.
  3. Open the downloaded installer.
  4. Follow the instructions to install Adobe Digital Editions.
  5. Open Adobe Digital Editions.

Authorise Adobe Digital Editions

Adobe Digital Editions and the eReader must be authorised with the same account before protected library eBooks can be transferred between them.

  1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
  2. From the top menu, select Help → Authorise Computer. Depending on your region, this may be displayed as Authorize Computer.
  3. Follow the current sign-in instructions displayed by Digital Editions.

Digital Editions account changes

Account support for Adobe Digital Editions has transitioned to ByteBooks. Existing authorised installations may continue to work without any immediate changes. New authorisations or sign-ins may require a ByteBooks ID.

If you previously used an Adobe ID, follow the current Digital Editions account-transition guidance before authorising a new computer or eReader.

Download an eBook from ePlatform

  1. Open your school or library's ePlatform website on the computer.
  2. Sign in to your reader account.
  3. Find the eBook you want to read.
  4. Select Borrow.
  5. Select View all reading options for this title.
  6. Select Read via Adobe.
  7. A file ending in .acsm will download to your computer.

The .acsm file is not the complete eBook. Adobe Digital Editions uses it to authorise and download the borrowed eBook.

Open the eBook in Adobe Digital Editions

  1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
  2. Select File → Add to Library from the top menu.
  3. Open the Downloads folder on your computer.
  4. Select the downloaded .acsm file.
  5. Adobe Digital Editions will download the complete eBook and add it to its library.

Once downloaded, you can read the eBook on the computer or transfer it to a compatible eReader.

Transfer the eBook to your eReader

  1. Connect the eReader to the computer using its USB cable.
  2. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
  3. Wait for the eReader to appear in the device area of Adobe Digital Editions.
  4. If prompted, authorise the eReader using the same Digital Editions account used to authorise the computer.
  5. In the Adobe Digital Editions library, select the eBook you downloaded.
  6. Drag the eBook onto the name of the connected eReader.
  7. Wait for the transfer to finish.
  8. Safely eject the eReader before disconnecting its USB cable.

Do not disconnect the eReader while Adobe Digital Editions is transferring the eBook.

Return an eBook early

The eBook will expire automatically at the end of its borrowing period. You can also return it early through Adobe Digital Editions:

  1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
  2. Find the borrowed eBook in the library.
  3. Right-click the book cover.
  4. Select Return Borrowed Item.
  5. Confirm that you want to return the eBook.

Troubleshooting

The downloaded file does not open

Open Adobe Digital Editions and select File → Add to Library, then select the .acsm file from your Downloads folder.

The eReader does not appear

  • Check that the USB cable is connected securely.
  • Open Adobe Digital Editions after connecting the eReader.
  • Check the eReader manufacturer's instructions for connecting it to a computer.

The eBook does not open on the eReader

Confirm that the computer and eReader have both been authorised using the same Digital Editions account.

Still need help?

Contact ePlatform Support and include:

  • your school or library name;
  • the eReader brand and model;
  • the computer operating system;
  • the title you are trying to transfer; and
  • the complete error message displayed.

Submit a request to ePlatform Support .