Most protected EPUB files are encrypted using either Adobe Adept DRM (distributed via .acsm license files) or Readium LCP DRM (distributed via .lcpl license files).
To convert these license files into DRM-free EPUBs or PDFs, you can use Calibre (a free, open-source method that requires initial plugin setup) or dedicated software (a streamlined, one-click commercial solution).
Method 1: Remove EPUB DRM via Calibre (Free & Open-Source)
1. Remove Adobe Adept DRM (.acsm Files)
Step 1Download and install the latest calibre.
Step 2Download the DeACSM plugin and DeDRM plugin
Download the DeACSM plugin (.zip).
Download the DeDRM tools (.zip) and extract the package. Locate the internal file named DeDRM_plugin.zip.
Step 3Load Plugins into Calibre
Open Calibre and navigate to Preferences > Plugins > Load plugin from file. Select the DeACSM plugin .zip file, click "Yes", and Restart Calibre. And repeat the process to load DeDRM_plugin.zip and restart Calibre again.
Step 4Authorize DeACSM with Your Adobe Account
Go to Preferences > Plugins, expand the File type section, and double-click DeACSM > Click Link to ADE account. Then sign in using your Adobe ID or ByteBooks ID. Leave the ADE version set to the default (ADE 2.0.1).
Step 5Import ACSM Files
Drag the .acsm file into Calibre. DeACSM downloads the protected EPUB or PDF; DeDRM then removes the Adobe DRM automatically.
For detailed instructions on removing Adobe Adept DRM using Calibre, see this guide.
2. Remove Readium LCP DRM (.lcpl Files)
Official DeDRM dropped LCP support. You need the LCPL Input plugin plus a manually rebuilt DeDRM plugin that re-enables LCP.
Step 1Download LCPL Input plugin and DeDRM Tools
Download LCPL Input Plugin Here
Step 2Rebuild the LCP-Enabled DeDRM Plugin
1. Extract the DeDRM_tools.zip you downloaded. Navigate into the extracted folder and locate the subfolder named DeDRM_plugin.
2. Download the updated __init__.py here and lcpdedrm.py here(Note: When you click the download link for __init__.py, you will get lcp.py instead. So you will renamed it as __init__.py)
3. Move your newly downloaded __init__.py and lcpdedrm.py into this DeDRM_plugin folder, replacing the existing files.
4. Repackage the DeDRM plugin. Navigate to the unzipped DeDRM-tools folder containing the make_release.py file. Right-click and select Open in Terminal, then run: python make_release.py(Note:Ensure Python is installed)
5. Once finished, a new file named DeDRM_plugin.zip will be generated inside that same folder.
Step 3Load LCPL Input Plugin and DeDRM Plugin to Calibre
In Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins > Load plugin from file > Select and install the LCPL Input Plugin zip file > Repeat the process to load your freshly built DeDRM_plugin.zip > Restart Calibre to apply the changes.
Step 4Add Your Passphrase
A passphrase is required to remove LCP DRM. To add it: open the DeDRM plugin settings > Customize plugin > Readium LCP ebooks > click the "+" icon > enter the passphrase from your library or eBook store > click "OK" to save it.
Step 5Remove LCP DRM
Simply drag and drop .lcpl or .lcpdf files into Calibre — you’ll get DRM-free EPUB or PDF files.
For detailed instructions on removing LCP DRM using Calibre, see this guide.
Method 2: Remove EPUB DRM via Epubor Tools (One-Click Solution)
If you prefer to avoid manually setting up Calibre plugins or executing Python scripts, Epubor provides direct, specialized tools.
1. Remove Adobe Adept DRM with Epubor ACSM Mate
Epubor ACSM Mate downloads and decrypts .acsm files into DRM-free EPUBs or PDFs—no Adobe Digital Editions required. Here’s a quick how-to:
1. Launch Epubor ACSM Mate.
2. Enter your Adobe ID or ByteBooks ID.
3. Drag and drop your .acsm files into the software interface to generate DRM-free EPUBs/PDFs instantly.
For detailed instructions on removing Adobe Adept DRM with Epubor ACSM Mate, see this guide.
2. Remove LCP DRM with Epubor BookWalker Mate
For books protected by Readium LCP DRM, Epubor BookWalker Mate streamlines the download and decryption process. Here’s a quick how-to:
1. Launch Epubor BookWalker Mate.
2. Import your .lcpl file into the program.
3. Enter your account passphrase.
4. Click the "Start Conversion" button to strip LCP DRM and download files as standard EPUBs.
For detailed instructions on removing LCP DRM with Epubor BookWalker Mate, see this guide.
Conclusion
Calibre is a free, open-source eBook manager that requires manual plugin setup for DRM removal, while Epubor tools are paid, automated utilities offering instant, one-click DRM removal with direct customer support.
1. To liberate more ebooks, check out this guide.
2. To liberate more audiobooks, check out this guide.
Amy Lopez crafts informative articles on eBooks and eReaders, uncovering optimal methods to enhance your eBook reading experience, and eagerly shares her findings with you.
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May I ask which steps do you have problem with?
If it is not working for you, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
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Epubor Team
Thank you so much, you are a lifesaver.
I have a completely new to this. Just bought an ereader. Got a pocketbook exactly because I didn't want to deal with kindle amazon or other drm BS. I just want to download a simple epub, use a simple usb cable and put it on the ereader and use it.
So I buy my first ebook...
I was already angry when I found out I needed not only an adobe app but even to make an account to even download the damn thing.
I became really pissed off when I find out I can only open the file in said adobe app and need adobe on my device as well. I want it on my ereader. I go through all the trouble of making the account and activating it on my ereader... and it doesn't even work!
It's not that I'm bad with tech but don't want all this stuff on my devices. I bought it and I should own it. I hate going through all these hoops as well.
So thank you for this really easy guide. Reading should be easy. I can't express enough how much I appreciate it.