Version 9.15.0 · GPL-3.0-only · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to Calibre?Compare SumatraPDF, Okular.Compare alternativesWith Calibre you give your digital bookcase structure. You add e-books, customize titles and authors, and search books back for attributes. You can convert supported formats and transfer books to a suitable e-reader.
You mainly benefit from a library with consistent book data. Series and folders make leaves easier. The built-in reader helps you check a book before putting it on your e-reader.
Download Calibre
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Converting an e-book for your own reader
Import a copy of the book and choose an output format that supports your e-reader. After conversion, check the table of contents, images and paragraphs on the device itself. Successful conversion does not guarantee an identical page layout. Calibre does not by default remove any kind of copy protection; compatibility of the format and access rights are different issues.
Compare Calibre with alternatives
Do you just want to read an e-book or also manage your entire book collection and convert files? That distinction determines whether you need a loose reader or Calibre. Check the e-book format and any copy protection; format support does not mean that every secure purchase opens just like that.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| CalibreYou are viewing this app | You manage an e-book library, customize book data, convert supported formats and use a built-in reader. That's much wider than just opening a book. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-3.0-only |
| SumatraPDFView this alternative | You will read supported EPUB and MOBI files in a compact Windows reader. You don't get a full library and conversion environment like in Calibre. | WindowsGPL-3.0-only,BSD-2-Clause |
| OkularView this alternative | In addition to PDF, you will also open supported e-book formats in a document reader. Check the required format support for your installation. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
This is useful if you store e-books from different sources or use multiple reading devices. For reading only within one closed shopping app, the added value is more limited. For textbooks with complicated tables and fixed page layout, you need to be extra critical on a conversion to a fluent text format.
Getting started
First add a small folder of books and check the book details. Save a copy of your original files when converting.
Privacy
Your library is in your own storage facility. Retrieving metadata, sending by e-mail and making it available via a content server are separate online operations. Check which one you're turning on. A shared library can show more about your interests through titles and notes than you expect.
Good to know
You can't just convert books with copy protection. A conversion can change the format, especially with complex PDFs.
Please note
Calibre does not remove DRM security by default. Do not move or rename files in the managed library directly to improve the format. Make a reserve of the entire library, including database. Save original books when converting, so you can recreate an unfavorable result.
Advantages
- You combine library management, metadata editing and format conversion.
- You can prepare books for different reading devices.
- Your collection remains more transparent when you consistently track authors, series and editions.
Things to consider
- Conversion can change the original format.
- Secure shopping books are not automatically usable.
- You have to take into account your own directory structure and database of Calibre when moving and backing up.
Download Calibre
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · calibre-ebook.com
Version history
9.15.0
You can customize multiple markings at once and get recovery for read and document conversion.
- In the e-bookviewer you can select multiple markings and change their style together. Mark-up notes can appear as a tooltip.
- Reading stops with certain fullscreen images. DOCX output stores hyperlinks better and when converted to EPUB 3 navigation markings are maintained.
- An optional interactive writing game has been added. That AI function won't be loaded until you start it yourself.
9.14.0
You get additional tools for book covers, a more convenient book editor and security corrections.
What’s new?
- You can generate a book cover in different styles. For this, you set up an external AI provider; costs may apply.
- You will see a floating preview in the book editor when you point out an image. When searching the tag editor, you no longer need to consider accents.
- You will get corrections for the content server and processing book files, including security issues with file storage and registered users.
Report a new version
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Our verdict
Calibre is especially valuable if you want to manage your own e-book collection. You bring together titles, authors, folders and file formats and can convert suitable books for your reading device. The library function is at least as important as conversion: a consistently ordered collection makes it easier to find and send the right edition.
Let your own books and e-reader decide the choice. Not only do you check if a conversion opens, but also chapters, table of contents and images. When most books are linked to a closed shopping environment, employability may be more limited. For an independently managed collection, consistent metadata and a complete library backup are lasting benefits.
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