How to add downloaded epub file to Kobo desktop library (not the reader)?

pdxesto · 11-01-2011, 10:20 PM

[Warning: I'm a complete noob at this ereader thing, so please bear with me.]

I don't have an ereader of any type yet; I'm "testing the waters" by playing around with the Kobo desktop application. I'm completely stumped by trying to add a downloaded epub file to the desktop app's library. All the searches I've done have instructions on how to add epub files to the Kobo ereader; I can't find anything that tells me how to simply add an epub file to the desktop library.

Please help!

Thanks!

PeterT · 11-01-2011, 10:25 PM

Unfortunately, the Kobo Desktop app. only supports materials directly downloaded from the Kobo store in the format we often call kepub. These get downloaded when you do a sync within the Desktop itself.

Generic ePubs can be read via tools like ADE (Adobe Digital Edition) or (if no DRM on them) by the viewer found within Calibre.

wallcraft · 11-01-2011, 10:33 PM

So far as I know it is still the case that Kobo Desktop can only read the super secret Kobo-only KPUB format. See Reading Adobe ePub on the Desktop for the state of play last December. I still like NOOKstudy, but Sony has updated their desktop app and Adobe has a new reader in beta-test (Adobe Digital Editions 1.8 preview now available).

pdxesto · 11-02-2011, 02:14 AM

Wow. I didn't realize the Kobo desktop app was so braindead. Oh well.

Anyways, thanks for the heads-up.

The Terminator · 11-02-2011, 06:26 PM

I would suggest using Calibre. That really works great, you can also sync notes.

avid01 · 06-15-2014, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

Unfortunately, the Kobo Desktop app. only supports materials directly downloaded from the Kobo store in the format we often call kepub. These get downloaded when you do a sync within the Desktop itself.

June 2014 update:

I have found found Kobo puts books in the \kepub directory. Ebook files will be named like, for example q1w2e3r4t56y. I simply add an .epub extension to the end and it can be opened with any standard ebook reader software. I have tried some free samples so far.

So, can you confirm Kobo uses standard EPUB for paid books as well, in 2014?

To the topic: but it still can't add offline books, right?

DNSB · 06-15-2014, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avid01

So, can you confirm Kobo uses standard EPUB for paid books as well, in 2014?

To the topic: but it still can't add offline books, right?

The DRM used for Kobo's kepub books is not the standard Adobe DRM so renaming a DRMed ebook to add the epub extension will not give you a usable ebook.

Regards,
David

Kasper Hviid · 06-17-2014, 02:52 PM

Sadly, all ereaders will try to force you into their eco system. If a consumers wants to buy book from other sources, a bit of rebelion is needed. I think Kobo is more open than most other readers out there, if only marginally so. As said, get Calibre!

DNSB · 06-17-2014, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallcraft

So far as I know it is still the case that Kobo Desktop can only read the super secret Kobo-only KPUB format. See Reading Adobe ePub on the Desktop for the state of play last December.

One totally off topic question! What did you use to generate the Baudot-Murray tape image with your nickname on it? At least that is what it appears to be going by decades old memories.

Regards,
David

11-01-2011, 10:20 PM	#1
pdxesto Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kobo wireless	How to add downloaded epub file to Kobo desktop library (not the reader)? [Warning: I'm a complete noob at this ereader thing, so please bear with me.] I don't have an ereader of any type yet; I'm "testing the waters" by playing around with the Kobo desktop application. I'm completely stumped by trying to add a downloaded epub file to the desktop app's library. All the searches I've done have instructions on how to add epub files to the Kobo ereader; I can't find anything that tells me how to simply add an epub file to the desktop library. Please help! Thanks!

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11-01-2011, 10:25 PM	#2
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,166 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	Unfortunately, the Kobo Desktop app. only supports materials directly downloaded from the Kobo store in the format we often call kepub. These get downloaded when you do a sync within the Desktop itself. Generic ePubs can be read via tools like ADE (Adobe Digital Edition) or (if no DRM on them) by the viewer found within Calibre.

11-01-2011, 10:33 PM	#3
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,975 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	So far as I know it is still the case that Kobo Desktop can only read the super secret Kobo-only KPUB format. See Reading Adobe ePub on the Desktop for the state of play last December. I still like NOOKstudy, but Sony has updated their desktop app and Adobe has a new reader in beta-test (Adobe Digital Editions 1.8 preview now available).

11-02-2011, 02:14 AM	#4
pdxesto Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kobo wireless	Wow. I didn't realize the Kobo desktop app was so braindead. Oh well. Anyways, thanks for the heads-up.

11-02-2011, 06:26 PM	#5
The Terminator Retired Posts: 2,552 Karma: 37638420 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver Island Canada Device: Kobo Touch, Optimus One (2.3), Nexus 7 (4.2)	I would suggest using Calibre. That really works great, you can also sync notes.

06-17-2014, 02:52 PM	#8
Kasper Hviid Zealot Posts: 141 Karma: 2784614 Join Date: Nov 2012 Device: none	Sadly, all ereaders will try to force you into their eco system. If a consumers wants to buy book from other sources, a bit of rebelion is needed. I think Kobo is more open than most other readers out there, if only marginally so. As said, get Calibre!