August 18, 2025 • 27 mins
This audio episode is paired with a video episode on my YouTube channel. You can find the video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/mHrK5GjH1BM
Paid promotion with Amazon.com. The links to Amazon.com at the end of this episode description are my Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What happens when you annotate a PDF versus a plain text file on your Kindle Scribe? The answer matters more than you might think, especially if you're collaborating with others or need to preserve your notes exactly as written.
Drawing from my ongoing collaboration with a screenwriter adapting my novels, I've discovered crucial differences that affect how we exchange feedback. While both file formats can be transferred to the Scribe using similar methods (email, web app, or USB), the annotation experience diverges dramatically once they're on your device.
PDFs offer a true paper-like experience—you can write anywhere on the page, circle diagrams, add margin notes, and see your annotations embedded in the exact position when exported. The Active Canvas feature even lets text reflow around your notes. This makes PDFs perfect for technical documents, contracts, or any content where position matters. When exported, your handwritten marks appear flattened into the document exactly as written.
Text files, by contrast, treat annotations as attachments rather than integrated elements. You can highlight passages and add sticky notes, but there's no direct on-page writing. When exported, these text files convert to PDFs with highlights preserved, but all handwritten notes are collected and appended at the end as an appendix. It's functional but feels more like a report than an edited manuscript.
The difference becomes crystal clear when sending annotated documents back and forth with collaborators. With PDFs, they see exactly what you wrote where you wrote it. With text files, they get a more structured but less visually integrated collection of notes.
Have you tried both methods? Which would you say works better for your workflow? You can just experiment with both to discover which format better serves your note-taking and collaboration needs.
#KindleScribe #DigitalNoteTaking #PDFAnnotation #TextFileAnnotation #KindleTips #AmazonKindle #AnnotationTools #ProductivityTools
The following links to Amazon.com are my affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My books: The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia, by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/45u3od7)
Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies, by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/4oyPgZ0)
Book by Ian Allan: The new Kindle Scribe user guide 2025 (visit https://amzn.to/414EQ9r)
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Walnew Cover for Kindle Scribe: (visit https://amzn.to/3HuWUmo)
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, today I wanted to talk about contrasting PDF
and text file handling on theKindle Scribe, namely receiving,
annotating and exporting.
This audio episode is pairedwith a video that I'm going to
(00:24):
make on YouTube, and I will putthe coordinates of that video in
the episode description.
Before I get to the main topic,I'd just like to run through a
little bit of vocabulary.
So, first of all, a reflowablefile On a Kindle Scribe.
(00:49):
A reflowable file is a documentlike an e-book that
automatically adjusts its textand layout to fit the screen
size and user preferences.
This means the reader canchange font size, font type and
margins, and the text willrearrange itself to fit the new
(01:10):
settings without losing contentor design elements.
Here's a more detailedexplanation.
Flexibility Unlike fixed layoute-books like PDFs Unlike fixed
layout e-books like PDFs,reflowable e-books are designed
to adapt to different screensizes and orientations.
(01:31):
Portrait or landscapeCustomization Readers can
customize the text appearance byadjusting fonts, font types,
line spacing and margins, andthe e-book will reflow to
accommodate these changes.
Content preservation Reflowableformat ensures that all the
(01:59):
content is displayed even whenthe layout is adjusted, making
it ideal for books with a lot oftext, like novels and
non-fiction.
Making it ideal for books witha lot of text, like novels and
non-fiction.
Example, if a reader increasesthe font size in a reflowable
e-book, the text will wrap tothe next line and the page will
adjust accordingly, withoutcutting off words or paragraphs.
The Kindle Scribe also allowsfor handwritten notes on
(02:23):
reflowable documents, and theseannotations will also reflow and
adapt to the text.
So that's going to be importantfor our discussion of text
files sent to the Kindle scribe.
Now the next little bit ofvocabulary is sticky notes.
(02:46):
Okay, so on a Kindle scribe,sticky notes are a feature that
allows users to add handwrittenor typed notes to e-books and
documents, similar to placing aphysical sticky note on a page.
These notes can be added bytapping on a highlighted passage
(03:06):
or directly onto a page.
In supported files, the notesare stored separately from the
main text and can be reviewed,organized and exported.
Here's a more detaileddescription Adding sticky notes.
When reading an e-book ordocument on the Kindle Scribe,
(03:27):
users can highlight a passageand then tap to add a sticky
note.
They can then type or handwritetheir note using the included
stylus Organizing notes.
The Kindle Scribe automaticallyorganizes all sticky notes by
book and stores them in oneplace, making it easy to find
(03:48):
and review them later.
Exporting notes Sticky notesand other annotations can be
exported from the Kindle Scribe,often as a PDF file for use on
other devices or for sharing.
