Kavita

Reading e-books, mangas, and comics from the web is a fine solution that doesn't need much — if any — configuration. It's usually as easy as looking them up on Google, where you'll often find what you're looking for on the first page. Some users like to store those readings on their computer, and setting up a reading server would be the best way to leverage that.

What would such a server entail? In short, it would fetch the contents from your drives, allowing you to access them through an address from any computer, as well as share them with your friends and read together. This is what Kavita aims to do, and while the process may look complicated, it's far from it.

The steps to getting the tool to work are defined on the developer's page: unpack the archive, launch the executable, then input http://localhost:5000 in your browser's address bar. You'll then be able to see the interface of the program, which will allow you to fully set up your account and designate your libraries.

Navigate to Server Settings, and head over to the Libraries tab to add your collection. You'll have to specify its type — manga, comic, or book — and directory. Afterwards, the tool will scan the location and feature your readings in the interface.

Everything you add to the server will be presented on the main interface. Libraries will display an overview of your stuff, whilst Lists and Collections will feature the works you've shortlisted or grouped under certain categories.

The interface is rather minimalistic, making for a pleasant reading experience. If you wish to customize the image and book readers, you can do so under User Settings. You can change the reading direction, scaling, as well as the font size, family, and so forth.

Kavita offers many features whilst asking for virtually nothing in return: through it, users can set up a server in no time, allowing them to have a one-stop-shop solution for all of their reading needs.