What is PML?

Palm Markup Language (PML) is an ebook format for Palm PDAs, using simple markup tags for text formatting.

What is LIT?

Microsoft Reader (LIT) is a legacy ebook format used by Microsoft Reader software for reading on Windows Mobile and PC.

When Should You Use PML vs LIT?

PML vs LIT: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: PML relies on lossy compression whereas LIT uses lossy compression.
• •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossy compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
• •Alpha channel support: LIT lacks transparency support.
• •File sizes: PML files typically range Very small, optimized for Palm and LIT files 300KB to 2MB per book.
• •Use case fit: PML targets palm pda ebooks, legacy mobile reading and LIT targets legacy microsoft reader ebooks — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of PML

• ✓PML applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for Palm PDA ebooks, legacy mobile reading.
• ✓PML enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓PML delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
• ✓You will find PML support built into virtually every tool that handles Palm PDA ebooks, legacy mobile reading — no plugins or converters needed.

Advantages of LIT

• ✓At its core, LIT relies on lossy encoding — a design choice that makes it perfect for Legacy Microsoft Reader ebooks.
• ✓You won't run into compatibility issues with LIT — it's a universal standard across platforms.
• ✓File size management with LIT: aggressive compression with minimal visible quality loss.
• ✓Every major application in the Legacy Microsoft Reader ebooks space supports LIT natively.

Common Use Cases for PML to LIT Conversion

• Mobile reading
• Travel guides and maps
• Cookbook layouts
• Comic and graphic novels
• Children picture books
• Reference encyclopedias

Industry Applications

Best Practices for PML to LIT Conversion

• →Converting PML to LIT: test the output on multiple reading devices before distribution
• →LIT offers good compatibility with various e-readers
• →Include proper metadata (title, author, ISBN) for better discoverability
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Troubleshooting PML to LIT Conversion

• !Font sizes appear inconsistent in the converted LIT → relative font sizing (em/rem) works better than absolute pixel sizes
• !The LIT ebook reflows poorly on different devices → test on both large and small screens to catch layout issues
• !Page numbers or chapter markers are missing in the converted LIT → some source formats do not encode explicit page break markers
• !Special characters or non-Latin scripts render incorrectly in LIT → ensure the source uses UTF-8 encoding before conversion

Related Ebook Converters

All Ebook Formats

More Ebook tools