New feature the ability tohandwrite notes directly onto
e-books and documents is a newfeature with their Kindle Scribe
(04:11):
, as previous Kindle devicesprimarily relied on text-based
notes.
Versatile use Sticky notes canbe used for various purposes,
such as jotting down ideas,summarizing chapters, creating
to-do lists or marking importantpassages.
Not overlapping.
(04:32):
The sticky notes are designedto appear in the margin or a
designated area so they don'tcover the text you're reading.
Templates the Kindle Scribealso offers various notebook
templates where users can addsticky notes for organizing
thoughts, brainstorming orcreating lists.
So the next definition that Iwant to cover is active canvas.
(05:05):
So active canvas on the KindleScribe allows you to write
directly on the page of a bookor document and the text will
automatically reflow toaccommodate your notes.
This creates a more naturalwriting experience, similar to
writing in the margins of aphysical book.
You could also createexpandable margins for longer
(05:29):
nodes or collapse them to viewthe original text.
Here's a more detailedexplanation.
Direct interaction Instead ofseparate note-taking areas,
active Canvas lets you writedirectly on the page with the
Kindle Scribes.
Premium Pen.
Dynamic Text Adjustment as youwrite, the surrounding text
(05:52):
adjusts to make space for yournotes, keeping them in context
with the content you're reading.
Expandable Margins you cancreate expandable margins for
longer notes or comments andthen collapse them to see the
original text again.
Contextual notes the notes youcreate are linked to the text,
(06:15):
so they stay with the relevantcontent even if you change font
sizes or layouts.
Works with various formats.
Active Canvas is designed towork with books purchased from
the Kindle store, sideloadedEPUBs, and even PDFs and Word
documents, as long as the PDFshave an adjustable layout.
(06:41):
Okay, so, since margins came upin that discussion, I wanted to
say a little bit about what themargins are capable of.
So the margins of a document ona Kindle scribe play a crucial
role in enabling and enhancingthe note-taking experience,
(07:02):
particularly with the expandablemargin feature.
Dedicated space for notes andannotations the margin provides
a dedicated area where you canwrite directly onto the document
, including e-books and eligibleWord documents.
Expandable for longer notes Ifyour notes extend beyond the
(07:24):
initial margin space, you canexpand it to accommodate longer
thoughts or detailed annotations.
Sticky note integration Evenwhen the expandable margin is
closed notes created within itare accessible as sticky notes
anchored to specific passages inyour document.
Contextual note-taking thenotes made in the margin remain
(07:47):
tied to the specific text,ensuring the context of your
thoughts is preserved.
Adjustable and flexible you cancustomize the expandable margin
by adjusting its width andchoosing between a docked view
beside the text or an overlayview on top of the text.
Streamlined review the presenceof note icons in the margin
(08:10):
quickly indicates which pagescontain annotations, simplifying
the review process.
In essence, the margins on theKindle Scribe, especially with
the expandable margin feature,facilitate a more natural and
integrated way to engage with.
The expandable margin featurefacilitate a more natural and
integrated way to engage withthe document and capture your
thoughts while reading.
(08:32):
So that's a little bit ofbackground and I hope, on the, a
video that will pair with thisaudio broadcast to be able to
show you that on the KindleScribe, all those features that
(08:53):
we talked about.
But the main topic I'm going tobe interested in because it's
what I'm involved in doing atthe moment.
I'm working with someone wholikes to type up her notes in
text in a text file, and I havebeen converting the text file to
(09:18):
PDF.
So I asked myself what wouldhappen if I didn't bother to
convert to PDF and just sent thetext note and annotated it.
So there are two situationshere PDF and text, and so the
main topic is contrasting PDFand text file handling on the
(09:42):
Kindle Scribe receiving,annotating and exporting.
So the documents that I havecome from a screenwriter.
I've published two fictionbooks and both are being made
into screenplays.
The first one, the written workis done, and for the second one
, the written work is inprogress and it involves files
(10:02):
going back and forth between meand the screenwriter.
First one, the written work isdone, and for the second one,
the written work is in progressand it involves files going back
and forth between me and thescreenwriter.
So I'm actually experiencingthis process myself at the
moment.
So just a word to remind youabout the Kindle Scribe.
(10:24):
It was released in late 2024and stands out for its large
10.2-inch e-ink display andincluded stylus, making it a
powerhouse for note-taking anddocument markup.
But not all file formats arecreated equal on the scribe.
(10:47):
In this blog post I'll contrastthe process of receiving,
annotating and exporting PDFfiles versus text files, based
on official Amazon documentationand user experiences as of 2025
.
Whether you're a studentmarking up research papers or a
professional jotting notes inplain text docs.
(11:08):
Understanding these differencescan optimize your workflow.
