KOReader has built-in night mode (white text on black background). This plugin automates it.
If you have just jailbroken your Kindle or installed KOReader on a Kobo, these are the plugins that will fundamentally change how you interact with text.
Designed for reviewers and developers, this plugin simulates user input (page turns, highlights, menu navigation) to create looping demos. Useful for stress-testing or creating screen recordings.
Managing plugins in KOReader is designed to be user-friendly. Users do not need to be programmers to install them.
It is worth noting that users can also manually install plugins by transferring files to the device via USB, which is useful for third-party plugins not hosted in the official repository.
E Ink screens behave differently at midnight versus noon. The AutoSet plugin is a rules engine for your device’s settings. You can tell it: "Between 10 PM and 6 AM, set front light to 5% and use the 'Night' color profile." Or: "When battery drops below 15%, disable Wi-Fi and reduce refresh rate." It’s automation that saves both your eyes and your battery.
If you are serious about reading on an E Ink device (Kindle, Kobo, PocketBook, or Android), you have likely heard of KOReader. Famous for its granular PDF cropping, multi-format support (from EPUB to CBZ to DJVU), and unparalleled customization, KOReader transforms a basic e-reader into a literary Swiss Army knife.
However, the true hidden gem of this open-source project is its plugin system. Plugins allow you to add features ranging from cloud synchronization to word games without bloating the core software.
Here is a curated breakdown of the must-have plugins for KOReader and how to use them.
One of KOReader’s killer features, this plugin allows you to synchronize reading position across multiple devices. Perfect if you read on a Kobo at home and a PocketBook on the go.
Amazon and Kobo treat their software as a finished appliance. KOReader treats its software as a fertile ground. The plugin system is the ultimate expression of the "right to repair" for your reading experience.
Do you hate how KOReader handles footnotes? There's a plugin for that. Want to auto-convert all your PDFs to grayscale? There's a plugin for that. Want to read the Bible in a parallel verse view? You guessed it.
In an era where our devices try to dictate how we read, KOReader plugins give the power back to the what and why. They are small, beautiful hacks that prove the best reading system is the one you build yourself.
Go-to starter pack: AutoSet + Calibre Companion + Text Editor. Install them today, and watch your E Ink device finally feel like yours.
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 koreader plugins
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
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 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)
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 KOReader has built-in night mode (white text on
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
The water in the creek was the color of old tea, and the creek itself was the only path through the Forest of Forgotten Formats.
Elias trudged through the mud, clutching his e-reader to his chest. It was a battered old plastic slab, scratched and scarred, but to Elias, it was the only thing that mattered. On its screen, running the quiet, unassuming code of KOReader, was the last known copy of The Silent Symphony.
He wasn't a hero. He was just a reader. But in a world where the Great Compatibility Wars had fractured literature into a thousand walled gardens, readers had to be engineers too.
He reached the edge of the creek and looked up. Blocking his path was the Wall of Amazonia. It was a towering, translucent barrier of iridescent light, pulsing with a low, threatening hum. It was beautiful, but it was closed. It demanded a specific key—a proprietary account, a subscription fee, a surrender of privacy.
Elias sighed. He tapped the corner of his screen. The default interface vanished, replaced by the minimalist, functional menu of KOReader.
"Time to call in the experts," he muttered.
He swiped down, opening the Plugin Manager. It wasn't a simple menu; it was a toolbox, a guild hall of digital artisans.
First, he needed a bridge. The file he carried was old, an obscure .pdb format from the Palm Pilot era. The Wall wouldn't recognize it. He scrolled down to the Goodreads plugin—not for reviews, but for its metadata scrubbing capabilities—but that wasn't enough. He needed something heavier.
He tapped the Wallabag plugin. It was usually used for saving articles, but Elias had tweaked the code. He used it to strip the oppressive DRM residue that clung to the file like barnacles, leaving pure, clean text.
"Not yet," he whispered. The Wall was still rejecting the file structure.
He navigated to the KOSync plugin. Usually, this allowed him to sync his reading progress across devices, a tether to his other screens. But here, he used it to "offset" the file’s signature, making it look like a generic, harmless text stream to the Wall's sensors.
He checked his Battery Plugin. He was running low—12%. He couldn't afford a lengthy negotiation. He needed to be efficient.
Then, he saw the error message flash across the Wall: ERROR: FONT EMBEDDING INVALID.
Elias groaned. The typography was broken. The Wall would crush the beauty of the prose if he tried to force it through with standard rendering. He needed an artist.
He activated the Hyphenation plugin and paired it with the Typography extender. He watched the code execute. The plugins worked in silence, reshaping the text, adjusting the kerning, ensuring that every ligature and every curl of the serif was robust enough to survive the journey.
But there was one final obstacle. The Wall required a translation layer for foot
Here are the most common interpretations:
Improve an existing text-related plugin
Add text-based functionality to KOReader
Write documentation / tutorial text about developing KOReader plugins
Use a specific existing plugin to process or generate text
Could you please clarify with one of these? If you want to code a new plugin, I can provide: It is worth noting that users can also
Let me know your goal and I’ll give you the exact code or instructions.
Introduction
Koreader is a popular e-reader app for Android devices that allows users to read various types of e-books and documents. One of its key features is the ability to extend its functionality through plugins. In this guide, we'll explore the world of Koreader plugins, how to install and manage them, and provide an overview of some popular plugins.
What are Koreader plugins?
Koreader plugins are small software components that add new features or enhance existing ones in the Koreader app. They can be developed by third-party developers and are usually distributed through the Koreader GitHub repository or other online sources.
Benefits of using Koreader plugins
How to install Koreader plugins
Managing Koreader plugins
Popular Koreader plugins
Developing Koreader plugins
If you're interested in developing your own Koreader plugins, you can find more information on the Koreader GitHub repository. The repository provides a plugin development guide, as well as a set of APIs and tools to help you get started.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with Koreader plugins, here are some troubleshooting steps:
By following this guide, you should be able to explore the world of Koreader plugins, install and manage them, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Happy reading!
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