Skip to content

OverDrive formats

Libraries and schools build their own OverDrive collections, comprised of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more. This means that each collection has a unique offering of titles.

The Library Account API will tell you which formats are offered by the library or school. Then, if your application supports borrowing, you'll use the Checkouts API to fulfill titles and serve them in the correct format to users. Some titles may be available in multiple formats.

Use the table below to see all of the formats and format identifiers available in the OverDrive APIs.

IdentifierDescription
ebook-kindleKindle Book
ebook-overdriveOverDrive Read ebook
ebook-mediadoMedia Do ebook
magazine-overdriveOverDrive magazine
audiobook-overdriveOverDrive Listen audiobook

After a user borrows a title:

  • OverDrive Read titles, OverDrive Listen titles, and OverDrive magazines open directly in the user's browser.
  • Kindle Books are fulfilled through Amazon and must be opened on a Kindle device or reading app.
  • Media Do books open in the user's browser in Media Do Reader. These titles typically read right-to-left.