Receiving files Now we've beenover some of this already in the
videos and the audio posts.
Receiving files how they arriveon your Kindle Scribe the first
step in working with anydocument on the Kindle Scribe is
(11:30):
getting it onto the device.
Amazon provides several methodsfor transferring files, but the
experience varies slightlybetween PDF and text files, due
to their inherent structure, andtext files.
Due to their inherent structure, pdfs are fixed layout
documents, while text files aresimple, reflowable text.
(11:53):
So we know what reflowable textis now, because we went over it
.
Receiving PDFs PDFs are one ofthe most commonly used formats
on the scribe, especially foracademic or professional
documents like articles,contracts or reports.
The primary and recommendedmethod is Amazon's Send to
Kindle service, which supportsPDFs up to 50 MB in size Via
(12:22):
email.
Each Kindle account has aunique atkindlecom email address
.
Attach the PDF to an email andsend it to your device To
preserve the original layout.
Crucial for annotations.
Include the word convert in thesubject line only if you want
it reflowed.
Otherwise, leave it blank forfixed layout reflowed.
(12:42):
Otherwise, leave it blank forfixed layout Via web or app.
Use the Center Kindle websiteor the mobile desktop apps to
upload PDFs directly.
This method ensures seamlessintegration into your library
Via USB.
Connect the scribe to acomputer via USB-C and drag the
(13:06):
PDF into the Documents folder.
However, older PDFs transferredthis way or certain USB-loaded
files may not support fullannotation features like direct
writing on the page.
Amazon recommends CentiKindlefor optimal compatibility.
(13:28):
Once received, pdfs appear inyour library as fixed-page
documents, maintaining theiroriginal formatting, images and
layout.
This makes them ideal forcontent where positioning
matters.
But it can lead to smaller texton the described screen unless
you zoom in.
But it can lead to smaller texton the described screen unless
you zoom in.
Receiving text files Text files, being plain text without
(13:52):
formatting, are nativelysupported on Kindles and handled
as reflowable documents,meaning the text adjusts to your
font size and screenorientation for easier reading.
Via Send to Kindle, similar toPDFs, you can email text files
(14:15):
to your atkindlecom address orupload them via the web app.
Amazon doesn't convert textfiles.
They remain as is, but thedevice treats them like basic
e-books, applying your preferredreading settings example, font
type, size and margins Via USB.
Drag and drop into thedocuments folder works
(14:36):
flawlessly, with no restrictionson features.
Text files are lightweight,often under 1MB, so transfers
are quick.
Upon arrival, text filesintegrate into your library like
any Kindle book with reflowabletext that wraps naturally.
This is great for novels,scripts or notes, but lacks the
(14:57):
visual fidelity of PDFs noimages, tables or fixed
positioning.
Key contrast Both formatssupport the same transfer
methods, but PDFs that benefitmore from Center Kindle to
enable advanced features likedirect markup.
Text files are simpler and moreflexible in display, with no
(15:21):
layout concerns If you'redealing with large batches.
Center Kindle caps at 25 filesper send for both, but USB has
no limit.
So and now to somethingimportant, at least for me,
because this is where I come inwith this exchange I'm having at
(15:42):
the moment with my screenwriter, with this exchange I'm having
at the moment with myscreenwriter Annotating files,
markup tools and user experience.
Annotation is where KindleScribe shines, thanks to its
pressure-sensitive stylus andlow-latency writing.
(16:04):
However, pdfs and text filesoffer distinctly different
experiences because of theirlayouts fixed versus reflowable
which affects how annotationsare applied and viewed.
Annotating PDFs PDFs on theScribe are treated as print-like
documents, allowing directon-page markup that feels like
(16:25):
writing on paper Directhandwriting, use the stylus to
write, draw or underlineanywhere on the page.
This is the standout feature.
Annotations stick to the exactposition even if you zoom or
rotate.
For example, you can circlediagrams, drop margin notes or
sketch over text Highlights andsticky notes.
(16:48):
Tap and hold to highlight textor add handwritten sticky notes
that attach to specific spots.
The active canvas mode lets youwrite in margins or blank
spaces without obstructingcontent.
Tools Accessor toolbar with pentypes Fountain pen, ballpoint,
(17:09):
highlighter, eraser, lasso formoving notes and undo redo.
You can also insert blank pagesfor extra notes.
Limitations If the PDF wasloaded via USB or is an older
file, direct writing might notwork.
Instead, you're limited tosticky notes.
Reflowable PDFs converted losesome precision in positioning.
(17:34):
This makes PDFs perfect fortechnical documents where
special context matters, likeannotating blueprints or
research papers.
However, zooming in and outfrequently can disrupt the flow
and dense pages might feelcramped.
