Reducing the text margins (latest kindle versions)

[vns]

Hi,

I have been using a Kindle 3 a lot of years and I am very happy with it, but I would like to buy a new Paperwhite because I read a lot in low light conditions.

In my Kindle 3, using a custom margins size was really easy (just editing a text file). I would like to know if there is an easy way for doing this with the new Kindles, I am not interested in any other customisations.

This is the only thing stopping me from getting a new device. So I would appreciate any help with this.

[shamanNS]

No easy way, and also no way at all if you do not jailbreak your future/new Kindle. Keep in mind that probably every new model currently sold by Amazon (Kindle Basic, Paperwhite and Voyage) ships with firmware 5.6.x for which there is no jailbreak method (other then opening up the case and soldering wires to serial pads on the [mother]board).

After jailbreaking you Kindle you have to be comfortable with editing .jar files found on hidden part of Kindle's memory, where margin values are hardcoded. Or wait when/if someone else post .bin installers for your new device and it's current firmware. But first of all you'll be waiting for new jailbreak method (which was reported as found but is still not publicly released).

The location of code responsible for marigins was known for earlier fw 5.x , but I'm not 100% sure it still in the same place for the latest fw 5.6.5. You should probably ask someone with jailbroken Paperwhite 2, Paperwhite 3 or Voyage to check, on this thread:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=256969

Your best bet if probably asking @ecostin, via PM.

[vns]

Thank you very much for the detailed information.

I don't understand why Amazon doesn't make its kindles more configurable

[JSWolf]

You can use negative margins to decrease the left/right margins.

[vns]

Using negative margins looks like a great alternative, obviously is better to set it once in the device and don't have to touch the books. But it seems good enough for me.

Do you know if this is working in all the firmwares so far?

Thanks!

[jscris]

I use negative margins in the css (use Edit Book in Calibre) with 5.6.5 on the Voyage. Has worked with every book I've tried it with so far.
p {
margin-left: -40px;
margin-right: -40px;
}
Be sure to select Expand CSS in Look and Feel while converting, or reconverting to azw3. Then right click on Edit Book to get the css files. You may already know how to do this.

-30 would work for the Paperwhite.

[grizedale]

Originally Posted by jscris

I
Be sure to select Expand CSS in Look and Feel while converting, or reconverting to azw3. Then right click on Edit Book to get the css files. You may already know how to do this.

Could you enhance this for me please, I am ok with converting but right clicking on edit book does nothing for me, what am I doing wrong?

[jscris]

In Calibre, after converting or re-converting to azw3, right click on the book you want to alter margins for, go down and left click on Edit Book. On the left you should find the css entries. Open the one with the fonts listed and add the code (there are usually two or three). Then save the file. Hope that helps. I explained it badly. Sorry.

[grizedale]

OK, got that so far, where do I add the code, top, bottom, within a section, sorry for being a bit thick but would really like this to work...

[jscris]

I add it at the bottom. You'll probably need to backspace a couple times beside the p to make it move to the margin. Be sure to use -30 or less for the paperwhite.

[grizedale]

So it looks like this?

[jscris]

Yes, except I usually add it to the other css, the one that has just the fonts. Not sure it matters. Does that work for you?

[grizedale]

Sadly not, I have this one and one that lists the top and bottom margin, none with fonts, my process is, convert Epub to AZW3 ensuring Expand CSS is ticked, add the code, save, transfer...

[jscris]

In Look and Feel under Filter Style Information I check all the boxes. I also choose a font and embed it. Not sure any of that makes any difference, but you might try it.

[grizedale]

Will do, thanks for your help whatever happens... Will let you know