Support

Simple Lore

Books and reading

Which formats can Simple Lore open?

EPUB (reflowable and fixed layout), PDF, CBZ comics, and M4B, M4A and MP3 audiobooks. It only opens DRM-free books. It doesn't open CBR, Kindle (AZW, KFX, MOBI) or copy-protected books, and it tells you why when you try. Simple Lore doesn't sell books or remove copy protection.

How do I add books?

Tap + and choose files from Files or iCloud Drive. You can also share a book to Simple Lore from another app, AirDrop it to your device, or drag files onto the app on iPad. Your original file is never changed or removed.

How do I turn pages?

Swipe, tap near the left or right edge, or use the arrow keys or space bar with a keyboard. Double-tap the page to show or hide the controls. Right-to-left books turn the other way. You can also choose continuous scrolling in Reading Appearance.

What are the four reading modes?

When a book has both an ebook and an audiobook:

• Read: the ebook.
• Listen: the audiobook.
• Read & Listen: both open together, each with its own place.
• Follow Along: highlights the text as it's narrated.

Follow Along needs a paired EPUB and audiobook, both downloaded, and a one-time preparation on your device. Preparation requires iOS 26 or later, a compatible device and an Apple speech model, and how well it matches depends on the two editions.

How does it work on a foldable iPhone?

Open the phone to read two facing pages centered on the fold. Close it while reading and your book's cover fills the outside screen; tap it to keep reading there, or open the phone to continue inside on the same page. On the outside screen, pages start below the camera. You can turn the cover off with Show Cover When Folded in Settings. Your servers are under Servers in the navigation, both folded and unfolded.

Why do two copies of a book show as one?

Simple Lore groups versions of the same work, such as an EPUB, a PDF and an audiobook. Open the book's details to see each version, choose a default, or tap Separate into Its Own Book. To group copies yourself, use Group With… on the details page.

Servers

Which servers can I connect?

Settings → Add a Server offers two connection types:

• Audiobookshelf: a built-in connection for Audiobookshelf servers. Browse, download, stream, and sync listening progress. Sign in with your normal username and password.
• OPDS Catalog: a standard catalog format offered by many library tools, such as BookLore, BookOrbit or Calibre. Browse and download only. Turn on OPDS in your server's settings, then use the catalog address and, if needed, its username and password.

Simple Lore doesn't sync reading progress with OPDS servers, Calibre or KOReader; progress for those books stays in Simple Lore and in iCloud if it's on.

The server can't be reached.

• Check the address, including http:// or https:// and the port.
• Servers on your home network only work while you're on that network, unless the server itself is set up for remote access. Use https:// for anything outside your home.
• If Simple Lore asks to find devices on your local network, allow it, or turn it on in Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network.
• “Not accepted” means the username or password is wrong, or the account has no OPDS or library access.
• Simple Lore doesn't connect to servers with invalid security certificates.

Downloads

Do downloads continue in the background?

Yes. Downloads can continue while you use other apps or lock your phone, but iOS decides when they run and may delay them depending on your network, battery and device conditions. A download that stops partway continues from where it left off when the server allows it. Downloads shows what each download is doing: waiting for a network, waiting for Wi-Fi, retrying, or needing your attention.

What if I force-quit Simple Lore?

Swiping Simple Lore away in the app switcher stops its downloads, and iOS doesn't let them continue or send notifications until you open the app again. Your queue is kept, and downloads continue when you reopen Simple Lore.

Can Simple Lore tell me when downloads finish?

Yes, if you want. In Downloads, turn on Download Notifications to be told when a batch of downloads is ready, or when one can't continue without you, for example when a server needs you to sign in again. Simple Lore asks for permission only when you turn one on, and downloads work the same either way.

What are Smart Downloads?

An optional setting (Downloads → Smart Downloads) that fetches books you're reading, favorites, or chosen collections, series or libraries. They download over Wi-Fi by default and within the storage limits you set. Nothing downloads automatically until you turn it on, and books are never deleted to make room.

iCloud

What does iCloud sync include?

Your place in each book, listening positions, bookmarks, highlights, notes, reading status, favorites, collections, default reading settings and your server connections. Book files aren't uploaded: add or download the same edition on each device and they'll line up. If two devices disagree about where you are, Simple Lore asks which to keep instead of jumping you backwards.

Do server passwords sync?

While iCloud sync is on, server passwords are saved to iCloud Keychain, so they appear on your other devices if iCloud Keychain is turned on (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Passwords). If it's off, the server still appears on your other devices, and Simple Lore asks for its password there.

Free, for good

Is Simple Lore really free?

Yes. Every feature is free, with no ads, subscriptions or limits. Tips in Settings → Support the Developer are optional and unlock nothing.