A couple weeks ago, I gave you the 411 on how to add random books and documents to your Kindle reading app. However, it came to my attention that some folks don’t know how to convert books so they’re in the correct (.mobi and others) file format for Kindle. So today, we’re going to chat about Calibre.
Screen shot of Calibre software.
Calibre software (free, but donations appreciated) provides a reader with some wonderful functionality. The Calibre website lists the following as the main features:
- Library Management
- E-book conversion
- Syncing to e-book reader devices
- Downloading news from the web and converting it into e-book form
- Comprehensive e-book viewer
- Content server for online access to your book collection
I primarily use Calibre as a library management and e-book conversion tool.
Library management
We collect e-books from numerous sources which makes keeping track of what we own a challenge. Calibre changes all that. You can import most e-book versions and depending on their DRM (digital rights management), you can convert your books to different file formats. I tend to convert primarily to .mobi so I can read on my Kindle software. Another thing I love about Calibre’s library functionality is that the software is able to troll the internet for appropriate metadata for the book. Score!
Ebook conversion
As I mentioned above, Calibre will convert to different file formats, depending on your preference. The full list of formats and details can be found here.
For a more comprehensive overview of Calibre, take some time to mosey around their website. But plan to set aside an hour or two to fully understand the software, download it and play with it.
Happy reading, y’all!
—
Today is World Nutella Day. Until I went overseas, I never ate Nutella, but I will tell you it is yummy on a Saltine cracker (or sugar cracker, if you can find them) with a drizzle of honey on top!
