Koodo Reader — Cross-Platform eBook Reader for All Formats

Introduction

Koodo Reader is an open-source desktop and web-based eBook reader that handles a wide range of formats including EPUB, PDF, Mobi, AZW3, CBR, CBZ, FB2, DJVU, and more. It provides a distraction-free reading environment with annotation tools and progress tracking across platforms.

What Koodo Reader Does

• Opens and renders 15+ eBook formats including EPUB, PDF, Mobi, AZW3, CBR, and DJVU
• Highlights text and adds notes with color-coded bookmarks
• Tracks reading progress, time spent, and generates reading statistics
• Syncs library and reading data across devices via Dropbox, OneDrive, or WebDAV
• Provides text-to-speech, dictionary lookup, and translation within the reader

Architecture Overview

Koodo Reader is built with React and Electron, using epub.js for EPUB rendering and PDF.js for PDF display. The desktop version packages the web app inside Electron for native file system access. The web version runs entirely in the browser using IndexedDB for local storage. Cloud sync is handled by connecting to third-party storage providers rather than a proprietary backend.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Deploy the Docker image for a private web-based reader accessible from any browser
• Configure cloud sync with Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or any WebDAV server
• Import books by dragging files into the app or pointing to a local directory
• Customize fonts, themes, line spacing, and background colors
• Export highlights and notes as Markdown or plain text

Key Features

• Supports 15+ eBook and comic formats in a single application
• Multiple reading modes including single-page, double-page, and scroll view
• Runs offline as a desktop app or in any modern browser
• No account required and no data sent to external servers by default
• Touch-screen and keyboard shortcut support for comfortable reading

Comparison with Similar Tools

• Calibre — focuses on library management and conversion; Koodo Reader is a dedicated reader with a modern UI
• Foliate — Linux-only EPUB reader; Koodo Reader is cross-platform and handles more formats
• SumatraPDF — Windows-only and read-only; Koodo Reader adds annotations and sync
• KOReader — targets e-ink devices; Koodo Reader is designed for desktop and web use
• Adobe Digital Editions — DRM-focused; Koodo Reader is open-source and DRM-free

FAQ

Q: Can I self-host Koodo Reader for my team? A: Yes. The Docker image serves the web version on any port you configure.

Q: Does it support DRM-protected books? A: No. Koodo Reader only opens DRM-free files.

Q: Where is my reading data stored? A: Locally in the browser or on your desktop. Cloud sync is optional and uses your own storage provider.

Q: Can I import my Kindle highlights? A: You can import Kindle-format books (Mobi/AZW3) but not Kindle app highlights directly.

Sources

• https://github.com/koodo-reader/koodo-reader
• https://koodo.troyeguo.com