ie8 fix

Calibre

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on November 17, 2009

Calibre provides all the elements you need to organize and manage an e-book collection. With a simple set of tools and a helpful layout, this program is a nice choice for any electronic reading lover.

The program's interface is a snap to understand because of its professionally designed layout and easy-to-use command icons. Calibre lets you open a variety of e-book types and read them. You download your e-books from your desktop or hard drive directly into Calibre. The entire process is so simple that we never felt the need to consult the Help file. You can easily sort your titles by alphabetical order, cover image, or tags. We especially like being able to customize tags and covers, which is handy if the book doesn't come with any. While all these functions worked well, the program didn't feel like an essential utility until we tried out its special features, which elevate Calibre from a mere reader into an e-book manager. The conversion feature converts any e-book's file type with a few clicks, which we like because some handheld readers only accept specific file types. The uploading feature lets you send your e-books directly to one of those handheld readers or other portable device with equal ease. Calibre covered every base, from downloading and cataloging our electronic book collection to putting the words in the palm of our hand.

Calibre is freeware. It installs desktop icons without permission. We loved its simple operation and impressive results, and we recommend this program.

 
Watch your favorite videos on your favorite devices.

Publisher's Description

From Kovid Goyal:

Calibre is program to manage your e-book collection. It acts as an e-library and also allows for format conversion, news feeds to e-book conversion, as well as e-book reader sync features and an integrated e-book viewer. It features library management, format conversion (all major ebook formats), syncing to e-book reader devices, fetching news from the Web and converting it into ebook form, viewing many different e-book formats, and giving you access to your book collection over the internet using just a browser.

What's new in this version: Version 0.8.40 has added an option to allow using page counts stored in a custom column.

More Popular eBooks downloads

  1. MartView

    3,216 downloads

  2. Calibre

    2,210 downloads

  3. Programming C

    1,890 downloads

  4. PDF to ePub Converter

    1,870 downloads

  5. Kindle for PC

    1,818 downloads

 
Get the scoop on what you need to secure your PC.
All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 154

  • 1.0 stars

    "Are we using the same program?"

    February 15, 2012  |   By Quarkmonkey

    Version: Calibre 0.8.39

    Pros

    It's the only choice.

    Cons

    Genuinely bewildered by the raving reviews this software is getting. All I wanted was a simple file management system that worked with my Kindle so I could manage my library and collections without the headache of Amazon's site.

    What I got was a vulgar looking, needlessly complex, hard to use memory hog that seems to chew up my ebooks and denies even the simplest operations. If it weren't for the fact that there seem to be no competitors out there (why not?) I would bin this nasty little program at the first opportunity.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Best Ebook manager for now"

    January 31, 2012  |   By BongLot

    Version: Calibre 0.8.37

    Pros

    - User friendly
    - Able to convert to different formats
    - Manage meta data

    Cons

    - Cannot manage audio books
    - PC ebook reader needs more user interface friendly

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "More useful"

    January 16, 2012  |   By janitorman

    Version: Calibre 0.8.35

    Pros

    with each edition this becomes more useful.
    Installs on Linux, too!
    Maintain a library accessible by all your devices.
    highly configurable.
    converts to epub for most devices, even from plain text, and you can add your own cover!

    Cons

    Occasionally an update will break a feature for a specific device. Turn auto updates off, and read about each update to see if you would like it, since bug fixes might be issued as well

    Summary

    This is more useful than the "kobo desktop app" or any of those, and does NOT LIMIT you to shopping at Amazon or a single store, it also allows you to simply download free e-books from any site on the web and then add them to your collection without any tracking by Amazon, Google, Kobo, etc.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (2) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Works great"

    January 15, 2012  |   By mmagtime

    Version: Calibre 0.8.35

    Pros

    Easy to add new books, and to convert to mobi format.

    Cons

    Have to go to Amazon to download covers..wish another way to find current covers automatically...also way to reverse authors name to last name first..instead of having to do it manually. Needs to be able to convert all formats & a zip that will open all books downloaded into Calibre.

    Summary

    Overall program is very useful...just needs a few tweaks.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 2.0 stars

    "Haven't used much."

    January 15, 2012  |   By mapyron

    Version: Calibre 0.8.35

    Pros

    It seems to be versitle

    Cons

    But it requires a little study--the pc kindle is easier

    Summary

    I will probably uninstall..

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Best eBook App I've Found"

    January 13, 2012  |   By Lord_Glorfindel

    Version: Calibre 0.8.35

    Pros

    Exhaustive options available including conversion to and from nearly any eBook format.

    Cons

    Pretty complex to learn with somewhat awkward menu structure.

    Summary

    Totally satisfied with this eBook management application.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Ebook management essential program and it's still free!"

    January 11, 2012  |   By bauerhjb

    Version: Calibre 0.8.34

    Pros

    Has constant updates from the owner and his volunteers that are really added value not just fixing bugs. Program allows you to enter books by hand or by reading the file. Been using it now for 2 years and it just keeps getting better. Allows downloads of cover files, summaries & reviews from various venders like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. You can add tags, series, and much more to each book. You can search or sort by any field listed and can also add user defined fields. It allows you to list almost any ebook format including .amz (Kindle). I read all my books on my computer and have 7 different formats in use so this really helps me keep track of what I have and where to find it.

    Cons

    It took me a while to learn my way around the program but a lot of it was very intuitive. The help files are good but the user forums at MobileRead Forums are a great place to find answers. While the program is not supposed to be a reader it can read several file types but you still need a Kindle/Kindle software for .amz files, secure .mobi files and Adobe Right Managment software for secure .epub or secure .pdf files.

    Summary

    If you have 10 or more ebooks, you need this program.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Excellent, does what it says."

    January 10, 2012  |   By murraydublin2

    Version: Calibre 0.8.34

    Pros

    My wife got a load of eBooks from a friend and wanted to convert them to her Reader. She was impressed. I had the first book done in minutes. Easy to learn and use.

    Cons

    I haven't found any yet.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Works great & does everything I ever need it to do"

    January 8, 2012  |   By veronavee

    Version: Calibre 0.8.34

    Pros

    I love the abilities this program has. If an ebook doesn't have the cover picture, I can quickly google it and attach it to the book with this program so that it is much easier to find in my device's library. It also allows me to organize trilogies or series. Every book format I have come accross has been easily converted through Calibre. If I have a book alread in the proper format, I can transfer it directly to my device without needing to convert it. I prefer to edit each book with Calibre before I transfer just because Calibre organizes everything pefectly. This works great with my Wireless Kobo eReader. I am surprised that a free program works this well. Also, it doesn't spam me to make a purchase, and it doesn't have ads.

    Cons

    The interface was confusing at first, but that is to be expected with a program that has multiple functions. For Wireless Kobo eReaders, it works best to convert books on Calibre to ePub format instead of pdf. If transferring pdf files, you might need to adjust the font size before doing so.

    Summary

    • Works great
    • Organizes well
    • Converts almost all book formats to your preferred book format
    • Easy to connect with your ebook device
    • Free program
    • Ad-free

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Excellent. Very versatile and has worked every time."

    January 8, 2012  |   By jayft0312

    Version: Calibre 0.8.34

    Pros

    Allows for easy and efficient organization of ebooks with conversions to virtually all formats.

    Cons

    Seems like there are a lot of updates, but that is also a good thing!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

Results 1-10 of 154

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Calibre 0.8.40
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

See more CNET content tagged:

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Calibre

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK