How do I know I am using the most up-to-date print version and PDF format of the OpenStax textbook?

How Do I Know If I Have the Most Current Revision of My Book?

OpenStax periodically releases new revisions of our PDF and print textbooks between editions to incorporate content improvements and errata corrections. To check whether you have the most current revision, compare the revision number in your textbook with the revision number in the PDF available on your book's Details page at openstax.org. The PDF available for download will always be the most current PDF revision. This article explains how to locate and read revision numbers, as well as where to find information about reported and corrected errors.

Please note: Print copies may have an earlier revision number because existing inventory is sold before newer revisions become available.

Locating and Reading Revision Numbers

In both print and PDF formats, revision numbers are listed in the front matter, beneath the publisher and ISBN information, typically on page 4.

Here is an example from our current College Success PDF. Under the Original Publication Year, you'll find the revision number and the year it was revised. In this example, College Success is on revision 3, released in 2026. While this example is specific to College Success, all OpenStax textbooks follow the same revision number format.

College Success Revision Information in the PDF

Finding Reported and Corrected Errors

You can review reported and corrected errors on your textbook's Errata page, accessible from its Details page.

The Errata page allows you to view:

  • Errors that have been corrected

  • Reports that have been reviewed

  • Reports that are still under review

For an example, visit the College Success Errata page.

Finding the Most Current Revision

To ensure you and your students are using the same revision, we recommend linking directly to your textbook's Details page in your syllabus. Students can then download the most current PDF.

Our print partner transitions to newer revisions as existing print inventory is sold. As a result, the print version available for purchase may not always match the latest PDF revision.

For questions about the revision currently available in print, please contact our print partner, Kendall Hunt.

Kendall Hunt Contact Information

Learn More About Textbook Revisions

For more information about how OpenStax updates and improves textbooks, visit our blog post, OpenStax Textbook Revisions, Updates, and Improvements.

 

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