Converting pdf to kfx using calibre-debug and issues with the language metadata

charlietan84 · 07-25-2026, 05:51 PM

Dear all,
I'm using the following method to convert my PDF to KFX. First, I convert my PDF into kpf format with Kindle Create, and after that, I run the following command:

calibre-debug -r "KFX Output" -- input.kpf "output.kfx"

Everything works fine, except the language metadata of the output.kfx. I read my books on Kindle Fire 11, and would like to have the pronunciation of the words when I highlight them. Since the metadata on the output.kfx is missing, I can't do that. I have tried to change the metadata afterwards on Calibre, but for some reason it doesn't seem to work. I would be glad if you could help me with this one.
Thank you in advance, and best regards,
Charlie

JSWolf · 07-25-2026, 06:15 PM

What you are doing is making one heck of a mess. The PDF conversion is not going to go well and then you take that convert to KFX.

charlietan84 · 07-25-2026, 07:17 PM

But Kfx, on in other words, the end result is ok. The only problem is the language metadata. I converted the pdf to Kpf on Kindle Create, and then convert the Kpf into Kfx and it looks pretty ok. The only problem is the language metadata.

kovidgoyal · 07-26-2026, 02:07 AM

You should ask in the kfx output plugin thread.

jhowell · 07-26-2026, 10:23 AM

Extra steps are needed to change the language of a KFX file. See "Updating book metadata" in the first post of the KFX Output thread for details.

07-25-2026, 05:51 PM	#1
charlietan84 Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 20 Join Date: Jul 2026 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Converting pdf to kfx using calibre-debug and issues with the language metadata Dear all, I'm using the following method to convert my PDF to KFX. First, I convert my PDF into kpf format with Kindle Create, and after that, I run the following command: calibre-debug -r "KFX Output" -- input.kpf "output.kfx" Everything works fine, except the language metadata of the output.kfx. I read my books on Kindle Fire 11, and would like to have the pronunciation of the words when I highlight them. Since the metadata on the output.kfx is missing, I can't do that. I have tried to change the metadata afterwards on Calibre, but for some reason it doesn't seem to work. I would be glad if you could help me with this one. Thank you in advance, and best regards, Charlie

07-25-2026, 07:17 PM	#3
charlietan84 Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 20 Join Date: Jul 2026 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	But Kfx, on in other words, the end result is ok. The only problem is the language metadata. I converted the pdf to Kpf on Kindle Create, and then convert the Kpf into Kfx and it looks pretty ok. The only problem is the language metadata. Last edited by charlietan84; 07-25-2026 at 07:20 PM.

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07-25-2026, 06:15 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 84,310 Karma: 153715495 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	What you are doing is making one heck of a mess. The PDF conversion is not going to go well and then you take that convert to KFX.

07-26-2026, 02:07 AM	#4
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 46,401 Karma: 29634066 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	You should ask in the kfx output plugin thread.

07-26-2026, 10:23 AM	#5
jhowell Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,391 Karma: 95902893 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Charlottesville, VA Device: Kindles	Extra steps are needed to change the language of a KFX file. See "Updating book metadata" in the first post of the KFX Output thread for details.

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