Opening Books for Reading
Find a Book
Browse or search for books. Look for items marked as PDF or EPUB in their media type indicator.
- Access the files list by tapping the download icon
- Filter to show only PDF or EPUB files
- Tap a specific file to open it in the reader
PDF Reader
The PDF reader is optimized for reading PDF documents and scanned books.PDF Reader Features
- Page Navigation: Swipe vertically to move between pages
- Zoom Controls: Pinch to zoom in and out
- Page Counter: View current page and total pages
- Auto-Resume: Automatically returns to your last read page
- Smooth Scrolling: Continuous page scrolling for comfortable reading
Reading PDFs
Navigate Pages
Swipe up and down to move through pages. The current page number appears as you scroll.
PDF Reading Tips
- Page Position Saving: Your current page is automatically saved every few seconds
- Large PDFs: For better performance with large PDFs, download the file first
- Scanned Pages: Use zoom to read scanned text clearly
- Landscape Mode: Rotate your device for wider pages or two-page spreads
PDF page numbers are saved automatically. When you return to a PDF, it opens to your last position.
EPUB Reader
The EPUB reader provides a customizable reading experience for EPUB ebooks.EPUB Reader Features
- Reflowable Text: Text adjusts to your screen size and preferences
- Font Customization: Change font family, size, and line height
- Background Colors: Choose from multiple background color options
- Chapter Navigation: Navigate through book chapters seamlessly
- Reading Settings: Customize your reading experience
Reading EPUBs
Read and Scroll
Scroll vertically to read through the book. Text flows naturally based on your screen size.
Customizing EPUB Settings
The EPUB reader offers extensive customization options:Font Size
- Drag the font size slider to adjust text size
- Choose from 7 different font sizes (12sp to 24sp)
- Line height adjusts automatically with font size
- Preview changes in real-time as you adjust
Font Style
Choose from four font families:- Serif: Traditional, classic reading font (default)
- Sans Serif: Modern, clean font for easy reading
- Monospace: Fixed-width font, useful for technical content
- Cursive: Decorative font for a unique reading experience
Background Color
Select from multiple background colors optimized for reading: Light Mode Options:- White (default surface)
- Light gray
- Warm cream/sepia
- Cool gray
- Ivory white
- Soft pink
- Dark surface (default)
- Medium gray
- True black
- Deep charcoal
- Warm dark
- OLED black
EPUB Reading Tips
- Settings are modal - adjust them, then tap outside to continue reading
- Text automatically reflows when you change settings
- Font and background combinations can improve reading comfort
- Larger fonts are great for reading in bright light or at distance
- Serif fonts are generally easier to read for long-form content
EPUB settings apply to the current reading session. Your preferences are remembered for future sessions.
General Reading Features
Progress Saving
Both readers automatically save your progress:- PDFs: Current page number is saved
- EPUBs: Reading position within chapters is tracked
- Progress updates every few seconds while reading
- Resume from the homepage “Continue Reading” section
Continuing Your Reading
Progress is indicated by a visual progress bar on the “Continue Reading” cards.
Reading Modes
Online Reading (Streaming):- Reads directly from the Internet Archive
- Requires internet connection
- Instant access
- No storage used
- Download files to your device
- No internet needed
- Faster page loads
- Reliable access
- Uses device storage
Reader Controls
Common Controls
- Tap Center: Show/hide controls and settings
- Swipe: Navigate through content
- Pinch (PDF only): Zoom in/out
- Back Button: Exit reader and save progress
System Integration
- Use your device’s back button to exit the reader
- Status bar can be hidden for immersive reading
- System brightness controls affect reader display
- Rotation lock can keep orientation fixed
Troubleshooting Reading Issues
File Won’t Open
- Check your internet connection for online reading
- Try downloading the file first for offline reading
- Ensure the file format is PDF or EPUB
- Some very large files may take time to load
PDF Pages Not Loading
- Download the PDF for better performance
- Check available storage space
- Try a different quality version from the files list
- Close and reopen the reader
EPUB Formatting Issues
- Try adjusting font size and family
- Some EPUBs may have embedded formatting that overrides settings
- Restart the reader if text doesn’t reflow properly
Progress Not Saving
- Ensure you’re signed in (even anonymously)
- Check that storage permissions are granted
- Don’t force-close the app while reading
- Allow the app to run in the background
For the most reliable reading experience, download books for offline use and ensure adequate device storage.