Amazon to Allow EPUB and PDF Downloads for DRM-Free KDP Books

Amazon will give authors new download options for their e-books. The company’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform will soon offer DRM-free titles in EPUB and PDF formats. This major policy shift begins on January 20, 2026.

This change applies only to books where the author has chosen not to apply Digital Rights Management. Authors control the DRM setting for their titles when publishing. According to Reuters, this move provides more flexibility for readers who own content.

Author Control and Reader Access at the Core

The decision empowers authors but also presents a new consideration. Authors must actively choose to keep their books DRM-free to enable the new download formats. If they do, readers who purchased the book can get it as an EPUB or PDF.

This has sparked discussion among writers. Some, like author Leslie Anne Perry on KDP forums, expressed concern about easy PDF distribution. Others note that determined users could already convert DRM-free Kindle files using software.

A Contrast in Amazon’s Broader DRM Strategy

This author-focused flexibility contrasts with recent Amazon actions for consumers. The company has tightened DRM on its Kindle e-readers. Updates for newer devices introduced a stricter DRM system that prevents ebook backups without jailbreaking.

This two-pronged approach highlights a complex stance. Authors get more distribution choices for their own work. Meanwhile, Amazon strengthens control over the commercial ebook ecosystem on its devices.

This new Amazon KDP policy fundamentally shifts how DRM-free Kindle books are distributed. It gives authors unprecedented format control while testing their views on digital piracy. The era of locked-in Kindle formats is ending for many indie titles.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: What is changing for Amazon KDP authors?

Starting January 20, 2026, authors who publish DRM-free ebooks on Kindle Direct Publishing can offer their books in EPUB and PDF format. Readers who buy these titles will be able to download them in these open formats.

Q2: Do authors have to use this new feature?

No, it is optional. The feature only applies if an author has selected the “DRM-Free” option for their book. Authors can choose to keep DRM enabled, which will prevent EPUB and PDF downloads.

Q3: Will this affect my already-published books?

No, the change does not automatically update existing titles. Authors must log into their KDP dashboard and manually update the DRM setting for each older book they wish to change.

Q4: Why is this a significant change?

It breaks Amazon’s traditional walled garden for ebook formats. For years, Kindle books were typically only readable on Amazon devices or apps. This gives readers true ownership of DRM-free files they can use anywhere.

Q5: Does this mean Amazon is removing all DRM?

Not at all. This is a choice for authors on the KDP self-publishing platform. Amazon continues to use and strengthen DRM on its Kindle devices and for books purchased from its store where the publisher or author requires it.