Best way to add custom dictionaries to iOS?

[avid01]

In Albania we have custom-made dictionaries for English-Albanian, Albanian-Albanian. In Kindle world it is as simple as adding a MOBI file to your library.

What is the easiest way in iOS for that?

For example, is there an app which acts as a layer for dictionaries which people can use to upload their custom dictionaries and it works like a charm?

I know EPUB is different for dictionaries than Kindle, and all EPUB dictionary implementations are different.

I don't know if it is possible to load new dictionaries into iOS itself. But there are dictionary apps you can buy for iOS devices. You just need to find one that meets your requirements. I know that isn't the same as having it built into iOS, but it might be the best option. My guess is that without jailbreaking you are stuck with the dictionaries Apple includes for various languages.

[Doitsu]

Originally Posted by avid01

In Albania we have custom-made dictionaries for English-Albanian, Albanian-Albanian. In Kindle world it is as simple as adding a MOBI file to your library.

What is the easiest way in iOS for that?

You could install the Kindle app and replace one the default dictionaries with your dictionary. (You'll have to trick the Kindle app into thinking that your dictionary is one of the default dictionaries.)

You'll need:

a) a working English-Albanian mobi dictionary
b) Java Mobi Metadata Editor (freeware)
c) iExplorer (trialware)

Here's how to replace the American English dictionary with your own dictionary:

1. Simultaneously open your dictionary and the American English dictionary (B003ODIZL6_EBOK.azw) in two separate windows.
2. Move both windows next to each other and change/add full name, title, publisher and ASIN metadata of your dictionary so that it matches the original.
3. Save your dictionary and rename it to B003ODIZL6_EBOK.azw.
4. Connect your iOS device, start iExplorer and select demo mode.
5. Navigate to ..\Apps\Kindle\Library\eBooks.
6. Delete B003ODIZL6_EBOK.azw and copy your patched version into the folder. Then close iExplorer, open the Kindle for iOS app and look up an English word. You should see definitions from your dictionary, if you select English (US) in the dictionary window.

If it didn't work, test your patched dictionary with the Kindle for PC app.