RadLearnHub format guide · 31 October 2026
The right digital format depends on both the book and how you read. A useful choice for long passages on a phone may be less comfortable for a page containing several scans, labels and a caption.
PDF: pay attention to the page
PDF is designed to preserve document presentation across devices. That can help when you want to keep a figure next to its caption or follow a multi-column page. On a small screen, the same page may require frequent zooming and panning. Adobe’s overview of PDF
EPUB: check whether the layout reflows
EPUB supports both reflowable and fixed layouts. In a reflowable book, a compatible reader can adapt text to the available screen space. A fixed-layout EPUB preserves a defined arrangement. The extension alone does not tell you which reading experience a particular title provides. W3C EPUB specification
Compare the features that matter to you
| Check | Why it matters for medical study |
|---|---|
| Figures and labels | Check whether small labels remain legible when enlarged, and whether captions are easy to locate. |
| Text search | Search depends on the actual file. A scanned page may need text recognition; neither extension guarantees useful search. |
| Navigation | Check the contents, bookmarks and internal links rather than assuming every file has them. |
| Notes and highlights | Compatibility and export options depend on your reading application as well as the file. |
| Your device | Confirm that your chosen application can open the format and offers comfortable image viewing. |
What “converted PDF” tells you
A listing labelled “converted PDF” distinguishes a converted file from another supplied format. Conversion can change pagination, line breaks, links or the placement of figures. Ask about the exact file if consistent page references or image layout are essential to your study.
A download and an online platform are different products
Do not assume a downloadable book includes a publisher account, access code, interactive question bank, videos or future editions. Check the exact inclusions on the product page. If your course requires a particular platform, confirm that requirement before choosing a download.