Now, by contrast and I did thiswith the files I got from the
(17:56):
screenwriter I sent her textfile directly and I sent her PDF
directly and I annotated bothPDF directly and I annotated
both, which wasn't much workbecause she's doing an excellent
job and then I compared whatshe got when I sent back the
(18:24):
annotated file.
That began as a text file andthe annotated file that began as
a PDF.
Text files behave like on thevideo.
I'll be able to show you moreclearly.
Text files behave like standardKindle ebooks, with annotations
focused on text selectionrather than freeform drawing on
a fixed canvas.
Highlights and underlines Tapand drag to highlight or
(18:47):
underline text.
These reflow with the content.
If you change font size, thehighlights adjust automatically.
Sticky notes Add handwritten ortyped notes attached to
highlighted text.
Handwritten sticky notes openin a separate pop-up window
where you can write freely withthe stylus, but they're not
embeddable directly on the pagelike in PDFs Tools.
(19:11):
The same stylus toolbar appearsbut since text is reflowable,
there's no direct on-pagewriting.
Instead, notes are anchored totext selections.
No active canvas or insertedpages, as the format doesn't
support fixed layout Limitations.
No drawing over images, sincetext has none or margin notes.
(19:35):
In a visual sense, annotationsare more about content
engagement than visual markup.
This setup suits reading andnoting in novels, articles or
code snippets, where readabilitytrumps layout.
It's less notebook-like thanPDFs but more seamless for
long-term text.
Key contrast PDFs offerimmersive paper-like annotation
(19:59):
with direct stylus input onfixed pages, ideal for visual or
structured documents.
Text files emphasize text-basedtools like reflowable highlights
and attached notes, better forfluid reading but lacking
positional freedom.
Both support handwrittenelements via the Scribe stylus,
but PDFs feel more creative andversatile for markup, exporting
(20:24):
files, getting your annotationsoff the device.
Once annotated, you'll want toexport your work for backup,
sharing or further editing.
So I was exported mine forbackup.
So I got a copy of my annotatedfile and my screenwriter also
(20:49):
got the same files, so I wassharing in that case.
The Scribes export process isemail-based but the output
differs based on how annotationsare stored in each format.
Exporting PDFs Process Open thePDF, tap the share icon Remember
(21:10):
that's the square at the topright with an arrow pointing out
one corner and choose quicksend to your registered email or
share via email for customrecipients.
The device generates a downloadlink to a modified PDF file
which expires in seven days.
(21:31):
What you get?
Annotations are flattened intothe PDF, direct handwriting.
Underlines and highlightsappear embedded on the pages
exactly as written Handwrittenor text.
Sticky notes are appended atthe end as separate pages.
If you used Active Canvas,these nodes integrate seamlessly
(21:53):
.
Format Export as a standard PDFviewable on any device.
No searchable text conversionunless notes were typed.
Limitations the original PDFisn't altered on the device.
Exports create a new version.
Large files might take time toprocess and there's no bulk
(22:17):
export.
This results in a professional,integrated document, great for
sharing marked up contracts orannotated reports.
Now exporting text files.
So remember these are filesthat started life as a text file
and then they go into theKindle and you annotate them and
(22:40):
now you're ready to send themback out with the annotations on
them.
So process Same as PDFs.
Open the file, tap share andselect email options.
A download link is sent for theexported file.
Email options A download linkis sent for the exported file.
(23:01):
What you get the exported fileis typically a PDF version of
the text document withhighlights and underlines
preserved in their reflowedpositions.
Sticky notes, handwritten ortyped, are collected and
appended at the end, notembedded on specific pages.
There's no flattening of directmarkup, since text doesn't
(23:23):
support it.
Format converts to PDF forexport, making it shareable but
losing native text.
Simplicity.
Handwritten notes in stickiesremain as images in the appendix
.
Limitations no on-page drawingsto export.
(23:44):
So the focus is on the textannotations.
If you want just the notes,without the full document, you
can access them via the Scribe'snotebook view.
But full export includeseverything.
This is useful for compilingreading notes or summaries, but
(24:08):
the output feels more like areport than an edited journal or
original Key contrast, PDFexports deliver a cohesive,
annotated file with in-placemarkups mimicking a scanned
handwritten document.
Text exports prioritize appendednotes and reflowable highlights
(24:29):
into converted PDF.
Better for textual analysis,but less visually integrated.
Both methods are email only, nodirect USB.
Exportations of annotations andlinks expire quickly, so
download promptly.
(24:49):
For advanced users, third partytools like Calibre can help
manage exports, but they'reoutside Amazon's ecosystem.
Final thoughts which formatshould you choose?
The Kindle Scribe handles PDFsand text files competently, but
your choice depends on needs.
