Why Download for Offline Use
Downloading content provides several benefits:- No internet required: Access content anywhere without connectivity
- Better performance: Faster loading and playback
- Reliability: No buffering or connection interruptions
- Data savings: Read/listen without using mobile data
- Higher quality: Download the best quality versions
Downloading Content
Find Content to Download
Browse or search for any book, audiobook, or document you want to access offline.
Access Files List
Tap the download icon (down arrow in a circle) in the action row at the bottom of the screen.
Browse Available Files
You’ll see a list of all available files for this item, organized by format and quality.
Filter by Type (Optional)
Use the extension filter at the top to show only specific file types (PDF, EPUB, MP3, etc.).
Choosing Files to Download
The files list shows various formats and quality levels: For Books:- PDF: Best for preserving original layout and images
- EPUB: Best for reflowable text and customization
- Text: Lightweight plain text version
- MP3: Most compatible, good quality
- OGG Vorbis: Higher quality, smaller file size
- Different bitrates: Higher bitrate = better quality but larger file
- Original files: Highest quality
- Derived files: Optimized versions
- File size is shown for each option
You can download multiple files for the same item (e.g., both PDF and EPUB versions). Choose based on your reading preference.
Monitoring Downloads
Track your downloads as they progress:Download Progress
- Progress bar appears on downloading files
- Percentage complete is displayed
- Download continues even if you leave the screen
- Background downloads continue if you switch apps
Download Notifications
- System notifications show download progress
- Notification appears when download completes
- Tap notification to open the downloaded item
Accessing Downloaded Content
From Downloads Tab
From Item Details
When viewing an item’s details:- Downloaded files show a checkmark or “Downloaded” indicator
- Tap the primary action button to open the downloaded version
- Tap the files icon to see all downloaded files for that item
From Continue Reading
Downloaded items in “Continue Reading” automatically use the offline version:- No internet icon or indicator for fully offline access
- Opens instantly without loading
- Progress syncs when you reconnect to internet
Downloaded content automatically takes priority over streaming. If a file is downloaded, Kafka will use the offline version.
Managing Downloads
Viewing Download Details
In the Downloads tab, each item shows:- Item cover, title, and creator
- Download date
- File size and type
- Download location path
- Option to open or remove
Changing Download Location
Customize where files are saved:Storage Information
The Downloads tab displays a message about download storage:- Shows where files are currently stored
- Helps you understand storage location
- Reminds you that downloads consume device storage
Removing Downloads
Delete downloaded files to free up space:From Downloads Tab
From Files List
When viewing an item’s files:- Downloaded files show a different icon
- Tap the remove button to delete the local copy
- File is removed but remains available for streaming or re-downloading
Removing a download doesn’t unfavorite the item or remove it from your reading progress. It only deletes the offline file.
Offline Reading and Listening
Using Downloaded Content Offline
Once files are downloaded:- Enable Airplane Mode (optional) to verify offline access
- Open Kafka - the app works fully offline with downloaded content
- Navigate to your item - use Library > Downloads or Continue Reading
- Tap to open - the downloaded file opens instantly
- Read or listen - full functionality available offline
Offline Limitations
- Browsing: Homepage and search require internet
- New content: Can’t discover or access new items
- Sync: Progress and favorites sync when you reconnect
- Files list: Can’t view or download new files without internet
What Works Offline
- Reading downloaded PDFs and EPUBs
- Listening to downloaded audiobooks
- Viewing downloaded item details (cached)
- Accessing Library > Downloads tab
- Continuing from “Continue Reading”
- All reader controls and settings
Download Best Practices
Before Travel or Commuting
- Connect to WiFi
- Browse and favorite items you want offline
- Download all favorited items
- Verify downloads completed successfully
- Test offline access before leaving
Managing Storage
- Check available device storage before downloading large files
- Download high-quality audio only when space permits
- Use lower quality for audiobooks when storage is limited
- Remove completed downloads you won’t revisit
- Use SD card storage for large collections
Optimal Download Settings
- For audiobooks: MP3 format at 128kbps or higher
- For books: EPUB for reading, PDF for reference
- For scans: Download PDF in original quality
- For articles: Text or EPUB format
Some items have dozens of files. Use the extension filter to find the specific format you want to download.
Auto-Download Settings
Kafka may offer auto-download features:- Automatically download items you open
- Auto-download audiobooks when favorited
- Download over WiFi only
- Check app settings for available auto-download options
Troubleshooting Downloads
Download Fails or Stalls
- Check your internet connection
- Verify you have sufficient storage space
- Try downloading a different quality or format
- Close and reopen the app
- Restart your device if issues persist
Can’t Find Downloaded Files
- Open Library > Downloads to see all downloaded items
- Check that downloads completed (no progress bar)
- Verify download location hasn’t changed
- Look in device file manager at the download path shown
Downloaded File Won’t Open
- Ensure the download completed fully
- Try removing and re-downloading the file
- Check file size matches expected size
- Try a different format of the same item
- Verify adequate storage for opening large files
Storage Space Issues
- Remove completed downloads you don’t need
- Download lower quality versions of audiobooks
- Move downloads to SD card if available
- Check device storage settings
- Clear app cache (doesn’t remove downloads)
Downloads and Sync
When you reconnect to the internet:- Reading progress from offline usage syncs automatically
- Favorites made offline sync to your account
- Downloaded files remain on device
- New content becomes available to browse and download
Download storage is local to each device. Downloads don’t sync between devices - you’ll need to download on each device separately.