PDF is the universal fixed-layout document format — it renders identically across viewers, preserves fonts and formatting, and is the accepted-by-default format for invoices, contracts, government uploads, academic submissions, and portfolio work. Convert to PDF when the receiving system explicitly wants PDF or when the layout must not shift.
About the PDB Format
PDB (Palm Database) is a legacy ebook format originally developed for Palm OS handheld devices in the late 1990s. Used by Palm Digital Media (formerly Peanut Press) and later eReader, PDB files stored ebooks as compressed text databases optimized for the limited storage and processing power of Palm PDAs. The format supported basic text formatting, chapter navigation, bookmarks, and simple image embedding.
With the discontinuation of Palm OS devices and the rise of modern eReaders and smartphones, PDB has become an obsolete format. Barnes & Noble acquired the eReader platform and migrated its catalog to EPUB for the Nook ecosystem. Ebooks stored in PDB format can no longer be read on current devices without conversion. Converting PDB files to EPUB, PDF, or MOBI rescues these legacy ebooks for use on modern eReaders, tablets, and reading apps, preserving the text content and basic structure of the original files.
PDB to PDF FAQ
Quick answers about compatibility, quality, metadata handling, and the most common reasons to convert PDB files to PDF.
How to convert PDB ebook to PDF for printing
Upload your PDB ebook to iFormat and click Convert. It's laid out into a print-ready PDF with readable typography and preserved images — fixed pages that print predictably on any printer.
Why convert PDB to PDF?
PDF is best for sharing and printing with locked formatting — universal viewing and printing on any device. An PDB ebook reflows and needs an eReader app, while a PDF looks the same everywhere and prints cleanly.
Can I read the PDF on any device after converting from PDB?
Yes. Unlike PDB which needs a specific eReader app, PDF opens natively on every computer, tablet, and phone — no special software required. It's also the standard format for printing, archiving, and sharing.
Will images and chapters be kept converting PDB to PDF?
Yes. Images are preserved and chapters flow into a clean page structure, so the PDF reads and prints as a proper document.
Is there a file size limit for PDB to PDF conversion?
The free plan supports files up to 50 MB, which covers the large majority of PDB files. For longer or higher-resolution files, Starter raises the limit to 100 MB, Plus to 1 GB, and Pro to 5 GB.