The Ultimate Guide to Export iBooks to PC and Mac in 2026

Selena Lee
Selena Lee Originally published Jul 16, 2026, updated Jul 16, 2026
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robot TL;DR:

Exporting iBooks to a PC or Mac allows users to back up their libraries and read on larger screens, but native methods come with DRM restrictions.

  • Native Method Limitations: Using iTunes allows syncing, but Apple Fairplay DRM often restricts reading purchased books on non-Apple software.
  • Third-Party Solutions: Dedicated iOS transfer tools bypass sync limitations, allowing direct export of ePub and PDF files to Windows or Mac.
  • Recommended Tool: Complete iOS managers like Dr.Fone provide an unrestricted, one-click solution to seamlessly transfer media, including iBooks, between devices and computers.

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iBooks, now known simply as Apple Books, is a remarkable application that provides seamless access to a massive library of bestselling books across different genres. You can purchase and download numerous books from various authors to read directly on your iPhone and iPad. However, many users eventually find themselves wanting to transfer the iBooks for pc use. Whether you want to back up your collection, read on a larger monitor, or switch operating systems, it is often necessary to export your books to a Windows PC or a Mac before you can load them onto other platforms or reading applications.

As of 2026, reading across multiple devices is more prevalent than ever. While Apple ecosystem is highly integrated, moving your digital library outside of it requires specific methods. This comprehensive guide will show you how to export your iBooks to your PC and Mac easily and efficiently. We will cover native Apple solutions like iTunes, as well as powerful third-party alternatives that provide unrestricted access to your files.

Efficient Ways to Export iBooks to PC and Mac
In this article
  1. Part 1. Steps to Export iBooks for PC and Mac using iTunes
  2. Part 2. Unrestricted iBooks for PC and Mac Export using iOS Transfer
  3. Part 3. Alternative ways to transfer iBooks
  4. Part 4. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Recommended iOS Manager for iPhone, iPad, iPod

Part 1. Steps to Export iBooks for PC and Mac using iTunes

For many users, using the official Apple software is the most common way to transfer iBooks to PC free. If you only have a few files and want to stick to native tools, the steps below will show you how to sync ePub, iBooks Author books, and PDF files to your Windows PC or Mac using iTunes.

If you connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer iTunes and navigate through File > Devices > Transfer Purchases, the software should automatically copy your purchased content over to the Books section of your PC iTunes library.

Steps to Export iBooks for PC and Mac using iTunes

However, there are significant limitations to this method. Firstly, you need to have a compatible reading software installed on your PC or Mac to actually read the iBooks. More importantly, this process will let you export only a limited number of iBooks for pc. Books bought directly from the iBooks store employ the Apple Fairplay DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Because of this encryption, you cannot export them directly to your desktop or Mac and open them with any third-party e-reader. For unrestricted transfer, you need to install a dedicated iBooks management software available on the internet.

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Note: Due to DRM restrictions, iTunes transfer only ensures the files are backed up on your PC, but it does not guarantee they will be readable on non-Apple software.

Part 2. Unrestricted iBooks for PC and Mac Export using iOS Transfer

To overcome DRM hurdles and sync limitations, using a specialized iOS Transfer tool is highly recommended. iOS Transfer is a powerful iPhone and iPod manager that lets you manage and export iBooks, as well as other vital content like contacts, music, photos, and playlists directly to your Mac and desktop. It helps bypass standard sync restrictions and can also import, sync, and convert different files between the two platforms seamlessly.

  1. Step 1 Connect your device

    First, you need to download a reliable iOS Transfer tool and install it on your PC or Mac. Then, launch the program and connect your iOS device using a standard USB cable. The program will automatically detect your iPod or iPhone and display its details on the main dashboard.

    export ibooks to pc-Connect your device
  2. Step 2 Select the iBooks

    Once your device gets connected, you will get to see the list of content categories of your iPhone on the left-side menu. Select iBooks from the options to get detailed information about your digital library, such as book format, size, author name, etc. You need to select the specific ibooks you want to export by clicking on the checkboxes next to them.

    export ibooks to pc-Select the iBooks
  3. Step 3 Export iBooks to Mac and PC

    After you are done selecting the books, click on the To PC option from the top menu if you are exporting the iBooks for PC. Then, choose a target destination folder on your desktop and press OK to complete the export process. You can use the To iTunes option if the transfer is intended for a macOS environment. You can now find and enjoy the saved books on your non iOS platform.

    export ibooks to pc-Export iBooks to Mac and PC

Part 3. Alternative ways to transfer iBooks

If you are looking for more variety, there are several other programs with similar functions to the ones mentioned above. These third-party applications are frequently updated for 2026 compatibility. You can try them out to export iBooks for PC and Mac and see if they suit your specific data management needs.

1. Apowersoft Phone Manager

Apowersoft is a comprehensive program designed to manage your iOS data with absolute ease. You can export various data types, including iBooks, music, contacts, videos, messages, and more to your Mac and PC. Furthermore, you can even back up, restore, organize, and import different content seamlessly between the two platforms. It notably offers two excellent ways of enjoying your iBooks on your computer: displaying them in full-screen mode directly on the PC, and safely transferring them to your local Mac storage for offline reading.

