What is LIT?

LIT (Literature) files are Microsoft's proprietary eBook format designed for Microsoft Reader application. Based on CHM (Compiled HTML) format, LIT featured ClearType font rendering technology for improved screen readability, DRM protection, bookmarks, annotations, and highlighting. Microsoft Reader was available for Windows and Windows Mobile/Pocket PC devices, predating Kindle and modern eReaders by several years.

LIT format saw brief commercial success from 2000-2005 when Microsoft Reader was popular on PDAs and tablets. Several publishers distributed eBooks in LIT format. Microsoft discontinued the format in 2011, and Microsoft Reader was removed from Windows Store in 2012. Today, LIT files are obsolete but may be encountered in old eBook collections. Converting LIT to EPUB or PDF is necessary for modern reading, using tools like Calibre with the ConvertLIT plugin.

Did you know? Microsoft Reader was one of the first eReader apps, predating the Kindle!

History

Microsoft developed LIT format for their Microsoft Reader application, hoping to dominate the emerging eBook market in the early 2000s.

Key Milestones

  • 2000: Microsoft Reader launched
  • 2002: Tablet PC integration
  • 2005: Peak usage period
  • 2007: Amazon Kindle launched
  • 2011: Microsoft discontinues format
  • 2012: Microsoft Reader removed

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • ClearType: Enhanced screen rendering
  • DRM Protection: Content encryption
  • Annotations: Notes and highlights
  • Bookmarks: Reading position
  • Dictionary: Built-in lookup
  • Text-to-Speech: Audio reading

Common Use Cases

Legacy eBooks

Old eBook archives

Conversion

Format migration to EPUB

Historical

eBook format research

Old Devices

Windows Mobile PDAs

Advantages

  • Excellent ClearType rendering
  • Rich annotation features
  • Good DRM implementation
  • Text-to-speech support
  • Dictionary integration
  • Pioneered eBook features

Disadvantages

  • Completely obsolete format
  • Microsoft Reader discontinued
  • DRM prevents easy conversion
  • Windows-only software
  • No modern device support
  • Limited conversion tools

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .lit
MIME Type application/x-ms-reader
Base Format CHM-based
DRM Microsoft proprietary
Rendering ClearType font technology
Status Discontinued (2011)

Common Tools

  • Legacy: Microsoft Reader (discontinued)
  • Conversion: Calibre + ConvertLIT plugin
  • DRM Removal: ConvertLIT (DRM-free only)
  • Alternative: Convert to EPUB or PDF for modern devices