If you use Calibre to manage your ebook library, this plugin integrates with Calibre’s content server, allowing you to:
Installing a single plugin like Progress Sync or Auto Frontlight can fundamentally improve your reading routine. Installing five or six can turn an old, forgotten tablet or a stock Kobo into a customized reading appliance that rivals dedicated hardware costing hundreds of dollars more.
The beauty of KOReader plugins is that you don’t need to use them all. Pick one that solves a specific pain point: losing your place across devices? Try Progress Sync. Hate navigating folders? Install Book Shortcuts. Want news on your ereader? News Downloader is your friend.
Start with the Plugin Manager, explore the list, and don’t be afraid to experiment. If a plugin doesn’t suit you, simply uninstall it—no harm done. In the world of open-source reading, KOReader plugins represent the ultimate form of user empowerment: you decide what your ereader can do.
Have a favorite KOReader plugin we didn’t mention? Join the discussion on MobileRead’s KOReader forum or open an issue on the KOReader GitHub repository—the community always welcomes new ideas and contributors.
Stock reading software is like a public library: quiet, standardized, and safe. KOReader with plugins is a personal laboratory.
Whether you want to turn your old Kindle into a scholarly PDF annotator (Zotero), a distraction-free newspaper reader (Wallabag), or a synchronized library across continents (KOSync), there is a plugin for that.
Start with KOSync and Wallabag. Once those change your reading habits, dive into the deep end with Zotero or Auto-Wi-Fi.
Do you have a favorite KOReader plugin that didn't make this list? Head over to the MobileRead forums to share your setup.
KOReader is highly extensible, allowing you to enhance its functionality through various community-made and built-in plugins. Must-Have Plugins
App Store Plugin: A convenient way to browse, download, and update other plugins and patches directly within KOReader.
Project Title: A major UI overhaul that replaces the standard file browser with a more modern "cover-focused" homepage, adding features like a faster title bar and progress bars for books.
KOReader Sync (Calibre): Synchronizes your reading progress and metadata between your device and your Calibre library.
FilebrowserPlus: Adds an integrated file browser that allows you to manage files wirelessly or via an interface within the app.
KoDashboard: Serves a local web dashboard from your device, allowing you to view statistics and manage settings from a phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi.
Mokuro Reader: Specifically for manga readers, it allows you to tap speech bubbles to select text for dictionary lookups if the files are processed with Mokuro. How to Install Plugins Manually
If you aren't using an "app store" plugin, you can install plugins manually by following these steps:
Locate your plugins directory: Connect your device to a computer via USB and find the koreader/plugins folder. Kobo: .adds/koreader/plugins/
Kindle: extensions/koreader/plugins/ (depending on your jailbreak/install method) koreader plugins
Copy the plugin folder: Plugins must be in their own folder ending in .koplugin (e.g., my_new_plugin.koplugin).
Ensure core files are present: Every plugin folder must contain at least a _meta.lua and a main.lua file.
Restart KOReader: Completely exit and restart the application for the plugin to appear in the menu. Plugin Management
Activation: Most plugins can be enabled or disabled via the Tools menu (hammer and screwdriver icon) or the Plugin Management menu in the system settings.
Removing Plugins: To uninstall, simply delete the specific .koplugin folder from your device's storage and restart KOReader.
Updates: If you installed a plugin manually, you generally need to download the latest release and overwrite the old files in the plugins directory. Creating Your Own
If you have a basic understanding of Lua, you can build your own. Community members suggest using popular plugins as templates to follow the established code style. If you'd like, let me know: What device you are using (Kindle, Kobo, Android, etc.)? g., syncing, UI changes, games)?
I can then provide specific installation paths or recommend the best plugin for your needs. Custom Plugin Not Loading in KOReader (Kindle) - GitHub
KOReader uses a modular architecture where most of its high-level features—like the Cover Browser, Dictionary, and Auto-warmth—are actually internal plugins. You can expand your device's capabilities by installing third-party plugins that add everything from Syncthing support to AI-generated summaries. 🚀 Must-Have Third-Party Plugins
While many features are built-in, these community-driven tools are widely recommended:
App Store Plugin: The easiest way to browse, install, and update other plugins directly from your e-reader.
Syncthing: Wirelessly sync your entire book library and reading progress across multiple devices.
Anki: Automatically export lookups and highlights from your books directly to Anki flashcards.
Hardcover: Track your reading status and post quotes directly to your Hardcover.app profile.
Project: Title: A major UI overhaul that replaces the standard file manager with a modern, commercial-looking cover gallery. 🛠️ How to Install Plugins
If you aren't using the App Store plugin, follow these manual steps: UPDATE: I made the Plugin! : r/koreader
KOReader plugins offer the ultimate way to customize your e-reading experience, turning a powerful open-source document viewer into a personalized e-reading powerhouse. Whether you read on a Kindle, Kobo, Android device, or PocketBook, plugins expand the core reading software by adding new user interfaces, wireless file syncing, cloud management, and external content platforms. 🛠️ Essential Built-In Plugins
When you install KOReader, several highly powerful plugins come pre-installed. These can be enabled or configured directly from the Tools or Plugin Management menu within the app. If you use Calibre to manage your ebook
Cover Browser: Enhances the file explorer with a visual grid view of your book covers instead of a plain list.
Calibre Companion: Allows you to send documents directly from your desktop Calibre library over local Wi-Fi.
Wallabag: Integrates directly with the self-hosted Wallabag read-it-later service to download articles for offline reading.
