---
title: ".azw3 file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .azw3 file is a Kindle Format 8. The Kindle ebook format with modern layout support — usually DRM-locked. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/azw3/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .azw3 files

**.azw3 file: Kindle Format 8**

The Kindle ebook format with modern layout support — usually DRM-locked.

## What opens a .azw3 file

- **Windows:** Amazon Kindle app, Calibre (DRM-free files)
- **macOS:** Amazon Kindle app, Calibre (DRM-free files)
- **Linux:** Calibre (DRM-free files), Foliate

## What a .azw3 file is

AZW3, also called KF8, is Amazon's ebook format built on EPUB-style HTML and CSS, replacing the plainer MOBI. A book bought from the Kindle Store is tied to your Amazon account by DRM and only opens in Amazon's own apps and devices; DRM-free AZW3 files open in Calibre. Amazon's newer downloads may use .kfx instead, which fewer tools understand.

## Converting it

A .azw3 file is commonly converted to .epub, .pdf, .mobi or .txt. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .azw3
- **Full name:** Kindle Format 8
- **Category:** E-books
- **MIME type:** application/vnd.amazon.ebook
- **Created by:** Amazon
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .azw3 file?

On Windows use Amazon Kindle app; on macOS use Amazon Kindle app; on Linux use Calibre (DRM-free files). The Kindle ebook format with modern layout support — usually DRM-locked.

### What is a .azw3 file?

Kindle Format 8. AZW3, also called KF8, is Amazon's ebook format built on EPUB-style HTML and CSS, replacing the plainer MOBI. A book bought from the Kindle Store is tied to your Amazon account by DRM and only opens in Amazon's own apps and devices; DRM-free AZW3 files open in Calibre.

### Can I convert a .azw3 file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .epub, .pdf, .mobi or .txt, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.epub — Electronic Publication](https://atoneplace.net/file/epub/)
- [.mobi — Mobipocket Ebook](https://atoneplace.net/file/mobi/)
- [.cbz — Comic Book Archive (ZIP)](https://atoneplace.net/file/cbz/)
- [.cbr — Comic Book Archive (RAR)](https://atoneplace.net/file/cbr/)
- [.djvu — DjVu Scanned Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/djvu/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)