Calibre

Calibre is an ebook management software.

Prerequisite

• A Window or Linux computer. MacOs should work as well but was not tested.
• A Kobo eReader. The instructions should work for any Kobo of the touch, Glo, Mini and Aura families.

Install

Download

When the firmware of your Kobo is updated, you usually need an update Calibre to be able to synchronise your eBooks. For this reason, it is recommended to not install from your Linux distribution but directly from their website.

To install, go to https://calibre-ebook.com/download and follow instructions.

First-run

The first time you run calibre you will be asked a few question. The most important is the location of your library. Calibre will use this folder to store al the eBooks that you add to it.

Kobo setup

Calibre will allow you to send ebooks to your Kobo without any configuration. However, the following plugins will enhance your experience.

To install them, go to Preferences → Plug-ins → Get new plug-ins, select the plugin in the list and click Install.

KePub Metadata Reader / KePub Metadata Writer

These two plugins don't provide any features. They are just used as dependency by KePub Output and KoboTouch Extended.

KePub Output

Kobo readers are using Kepub files. Those are similar to standard Epub files but support additional functionalities.

This plugin allows conversion of ebooks to the kepub format.

KoboTouch Extended

This plugin replace the kobo driver that comes with Calibre, it allows the conversion to Kepub format transparently when you synchronise with a Kobo eReader.

eBooks with DRM

When you buy an eBook from most major online book stores, they are likely to be protected by DRM. This has two major consequences.

• You won't be able to convert your eBooks to the kepub format. This mean that advanced features not be available unless you buy your books on the Kobo store
• You might not be able to read the book on the device of your choice
• If the book store ever stop its operations, you might not be able to read your ebook at all

Fortunately it is possible to remove DRM from books allo.ing you to use the file that you legally purchased.

Warning:

Removing DRM from the eBooks you purchased is illegal in some countries. Check the law before doing it. Do not share your eBooks illegally. Tagging technologies allow publishers to find the original purchaser of an eBook. You have been warned!