Opt for PDFs when visualprecision and direct markup are
(25:12):
key example academic papers andtext for simple readable text
with easy highlights exampledrafts or books.
Receiving is straightforwardfor both, but annotation and
export reveal the core divideFixed versus reflowable.
If Amazon adds more hybridfeatures in future updates, the
(25:33):
gap might narrow, but as of of2025, these differences make the
scribe a versatile tool fordiverse workflows.
Have you tried both formats onyour scribe?
Share the tips in the commentsFor more deep dives.
Stay tuned.
Okay, so that's, uh, all I havetoday and, as I say this uh
(26:08):
will be paired with a videowhere, um, I hope, I hope, uh to
make clear, um, what thesesituations actually look like,
and I will give the URL of thevideo, which is on YouTube.
I'll give that in the episodedescription once I've made it.
(26:31):
I haven't made it yet, so Ihave to do that first before I
upload this.
Well, I hope that you'relearning as I am learning, and
there will be affiliate links inthe episode description, and,
as an Amazon associate, I earnfrom qualifying purchases.
(26:54):
So thank you for listening andI hope you'll come back next
time.
Hello, today I wanted to talk about contrasting PDF
and text file handling on theKindle Scribe, namely receiving,
annotating and exporting.
This audio episode is pairedwith a video that I'm going to
(00:24):
make on YouTube, and I will putthe coordinates of that video in
the episode description.
Before I get to the main topic,I'd just like to run through a
little bit of vocabulary.
So, first of all, a reflowablefile On a Kindle Scribe.
(00:49):
A reflowable file is a documentlike an e-book that
automatically adjusts its textand layout to fit the screen
size and user preferences.
This means the reader canchange font size, font type and
margins, and the text willrearrange itself to fit the new
(01:10):
settings without losing contentor design elements.
Here's a more detailedexplanation.
Flexibility Unlike fixed layoute-books like PDFs Unlike fixed
layout e-books like PDFs,reflowable e-books are designed
to adapt to different screensizes and orientations.
(01:31):
Portrait or landscapeCustomization Readers can
customize the text appearance byadjusting fonts, font types,
line spacing and margins, andthe e-book will reflow to
accommodate these changes.
Content preservation Reflowableformat ensures that all the
(01:59):
content is displayed even whenthe layout is adjusted, making
it ideal for books with a lot oftext, like novels and
non-fiction.
Making it ideal for books witha lot of text, like novels and
non-fiction.
Example, if a reader increasesthe font size in a reflowable
e-book, the text will wrap tothe next line and the page will
adjust accordingly, withoutcutting off words or paragraphs.
The Kindle Scribe also allowsfor handwritten notes on
(02:23):
reflowable documents, and theseannotations will also reflow and
adapt to the text.
So that's going to be importantfor our discussion of text
files sent to the Kindle scribe.
Now the next little bit ofvocabulary is sticky notes.
(02:46):
Okay, so on a Kindle scribe,sticky notes are a feature that
allows users to add handwrittenor typed notes to e-books and
documents, similar to placing aphysical sticky note on a page.
These notes can be added bytapping on a highlighted passage
(03:06):
or directly onto a page.
In supported files, the notesare stored separately from the
main text and can be reviewed,organized and exported.
Here's a more detaileddescription Adding sticky notes.
When reading an e-book ordocument on the Kindle Scribe,
(03:27):
users can highlight a passageand then tap to add a sticky
note.
They can then type or handwritetheir note using the included
stylus Organizing notes.
The Kindle Scribe automaticallyorganizes all sticky notes by
book and stores them in oneplace, making it easy to find
(03:48):
and review them later.
Exporting notes Sticky notesand other annotations can be
exported from the Kindle Scribe,often as a PDF file for use on
other devices or for sharing.
New feature the ability tohandwrite notes directly onto
e-books and documents is a newfeature with their Kindle Scribe
(04:11):
, as previous Kindle devicesprimarily relied on text-based
notes.
Versatile use Sticky notes canbe used for various purposes,
such as jotting down ideas,summarizing chapters, creating
to-do lists or marking importantpassages.
Not overlapping.
(04:32):
The sticky notes are designedto appear in the margin or a
designated area so they don'tcover the text you're reading.
Templates the Kindle Scribealso offers various notebook
templates where users can addsticky notes for organizing
thoughts, brainstorming orcreating lists.
So the next definition that Iwant to cover is active canvas.
(05:05):
So active canvas on the KindleScribe allows you to write
directly on the page of a bookor document and the text will
automatically reflow toaccommodate your notes.
This creates a more naturalwriting experience, similar to
writing in the margins of aphysical book.
You could also createexpandable margins for longer
(05:29):
nodes or collapse them to viewthe original text.
Here's a more detailedexplanation.
