How to Transfer Books From an iPad to a Computer
By Danielle Fernandez
When you connect your iPad to the iTunes software installed on your computer, you can configure it to synchronize and back up its digital content -- including the book files stored in the iBooks app -- to your hard drive. Other e-reading apps like Kindle or Nook instead use iTunes File Sharing, which allows you to individually select and then drag and drop the book files you wish to transfer. You can use these book files to organize your e-library, convert them to other e-book formats or share them with friends.
Synchronize iTunes Books Tab
Step 1
Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable and allow iTunes to automatically launch. Select your iPad from the list of available devices.
Step 2
Select "Books" on the left, and ensure the "Sync Books" check box is enabled.
Step 3
Place a check mark next to the books you want to transfer. Select "Sync." The files from your iBooks app are now saved to your computer.
Use iTunes File Sharing
Step 1
Select the "Apps" tab at the top and scroll to the bottom of the window.
Step 2
Select an e-book reading app from the list on the left. For example, if you use the Kindle app for e-reading, you will see it listed.
Step 3
Drag and drop the files you wish to transfer to your computer from the window on the right.
References
Tips
- Be sure you safely eject your iPad from iTunes when you are done with the transfer. To do this, select the "Eject" icon, which looks like a triangle on top of a line, next to your device's name.
- If you do not see any e-reading apps listed on the left in the File Sharing section of iTunes, you do not have any apps that are enabled with File Sharing capabilities.
- The default iTunes save location in Windows 8 is C:\Users\username\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Media. The default save location on a Mac is /Users/username/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media.
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to iTunes 11 and iPads running iOS 6. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
Writer Bio
Based in Tampa, Fla., Danielle Fernandez been writing, editing and illustrating all things technology, lifestyle and education since 1999. Her work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Working Mother magazine, and a variety of technical publications, including BICSI's "Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual." Fernandez holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of South Florida.