Free online LIT to FB2 converter

Older Microsoft Reader purchases and backups may be stored as .lit files, but FB2 is required by readers such as FBReader, Cool Reader, KOReader, and some PocketBook devices. Converting an accessible LIT book also creates an editable XML-based copy for migration or archival.

What LIT files contain

LIT is the proprietary ebook container used by Microsoft Reader, a Windows and Pocket PC application discontinued in 2012. Most LIT titles date from the early 2000s and may appear in old ebook libraries or backups.

The format is based on Microsoft’s compiled Open eBook implementation and can contain structured XHTML-like text, images, metadata, and a table of contents. Some commercial files use Microsoft Reader DRM, which encrypts the content and may depend on a former device authorization.

What FB2 files provide

FB2, or FictionBook 2.0, is an open XML ebook format used especially in Russian- and Eastern European-oriented reading software. An .fb2 file stores structured text and metadata, including headings, paragraphs, quotations, poems, notes, cover data, and embedded images.

FB2 is reflowable: the reading application adapts text to its screen size and user-selected font settings. Its XML structure is practical for editing metadata and preserving semantic book structure, but it does not reproduce fixed pages or every publisher-specific visual style.

Convert an accessible LIT file

1. Open the LIT-to-FB2 converter on 101convert.com.
2. Select the source .lit file and choose FB2 as the output format.
3. Start the conversion, then save the generated .fb2 file.
4. Open the result in the intended FB2 reader and check the title, author, chapter navigation, cover, notes, and images.

The converter can be used free of charge without installing software. Renaming book.lit to book.fb2 changes only the filename; it does not convert the ebook data.

Local conversion with Calibre

Calibre can convert unencrypted LIT files locally. Add the file with Add books, select it in the library, then use Convert books → Convert individually. Set Output format to FB2, review title, author, cover, and table-of-contents settings, and select OK. Use Save to disk to copy the resulting file outside the Calibre library.

For scripted local conversion, Calibre provides:

ebook-convert input.lit output.fb2

DRM and conversion limits

DRM-protected LIT files cannot be converted by normal format converters, because their text and images are encrypted. An FB2 file cannot retain Microsoft Reader DRM. If a purchased book is protected, check whether the seller or rights holder provides a current replacement or download option.

Ordinary text, headings, basic metadata, chapter structure, and many images usually convert well. Fixed page numbers, original font choices, margins, complex tables, positioned content, decorative typography, and unusual styling may be lost or simplified. Keep the original LIT file and inspect the converted book in the reader that will use it.