Direct interaction Instead ofseparate note-taking areas,
active Canvas lets you writedirectly on the page with the
Kindle Scribes.
Premium Pen.
Dynamic Text Adjustment as youwrite, the surrounding text
(05:52):
adjusts to make space for yournotes, keeping them in context
with the content you're reading.
Expandable Margins you cancreate expandable margins for
longer notes or comments andthen collapse them to see the
original text again.
Contextual notes the notes youcreate are linked to the text,
(06:15):
so they stay with the relevantcontent even if you change font
sizes or layouts.
Works with various formats.
Active Canvas is designed towork with books purchased from
the Kindle store, sideloadedEPUBs, and even PDFs and Word
documents, as long as the PDFshave an adjustable layout.
(06:41):
Okay, so, since margins came upin that discussion, I wanted to
say a little bit about what themargins are capable of.
So the margins of a document ona Kindle scribe play a crucial
role in enabling and enhancingthe note-taking experience,
(07:02):
particularly with the expandablemargin feature.
Dedicated space for notes andannotations the margin provides
a dedicated area where you canwrite directly onto the document
, including e-books and eligibleWord documents.
Expandable for longer notes Ifyour notes extend beyond the
(07:24):
initial margin space, you canexpand it to accommodate longer
thoughts or detailed annotations.
Sticky note integration Evenwhen the expandable margin is
closed notes created within itare accessible as sticky notes
anchored to specific passages inyour document.
Contextual note-taking thenotes made in the margin remain
(07:47):
tied to the specific text,ensuring the context of your
thoughts is preserved.
Adjustable and flexible you cancustomize the expandable margin
by adjusting its width andchoosing between a docked view
beside the text or an overlayview on top of the text.
Streamlined review the presenceof note icons in the margin
(08:10):
quickly indicates which pagescontain annotations, simplifying
the review process.
In essence, the margins on theKindle Scribe, especially with
the expandable margin feature,facilitate a more natural and
integrated way to engage with.
The expandable margin featurefacilitate a more natural and
integrated way to engage withthe document and capture your
thoughts while reading.
(08:32):
So that's a little bit ofbackground and I hope, on the, a
video that will pair with thisaudio broadcast to be able to
show you that on the KindleScribe, all those features that
(08:53):
we talked about.
But the main topic I'm going tobe interested in because it's
what I'm involved in doing atthe moment.
I'm working with someone wholikes to type up her notes in
text in a text file, and I havebeen converting the text file to
(09:18):
PDF.
So I asked myself what wouldhappen if I didn't bother to
convert to PDF and just sent thetext note and annotated it.
So there are two situationshere PDF and text, and so the
main topic is contrasting PDFand text file handling on the
(09:42):
Kindle Scribe receiving,annotating and exporting.
So the documents that I havecome from a screenwriter.
I've published two fictionbooks and both are being made
into screenplays.
The first one, the written workis done, and for the second one
, the written work is inprogress and it involves files
(10:02):
going back and forth between meand the screenwriter.
First one, the written work isdone, and for the second one,
the written work is in progressand it involves files going back
and forth between me and thescreenwriter.
So I'm actually experiencingthis process myself at the
moment.
So just a word to remind youabout the Kindle Scribe.
(10:24):
It was released in late 2024and stands out for its large
10.2-inch e-ink display andincluded stylus, making it a
powerhouse for note-taking anddocument markup.
But not all file formats arecreated equal on the scribe.
(10:47):
In this blog post I'll contrastthe process of receiving,
annotating and exporting PDFfiles versus text files, based
on official Amazon documentationand user experiences as of 2025
.
Whether you're a studentmarking up research papers or a
professional jotting notes inplain text docs.
(11:08):
Understanding these differencescan optimize your workflow.
Receiving files Now we've beenover some of this already in the
videos and the audio posts.
Receiving files how they arriveon your Kindle Scribe the first
step in working with anydocument on the Kindle Scribe is
(11:30):
getting it onto the device.
Amazon provides several methodsfor transferring files, but the
experience varies slightlybetween PDF and text files, due
to their inherent structure, andtext files.
Due to their inherent structure, pdfs are fixed layout
documents, while text files aresimple, reflowable text.
(11:53):
So we know what reflowable textis now, because we went over it
.
Receiving PDFs PDFs are one ofthe most commonly used formats
on the scribe, especially foracademic or professional
documents like articles,contracts or reports.
The primary and recommendedmethod is Amazon's Send to
Kindle service, which supportsPDFs up to 50 MB in size Via
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email.
Each Kindle account has aunique atkindlecom email address
.
Attach the PDF to an email andsend it to your device To
preserve the original layout.
Crucial for annotations.
Include the word convert in thesubject line only if you want
it reflowed.
