Foliate
Foliate 3.3.0 is an open-source GNOME-oriented Linux ebook reader for EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CBZ and PDF. It adds annotations, dictionaries, translation, text-to-speech and flexible reading layouts.
Reading and library formats
Foliate is designed for reading and organizing unencrypted ebooks on a GNOME-style Linux desktop. It supports EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CBZ and PDF, with pagination or scrolling, typography controls, bookmarks, annotations, dictionaries, translation and text-to-speech. Fixed-layout files do not expose the same layout controls as reflowable EPUB.
Annotations, remote lookup and privacy
Reading progress and annotations are stored in local application data rather than inside the original book alone. Online dictionaries, encyclopedias and translation services can receive selected words or passages, so sensitive manuscripts should use offline assistance or keep remote lookup disabled. Export annotations before changing packages, systems or data directories.
Runtime and rights boundaries
Foliate 3.3.0 uses GTK4, libadwaita, GJS and WebKitGTK on Linux. Flatpak can reduce dependency conflicts on older distributions, while a native package may integrate more directly with the desktop. The application does not remove DRM; book copyright and reading permissions remain separate from the GPL license of the software.
Review date: 2026-08-06.
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Foliate installation, ebook import and annotation backup guide
Install Foliate 3.3.0 on Linux, import an unencrypted test book, adjust its layout, create an annotation and back up reading data while keeping online helper services within a deliberate privacy scope.
Before you start
- Use a Linux desktop with compatible GTK4, libadwaita and WebKitGTK support; on older distributions, prefer a package that isolates its dependencies.
- Prepare an unencrypted EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CBZ or PDF that you are allowed to read, and preserve an untouched original copy.
- If text-to-speech is needed, install the required speech engine and language pack; for automatic hyphenation, prepare the relevant dictionary data.
Installation steps
- 01
Choose a package for the distribution
Flatpak or Snap can isolate dependencies, DEB suits compatible Debian-based systems, and a source archive requires matching GJS, GTK4, libadwaita and WebKitGTK versions.
- 02
Grant only the required file access
Open the ebook directory rather than the entire home directory when a sandbox prompts for access, and keep external-drive mount points stable so library entries remain valid.
- 03
Create an annotation backup folder
Before importing a full library, create a separate backup location, add one test highlight and note, and export it to confirm that title and location data can be read back.
Quick start
- 01
Import and inspect one book
Open a test file and check its cover, table of contents, chapters, images, footnotes and text direction. Reflowable and fixed-layout books expose different controls.
- 02
Adjust layout and reading mode
In paged or scrolling mode, set font, size, line spacing, margins and colors for readability before enabling hyphenation, two-page view or vertical writing.
- 03
Create and export annotations
Highlight a passage, add a note, reopen the book to confirm its location and export annotations to a separate folder. Verify that the backup is not empty.
Usage tips
- PDF and other fixed-layout content cannot be reformatted like EPUB, so font and spacing preferences may have little effect.
- Online translation, encyclopedia and dictionary lookups send the selected text to a third party; use offline tools for private documents.
- Text-to-speech quality depends on the system engine, language pack and document structure. Scanned PDFs generally need a lawful OCR step first.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why are the table of contents or characters displayed incorrectly?
Test a known-good EPUB first to separate file problems from runtime issues, then check fonts, language, WebKitGTK version and sandbox permissions without overwriting the only original.
Why does text-to-speech produce no audio?
Check the speech dispatcher, engine, language pack and output device with a plain-text chapter. Scanned pages or incorrect language metadata can prevent usable text from being generated.
- Export annotations and application dataSave highlights, notes, bookmarks, reading progress and custom styles, and verify that exported files open correctly; book files and reading state should be backed up separately.
- Remove the package and sandbox dataUninstall the selected package and remove cache or sandbox data only after confirming that no unique annotations or reading progress remain there.
Frequently asked questions
Can Foliate open DRM-protected Kindle or EPUB books?
Foliate does not open DRM-protected ebooks or remove DRM. Use files that are unencrypted or that you have a valid right to read, and expect MOBI or AZW behavior to vary by encoding version.
Where are annotations and reading progress stored?
They are kept in local application data and can be exported. Back up that data before reinstalling the system or changing package formats; copying only the original book does not preserve the reading state.
Do dictionary and translation lookups stay offline?
Local reading can stay on the device, but online lookup services may receive selected words or sentences. Disable remote lookup for confidential content.