Calibre

Self-Hosted

Powerful open-source e-book management tool

Overview

Calibre is a comprehensive open-source e-book management solution that organizes, converts, and syncs digital libraries across devices. It auto-fetches metadata (covers, authors, summaries), supports over 100 e-book formats for conversion, includes a built-in reader with annotations, and offers a self-hosted server mode to access your library remotely. Ideal for large collections, it also lets you edit e-book content and share books via its web interface.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  calibre:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: calibre
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Auto-fetch metadata & covers for e-books
100+ format conversion support
Self-hosted web server for remote access
Built-in reader with annotation tools
Cross-platform (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Calibre hard to install?

Calibre is easy to install as a desktop app with one-click installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. For self-hosted server mode, enable it via preferences—basic setup only requires toggling the feature, though remote access needs port forwarding knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Adobe Digital Editions?

Yes—Calibre offers more features than Adobe Digital Editions, including robust format conversion, automatic metadata fetching, and self-hosted remote access. Unlike Adobe’s DRM-focused tool, Calibre prioritizes open formats and full library control.

? Is it completely free?

Calibre is 100% free and open-source (GPLv3 licensed). There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, or hidden costs—all features (including server mode) are available without charge.

Top Alternatives

Adobe Digital Editions Search Google

Amazon Kindle App Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Document Management - E-books

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ 100% free & open-source
⊕ Comprehensive library organization
⊕ Remote access via self-hosted server
⊕ Wide format compatibility

Cons

⊖ Desktop UI can feel overwhelming for new users
⊖ Server mode requires basic network setup (port forwarding)
⊖ No native mobile app (relies on web interface)