Otherwise, leave it blank forfixed layout reflowed.
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Otherwise, leave it blank forfixed layout Via web or app.
Use the Center Kindle websiteor the mobile desktop apps to
upload PDFs directly.
This method ensures seamlessintegration into your library
Via USB.
Connect the scribe to acomputer via USB-C and drag the
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PDF into the Documents folder.
However, older PDFs transferredthis way or certain USB-loaded
files may not support fullannotation features like direct
writing on the page.
Amazon recommends CentiKindlefor optimal compatibility.
(13:28):
Once received, pdfs appear inyour library as fixed-page
documents, maintaining theiroriginal formatting, images and
layout.
This makes them ideal forcontent where positioning
matters.
But it can lead to smaller texton the described screen unless
you zoom in.
But it can lead to smaller texton the described screen unless
you zoom in.
Receiving text files Text files, being plain text without
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formatting, are nativelysupported on Kindles and handled
as reflowable documents,meaning the text adjusts to your
font size and screenorientation for easier reading.
Via Send to Kindle, similar toPDFs, you can email text files
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to your atkindlecom address orupload them via the web app.
Amazon doesn't convert textfiles.
They remain as is, but thedevice treats them like basic
e-books, applying your preferredreading settings example, font
type, size and margins Via USB.
Drag and drop into thedocuments folder works
(14:36):
flawlessly, with no restrictionson features.
Text files are lightweight,often under 1MB, so transfers
are quick.
Upon arrival, text filesintegrate into your library like
any Kindle book with reflowabletext that wraps naturally.
This is great for novels,scripts or notes, but lacks the
(14:57):
visual fidelity of PDFs noimages, tables or fixed
positioning.
Key contrast Both formatssupport the same transfer
methods, but PDFs that benefitmore from Center Kindle to
enable advanced features likedirect markup.
Text files are simpler and moreflexible in display, with no
(15:21):
layout concerns If you'redealing with large batches.
Center Kindle caps at 25 filesper send for both, but USB has
no limit.
So and now to somethingimportant, at least for me,
because this is where I come inwith this exchange I'm having at
(15:42):
the moment with my screenwriter, with this exchange I'm having
at the moment with myscreenwriter Annotating files,
markup tools and user experience.
Annotation is where KindleScribe shines, thanks to its
pressure-sensitive stylus andlow-latency writing.
(16:04):
However, pdfs and text filesoffer distinctly different
experiences because of theirlayouts fixed versus reflowable
which affects how annotationsare applied and viewed.
Annotating PDFs PDFs on theScribe are treated as print-like
documents, allowing directon-page markup that feels like
(16:25):
writing on paper Directhandwriting, use the stylus to
write, draw or underlineanywhere on the page.
This is the standout feature.
Annotations stick to the exactposition even if you zoom or
rotate.
For example, you can circlediagrams, drop margin notes or
sketch over text Highlights andsticky notes.
(16:48):
Tap and hold to highlight textor add handwritten sticky notes
that attach to specific spots.
The active canvas mode lets youwrite in margins or blank
spaces without obstructingcontent.
Tools Accessor toolbar with pentypes Fountain pen, ballpoint,
(17:09):
highlighter, eraser, lasso formoving notes and undo redo.
You can also insert blank pagesfor extra notes.
Limitations If the PDF wasloaded via USB or is an older
file, direct writing might notwork.
Instead, you're limited tosticky notes.
Reflowable PDFs converted losesome precision in positioning.
(17:34):
This makes PDFs perfect fortechnical documents where
special context matters, likeannotating blueprints or
research papers.
However, zooming in and outfrequently can disrupt the flow
and dense pages might feelcramped.
Now, by contrast and I did thiswith the files I got from the
(17:56):
screenwriter I sent her textfile directly and I sent her PDF
directly and I annotated bothPDF directly and I annotated
both, which wasn't much workbecause she's doing an excellent
job and then I compared whatshe got when I sent back the
(18:24):
annotated file.
That began as a text file andthe annotated file that began as
a PDF.
Text files behave like on thevideo.
I'll be able to show you moreclearly.
Text files behave like standardKindle ebooks, with annotations
focused on text selectionrather than freeform drawing on
a fixed canvas.
Highlights and underlines Tapand drag to highlight or
(18:47):
underline text.
These reflow with the content.
If you change font size, thehighlights adjust automatically.
Sticky notes Add handwritten ortyped notes attached to
highlighted text.
Handwritten sticky notes openin a separate pop-up window
where you can write freely withthe stylus, but they're not
embeddable directly on the pagelike in PDFs Tools.
(19:11):
The same stylus toolbar appearsbut since text is reflowable,
there's no direct on-pagewriting.
Instead, notes are anchored totext selections.
