EReaders are extremely useful devices. In fact, they allow you to carry an entire library with you always offering many options for customizing your reading session. Nevertheless, there are many occasions in which the digital copy of a book is not sufficient and it is therefore preferable to have a paper print of an extract or of the entire volume. The method you use to print a document from your Kindle varies depending on the model you are using (standard Kindle or Kindle Fire). Although Kindle books incorporate a copyright protection DRM system that limits the ability to print them, getting around it is very simple.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Print from a Kindle Standard
Step 1. Connect your Kindle to your computer
Unlike the tablet versions of the Kindle Fire HD, the standard models don't have advanced features for viewing ebooks. This still allows you to print the documents they contain, but before you can do this you need to connect the device to the computer. Connect your Kindle to your computer using a USB cable. In a few moments the operating system should detect the connection of the Kindle.
Step 2. Install DRM removal software on your computer
To avoid uncontrolled distribution, Kindle ebooks purchased on Amazon are equipped with a copyright protection system that restricts copying and printing. This is a protection that can easily be removed through third party programs. Getting DRM removal software is very easy. Download one of the many programs of this type available and install it on your computer.
Make sure you download it from a reliable and safe site. If it has too many advertisements or special offers, it could be risky content and it will be worth looking for a more viable alternative
Step 3. Decrypt and copy your Kindle files
Anti-DRM programs create a copy of the selected ebook which has been removed the copyright protection system. This way the original file will not be affected. The edited file should still be identical to the original. Once the DRM removal software is installed, launch it and select the file or files you want to print. The program will proceed to copy by eliminating the DRM protection system.
Step 4. Convert the format
Using a Windows computer program (eg "Kindle for PC"), you can convert edited files (the Kindle uses the proprietary "azw" format) into a much more compatible universal format such as "epub" or "pdf". Even if using the "Kindle for PC" software you are unable to print files in "azw" format, by converting them to another format, you will be able to use programs that offer this functionality - for example Adobe Reader.
These programs are also available for Mac OS X systems. Before downloading the software, check its compatibility with the various operating systems
Step 5. Select the files you want to print using a suitable program
Since ebook-related files are usually very small in size, converting the files using the "Kindle for PC" program should be a quick and easy process. After the conversion you will be able to access the file using third party programs, such as Adobe Reader or Caliber. After installing the desired program, open the file in question and proceed to print. The print button should be clearly visible within the program interface.
Step 6. Print and check your files
Once you have pressed the print button, you will be asked to provide some specific information - for example the number of copies - and whether or not you want to use the "double-sided" printing system. Set the options according to your needs, then complete the print process. If the printer is properly connected to the computer and the cartridges are new, the print job should complete successfully. Once all the pages have printed, check them to make sure everything is correct. Check that all copies have been printed correctly and that the quality is satisfactory.
If you plan to print a very long document, you may need to use multiple cartridges. If you are printing an entire book, it is recommended that you use the "double-sided" printing option to make it easier for you to bind it
Method 2 of 2: Print from a Kindle Fire HD
Step 1. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network
The Kindle Fire HD is a different device than the standard Kindle, in fact it is very similar to a tablet rather than being a simple eReader and can be connected to a Wi-Fi network like any other modern device. Connect it to the same network that the printer is connected to; by doing so, the Kindle will be able to send documents directly to the printing device. Once your Kindle has been configured to connect to the network, it will do so automatically whenever it detects the radio signal.
Connecting your Kindle Fire to the internet should be a simple and straightforward process; however, you may be asked to enter the password to access the Wi-Fi network. If you're having trouble connecting, make sure your device's "Airplane" mode is off
Step 2. If necessary, remove the DRM protection
Being a full-fledged tablet, the Kindle Fire allows access to the web and a wide variety of files. The only files that require some additional work to be printed are those in "azw" format. The other file formats can be printed quickly and easily, as you would with a classic tablet. If you are trying to print an ebook for the exclusive use of the Kindle, you must necessarily download and install specific software that allows you to remove the DRM protection from the document. These types of Kindle-specific programs can be found quite easily and downloaded directly to the device.
Make sure you choose a reliable source. Before downloading a file, check its rating, the number of downloads performed and any comments left by other users, in this way you can immediately get an idea of the genuineness of the program
Step 3. Convert the ebooks
Kindle ebooks are distributed in the proprietary "azw" format, which does not allow the content to be viewed with programs that can convert it to more compatible formats, such as "PDF". However, the Kindle Fire HD offers the ability to download this type of software directly to the device. Alternatively, you can install the conversion program on your computer, so you can convert the document before transferring it to your Kindle. Such conversion programs are very simple to use and the time required for the process should not take more than a couple of minutes.
These programs are available for both Windows and Mac systems
Step 4. Download a program for printing
Unlike the standard Kindle, the Kindle Fire HD allows you to download and install complete programs. This is a great advantage when you want to print an ebook, as it will be possible to do it directly from the device after connecting it to a Wi-Fi network equipped with a printer. Any Office-like program, such as "OfficeSuite", will be perfect for this purpose. You can also download various applications, for Android and Kindle tablets, which offer the ability to print documents and files.
Step 5. Select the file you want and prepare it for printing
Using the appropriate application, open the file you want to print. Although the detailed instructions for printing may vary from program to program, locating the print button should be fairly straightforward. Press it after choosing the file to print, then provide the settings regarding the printing according to your needs. You will be asked to indicate the number of copies, and you will also need to specify whether or not you want to use the "double-sided" printing system.
- The decision to print a normal or "double-sided" document always depends on the size of the file. By printing only on one side of the sheets, the number of pages used will be double and this could cause problems in the binding phase if the document is very large.
- You will be asked to also select the printer to print to. If there are multiple printers on the same network, this can be a bit complex. Check the printing device for a specific ID or name that is also listed in the list of printers available for use.
Step 6. Print and check the hard copy
Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and that your printer cartridges have enough ink so that the printing process can go smoothly. At the end of printing you should check the result. Make sure all pages have been printed correctly and with the correct ink level. At this point you can proceed with the binding of the pages (using a stapler or a binder, depending on the number of pages). Put the title on the first page of the writing so that readers know what they are reading.
Advice
- Depending on the file you want to print, it may be easier to get a second copy via the web or torrent and print it directly from your computer.
- Another possible way to bypass Amazon's copyright protection system is to take a screenshot of each page of the document in question and then print it manually. Obviously this is a difficult method to apply in the case of documents that have more than a few pages, in fact it would be very expensive in terms of time and manual work.
Warnings
- Removing the DRM protection system using a dedicated software is an illegal action. It is therefore always advisable to use Kindle files modified in this way only for personal purposes rather than illegally distributing them.
- Be very careful when downloading third-party software, such as DRM removal tools, to your Kindle. While most applications are robust and secure, there is a possibility that some may contain viruses or malware. If you have any doubts, check the comments on the site hosting the file in question or read the reviews of other users about the application you want to download.
