Kavita

Kavita is an open-source application that functions as a cross-platform reading server. It allows users to host their own digital libraries and share them with others. The software supports a wide range of formats, including epub and pdf for books, as well as cbr, cbz, zip, rar, and 7zip for manga, webtoons, and comics. By serving these files through a centralized server, it creates a unified access point for reading material across different devices.

The application includes responsive web readers that support various viewing modes, such as continuous reading and webtoon style. It provides tools for organizing content through collections, reading lists, and smart filters. Metadata management is a core feature, allowing for searching, filtering, and integration with external metadata sources for ratings and reviews. For epub files, the software specifically supports highlights and annotations to improve the reading experience.

Administrative features include role-based user management to handle permissions and age restrictions, as well as OIDC support for identity management. The interface is customizable through theming and a configurable dashboard where users can adjust the side navigation and visibility toggles. Kavita is designed to be self-hosted and is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows and Linux, with installation guides provided via its wiki. The software also supports full localization through Weblate to accommodate a global user base. The project is currently in beta development and is positioned as a full solution for digital reading needs.