No active canvas or insertedpages, as the format doesn't
support fixed layout Limitations.
No drawing over images, sincetext has none or margin notes.
(19:35):
In a visual sense, annotationsare more about content
engagement than visual markup.
This setup suits reading andnoting in novels, articles or
code snippets, where readabilitytrumps layout.
It's less notebook-like thanPDFs but more seamless for
long-term text.
Key contrast PDFs offerimmersive paper-like annotation
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with direct stylus input onfixed pages, ideal for visual or
structured documents.
Text files emphasize text-basedtools like reflowable highlights
and attached notes, better forfluid reading but lacking
positional freedom.
Both support handwrittenelements via the Scribe stylus,
but PDFs feel more creative andversatile for markup, exporting
(20:24):
files, getting your annotationsoff the device.
Once annotated, you'll want toexport your work for backup,
sharing or further editing.
So I was exported mine forbackup.
So I got a copy of my annotatedfile and my screenwriter also
(20:49):
got the same files, so I wassharing in that case.
The Scribes export process isemail-based but the output
differs based on how annotationsare stored in each format.
Exporting PDFs Process Open thePDF, tap the share icon Remember
(21:10):
that's the square at the topright with an arrow pointing out
one corner and choose quicksend to your registered email or
share via email for customrecipients.
The device generates a downloadlink to a modified PDF file
which expires in seven days.
(21:31):
What you get?
Annotations are flattened intothe PDF, direct handwriting.
Underlines and highlightsappear embedded on the pages
exactly as written Handwrittenor text.
Sticky notes are appended atthe end as separate pages.
If you used Active Canvas,these nodes integrate seamlessly
(21:53):
.
Format Export as a standard PDFviewable on any device.
No searchable text conversionunless notes were typed.
Limitations the original PDFisn't altered on the device.
Exports create a new version.
Large files might take time toprocess and there's no bulk
(22:17):
export.
This results in a professional,integrated document, great for
sharing marked up contracts orannotated reports.
Now exporting text files.
So remember these are filesthat started life as a text file
and then they go into theKindle and you annotate them and
(22:40):
now you're ready to send themback out with the annotations on
them.
So process Same as PDFs.
Open the file, tap share andselect email options.
A download link is sent for theexported file.
Email options A download linkis sent for the exported file.
(23:01):
What you get the exported fileis typically a PDF version of
the text document withhighlights and underlines
preserved in their reflowedpositions.
Sticky notes, handwritten ortyped, are collected and
appended at the end, notembedded on specific pages.
There's no flattening of directmarkup, since text doesn't
(23:23):
support it.
Format converts to PDF forexport, making it shareable but
losing native text.
Simplicity.
Handwritten notes in stickiesremain as images in the appendix
.
Limitations no on-page drawingsto export.
(23:44):
So the focus is on the textannotations.
If you want just the notes,without the full document, you
can access them via the Scribe'snotebook view.
But full export includeseverything.
This is useful for compilingreading notes or summaries, but
(24:08):
the output feels more like areport than an edited journal or
original Key contrast, PDFexports deliver a cohesive,
annotated file with in-placemarkups mimicking a scanned
handwritten document.
Text exports prioritize appendednotes and reflowable highlights
(24:29):
into converted PDF.
Better for textual analysis,but less visually integrated.
Both methods are email only, nodirect USB.
Exportations of annotations andlinks expire quickly, so
download promptly.
(24:49):
For advanced users, third partytools like Calibre can help
manage exports, but they'reoutside Amazon's ecosystem.
Final thoughts which formatshould you choose?
The Kindle Scribe handles PDFsand text files competently, but
your choice depends on needs.
Opt for PDFs when visualprecision and direct markup are
(25:12):
key example academic papers andtext for simple readable text
with easy highlights exampledrafts or books.
Receiving is straightforwardfor both, but annotation and
export reveal the core divideFixed versus reflowable.
If Amazon adds more hybridfeatures in future updates, the
(25:33):
gap might narrow, but as of of2025, these differences make the
scribe a versatile tool fordiverse workflows.
Have you tried both formats onyour scribe?
Share the tips in the commentsFor more deep dives.
Stay tuned.
Okay, so that's, uh, all I havetoday and, as I say this uh
(26:08):
will be paired with a videowhere, um, I hope, I hope, uh to
make clear, um, what thesesituations actually look like,
and I will give the URL of thevideo, which is on YouTube.
I'll give that in the episodedescription once I've made it.
(26:31):
I haven't made it yet, so Ihave to do that first before I
upload this.
Well, I hope that you'relearning as I am learning, and
there will be affiliate links inthe episode description, and,
as an Amazon associate, I earnfrom qualifying purchases.
(26:54):
So thank you for listening andI hope you'll come back next
time.
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