OPDS is a standard way for book servers to publish their catalog. If you run a Calibre content server, Calibre-Web or another OPDS server, or you have the address of a public OPDS feed, you can browse it from BookShelves and import books into your library.
Open the OPDS browser
- iPhone and iPad: tap + in the library toolbar, then Import from OPDS.
- Mac: choose File > Import from OPDS Server…
Your saved servers are listed here. They don’t appear in Discover.
Add a server
- Tap Add Server (or the + button in the OPDS window).
- Enter the Server URL. For a Calibre content server this is usually
http://<computer's address>:8080/opds. - Optionally enter a Server Name. Leave it empty and BookShelves fills it in from the server.
- If the server needs a password, turn on Requires Login and enter your Username and Password.
- Tap Test Connection. When it shows Connected, tap Save.
Your login is stored in your keychain and syncs to your other devices through iCloud.
Important: Apple only allows http:// addresses for servers on your local network. For anything else the address must start with https://, and BookShelves shows a warning under the URL while you type. See Why Your OPDS Feed Must Use HTTPS.
Browse and import
- Tap a server to open its catalog. Sub-catalogs appear under Categories, books under the book count.
- Use Search catalog… if the server supports search. More results load as you scroll.
- Tap books to select them. Books already in your library have a green check.
- Tap Import in the bar at the bottom.
Books without a download link are marked Not available and can’t be imported from that server.
Imported books count toward the free version’s 10-book limit. See BookShelves Pro.
Edit or remove a server
Long-press a server (iPhone and iPad) or right-click it (Mac), then choose Edit or Delete. Delete removes the server straight away. Books you imported from it stay in your library.
When something goes wrong
- Authentication Required: the server wants a login. Tap Go to Server Settings and check Requires Login, your username and your password.
- Feeds must use https://: see Why Your OPDS Feed Must Use HTTPS.
- Works on the Mac but not on the iPhone: a server at home is only reachable from your home network. Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi.
To share your own BookShelves library over OPDS instead, see Share Your Library with OPDS.