2. AnyTrans

AnyTrans is a robust and widely used tool to manage and organize the data content of your iPhone and iPad. You can directly export iBooks to PC and Mac, and also transfer them effortlessly to other iOS devices. It fully supports other critical file types like SMS messages, Safari bookmarks and history, music, videos, notes, contacts, and installed apps stored on your device. It handles two-way data transfer smoothly from iOS device to iOS device, and from iOS to computer, Mac, or iTunes.

3. iExplorer

With iExplorer, you can transfer practically anything from iBooks to music, text messages, voicemails, contacts, reminders, calendar events, photos, notes, and more from iPhones, iPads, and iPods straight to your PC or Mac. Selected iBooks can be previewed within the software, which effectively eliminates the accidental export of unwanted items. You can export the books with one simple click or by an easy drag-and-drop mechanism. Additionally, you can utilize the Auto Transfer feature to automatically export everything stored on your iDevice to your desktop folder.

4. Cucusoft iOS to Mac and PC Export

This is a highly intuitive, simple, and user-friendly program tailored to export your iBooks and other files from Apple devices to Windows or Mac environments. You can create complete backups or restore your iBooks collection alongside other media content like music, videos, and photos. It also employs an intelligent automatic searching, indexing, and scanning system to instantly locate all readable files on your iOS device.

Software NameSupported OSiBooks ExportMedia ManagementPreview Feature
ApowersoftWindows/Mac
AnyTransWindows/Mac
iExplorerWindows/Mac
CucusoftWindows/Mac

Part 4. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Recommended iOS Manager for iPhone, iPad, iPod

When it comes to securely and efficiently managing your Apple devices, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS) stands out as an exceptional solution. It is a highly recommended iOS Manager designed to help you flawlessly transfer, back up, and manage contacts, music, videos, apps, photos, and more files on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

The Best iTunes Alternative

Dr.Fone Basic

Manage, Transfer, Backup & Mirror Your Devices
  • gouEffortlessly manage data through preview, delete, export, etc.
  • gouTransfer all data between devices.
  • gouRobust backup solutions for reliable data protection.
  • gouMirror screens to PC for meetings, teaching, and control.
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Dr.Fone Basic

Using a versatile tool like Dr.Fone allows you to transfer iBooks from Computer to iPod/iPhone/iPad without launching iTunes. It provides a seamless experience for backing up your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, and apps to your computer and restoring them with just one click. Furthermore, it facilitates transferring media files directly between iOS devices and iTunes, and it remains fully compatible with the latest iOS updates in 2026.

Video Tutorial: How to Transfer Media Between PC/Mac and iPod/iPhone/iPad

If you prefer a visual guide, watch this comprehensive video tutorial detailing exactly how to navigate data transfers between your PC/Mac and your iOS devices without encountering DRM or iTunes sync errors.

How to Transfer Media Between PC/Mac and iOS

Conclusion

In summary, knowing how to export iBooks to PC and Mac is an essential skill for anyone who wants to secure their digital reading collection and enjoy it on larger screens. While iTunes provides a baseline method for transferring purchased files, Apple Fairplay DRM often prevents you from actually opening and reading those files on non-Apple applications. By utilizing third-party management tools like Dr.Fone, Apowersoft, or AnyTrans, you can bypass these restrictive sync limitations, manage your device data efficiently, and export your favorite ePubs and PDFs directly to your Windows or macOS desktop. If this guide helps, don't forget to share it with your friends to make their digital lives easier!

FAQ

  • 1. Can I read Apple iBooks on a Windows PC?
    Yes, but it depends on the file format and DRM protection. Standard PDF and DRM-free ePub files exported from your iPhone or iPad can be read on a PC using any compatible e-reader software (like Adobe Digital Editions or Calibre). However, books protected by Apple Fairplay DRM cannot be natively read on a Windows PC.
  • 2. How do I remove DRM from iBooks to export them?
    Directly removing DRM from Apple Books violates terms of service in many regions. However, if you are transferring non-DRM ePubs or PDFs that you manually saved to your iBooks app, third-party transfer software can export them to your PC seamlessly without triggering DRM blockages.
  • 3. Where are iBooks stored locally on a Mac?
    On a Mac, your downloaded Apple Books are typically stored in a hidden library folder. You can usually locate them by navigating to the Finder menu, selecting 'Go to Folder', and entering ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.BKAgentService/Data/Documents/iBooks/Books. Transfer tools simplify this by providing a clean user interface.
  • 4. Does iTunes automatically back up my iBooks?
    When you sync your iOS device with iTunes or Finder, it backs up the books purchased from the Book Store. You can find them in the Books section of your iTunes library. However, manually added PDFs or non-store ePubs might require manual syncing or a dedicated iOS transfer tool to guarantee a safe backup.
OUR EXPERT
Selena Lee

Selena Lee

chief editor

Chief Editor of the Dr.Fone team since 2012, Selena is a veteran technology editor known for turning complex iOS and Android topics into clear, user-focused guidance.

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