Reading Statistics: Tracks and visualizes how fast you read, how long you spend on each page, and predicts when you will finish a book.
Auto Warmth and Night Mode: Schedules temperature shifts for your e-reader's frontlight based on local time or a fixed schedule.
QR Code Generator: Generates a QR code from any highlighted text to scan and quickly paste quotes into your phone. 🚀 Top Third-Party Plugins KOReader User Guide
KOReader is already a powerhouse for E-Ink devices, but its plugin system is what transforms it from a simple document viewer into a personalized workstation. Because KOReader is open-source and scriptable via Lua, plugins can modify almost any part of the interface or reading engine.
Whether you’re using a Kindle, Kobo, PocketBook, or an Android e-reader, here is a deep dive into the world of KOReader plugins—how they work, the best ones to install, and how to manage them. Why Use KOReader Plugins?
The core philosophy of KOReader is "extreme customizability." While the base software handles EPUBs, PDFs, and DJVUs with ease, plugins allow you to:
Automate workflows: Sync reading progress to third-party services.
Enhance Research: Export highlights directly to note-taking apps.
Extend Hardware: Map physical buttons to specific software actions.
Connect: Download books wirelessly without plugging into a PC. Top KOReader Plugins You Should Be Using 1. Wallabag / Pocket Sync
If you use "read-it-later" services, these plugins are essential. Instead of reading long articles on a glowing phone screen, these plugins fetch your saved web links and format them into clean, E-Ink-friendly documents. Best for: Commuters and long-form journalism fans. 2. Zotero / Calibre Wireless
Managing a massive library is easier when you don't need a USB cable. The Calibre Wireless plugin allows KOReader to browse your Calibre library over Wi-Fi. For academics, the Zotero integration helps keep research papers and citations organized. 3. Statistics
For the data-driven reader, the Statistics plugin is usually enabled by default but often underutilized. It tracks your reading speed, estimated time to finish a chapter, and daily reading streaks. It provides a visual calendar of your habits, helping you stay consistent with your goals. 4. Progress Sync (Kosync)
If you jump between multiple devices (like an Android phone and a Kobo), the Progress Sync plugin is a lifesaver. It uses a small server (you can use the public one or self-host) to ensure that when you close a book on one device, the other opens exactly where you left off. 5. Auto-Warmth / Auto-Brightness
For devices with hardware front lights, this plugin automates the "comfort light" settings. You can set it to gradually transition to a warmer (amber) hue as the sun sets, mimicking the functionality of "Night Shift" on iOS or "Night Light" on Android. How to Install and Enable Plugins Stock reading software is like a public library:
Most essential plugins come pre-installed but are disabled by default to keep the interface clean. Open the Menu: Tap the top of the screen.
Navigate to Tools: Go to the "Tools" (screwdriver/wrench icon) tab. Plugin Manager: Select "Plugin Management."
Toggle: Tap the plugins you want to activate. Note that some may require a restart of KOReader to appear in the menus.
To add "User Plugins" (Third-Party):If you find a plugin on GitHub that isn't in the official build: Connect your device to a computer. Navigate to koreader/plugins/.
Create a new folder for the plugin and paste the .lua files inside. Restart KOReader. Managing the "Bloat"
The beauty of KOReader is that it doesn't slow down just because you have plugins installed. Because they are written in Lua, they are incredibly lightweight. However, for the best user experience, only enable the plugins you actually use. This keeps your long-press menus and top-bar settings uncluttered.
KOReader plugins take a great reading experience and make it professional-grade. From syncing your progress across the globe to automating your night-time reading light, these tools ensure your e-reader works exactly how you want it to.
KOReader has a powerful plugin system that allows you to extend its functionality, ranging from simple UI tweaks to integrating AI and external sync services
. While many are built-in, you can also find and install third-party plugins from community repositories like GitHub - koreader/contrib Popular Community Plugins Project Title
: A complete UI overhaul that changes the look and feel of the reader. HighlightSync
: Synchronizes and merges your highlights, notes, and bookmarks across multiple devices using cloud services like WebDAV or Dropbox. Obsidian Sync
: Directly pushes highlights and notes to your Obsidian vault over WiFi without using cables or third-party cloud services. ReadMastery
: Gamifies your reading experience with XP, levels, streaks, and achievements.
: A fast, standalone RSS reader for accessing web feeds directly on your device. KOAssistant / AI Plugins
: Integrates AI (like ChatGPT) to discuss text context or generate flashcard definitions for Anki. Filebrowser
: Allows you to access your e-reader's files via a web browser over WiFi for easier book transfers. How to Install Plugins
Title: Extending the Page: A Guide to KOReader Plugins
In the world of digital reading, the debate between dedicated e-readers and multipurpose tablets is ongoing. However, for power users who demand the customization of open-source software on their e-ink devices, KOReader stands as the undisputed champion. While the base installation of KOReader is a robust and feature-rich document viewer, its true potential is unlocked through its plugin architecture.
KOReader plugins allow users to tailor their reading experience to their specific workflow, transforming a simple reading device into a powerful tool for research, language learning, and productivity. This essay explores the utility of KOReader plugins, categorizes the most essential additions, and offers guidance on managing them effectively.
KOReader is designed with a "modular" philosophy. The developers wisely chose to keep the core application relatively lightweight, ensuring it runs smoothly on older devices and cheaper e-readers with limited processing power. By offloading specialized functions to plugins, the software avoids "bloat." A user who strictly reads fiction does not need the code required for academic citation running in the background. This plugin system ensures that the software remains fast and responsive while offering a buffet of features for those who need them.
