Reading Experience
EPUB Reader
A custom WebView-based EPUB renderer with paginated reading, smooth page transitions, and full support for complex layouts including tables, images, and drop caps. Slide animations between chapters on iOS and an optional page slider for quick navigation.
PDF Reader
Native PDFKit integration with two-page spreads on iPad, a page slider for quick navigation, theme switching, and in-reader search on both iOS and macOS.
Multiple Format Support
Read EPUB, PDF, MOBI, PRC, AZW, AZW3, KEPUB, CBZ, CBR, and CB7 files. Ebooks and comic books are rendered natively — no conversion needed.
Customizable Appearance
Choose from multiple reading themes, adjust font family and size, and fine-tune line spacing and margins to match your preferences.
Highlights & Annotations
Select text to highlight in multiple colors and add notes. All highlights sync across your devices via iCloud.
Export Highlights Pro
Export your highlights and annotations to Markdown, JSON, or CSV. Take your notes anywhere.
Table of Contents
Jump between chapters using the built-in table of contents. Works with nested chapters and multi-level navigation.
Bookmarks & Progress
Bookmark pages for quick access. Your reading position is automatically saved and restored, even across devices.
Look Up
Tap any word to look it up in the dictionary while reading. Uses the book’s language as a hint for translation.
Search
Full-text search within any book. Find passages across all chapters instantly.
Multi-Window (macOS)
Open multiple books in separate windows on macOS. Read side-by-side or keep reference material open while reading.
Library Management
Smart Metadata
Automatically fetch book metadata and cover images from online sources. Missing cover? BookShelves finds it for you.
Easy Import
Drag and drop files onto the app, use the file picker, or double-click any supported ebook file — BookShelves registers as the handler for all its formats. On iOS, files shared to the app are imported automatically. Bulk imports are handled with automatic metadata detection.
EPUB Repair
Books with formatting issues are automatically repaired during import. Fixes common problems like broken navigation, missing metadata, and malformed content so books just work.
Library Organization
Browse your collection with cover art in a clean grid view. Sort and filter by title, author, or date added.
Shelves
Create custom shelves to organize your library however you like — by genre, reading status, or any category that works for you.
Sync & Sharing
iCloud Sync Pro
Your entire library — books, reading positions, bookmarks, highlights, and metadata — syncs automatically across iPhone, iPad, and Mac through your personal iCloud account.
Email to Device Pro
Send ebooks directly to your Kindle, Kobo, PocketBook, reMarkable, and other e-readers via email. Set up once, then send any book with a single tap.
Calibre Wireless Sync
BookShelves runs a Calibre-compatible wireless sync server. Send books to your KOReader e-ink reader — no cables needed. Reading progress syncs back automatically.
OPDS Server with Auto-Discovery Pro
Share your library on the local network with a built-in OPDS server supporting both OPDS 1.2 (Atom/XML) and OPDS 2.0 (JSON). Compatible reading apps automatically find BookShelves on your network — no IP addresses to type. Browse and download your books from any device in your home.
Discovery
Free Book Catalogs
Browse and download thousands of free classics from Standard Ebooks and Internet Archive. Discover public domain literature directly in the app.
OPDS Catalog Browser
Connect to any OPDS-compatible server or library. Browse by category, search, and download books directly into your library. Supports OPDS v1 and v2 catalogs with automatic pagination.
One-Tap Download
Found a free book you like? Download it directly into your library with a single tap. No browser, no file management needed.
Curated Collections
Explore books organized by genre, author, and collection. Find your next read through curated catalog browsing.
Platform & Privacy
Universal App
One app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with a native interface optimized for each platform. Requires macOS 14+, iOS 17+, or iPadOS 17+.
Privacy First
No account required. All your data stays on your devices and in your personal iCloud account. Anonymous, opt-out analytics only. Your reading is yours alone.
Keyboard & Trackpad
Full keyboard shortcuts on macOS. On iPad, turn pages with arrow keys and navigate with trackpad and mouse — no tap zones needed.
