How to Add Books to Your GemReader Library

Traditional digital e-readers often require uploading your personal files to a distant cloud server or linking your library to an online vendor account. If your internet connection drops or service policies change, access to your own books can be delayed or disrupted.

GemReader takes a refreshingly quiet, local-first path. When you import a book, the file is read directly from your device and stored safely inside GemReader's private app storage. Your reading progress, highlights, and documents remain 100% offline, private to you, and always ready to read.

Before adding books to your shelf, ensure you have the following ready:

• **Platforms**: GemReader installed on your phone or tablet (Android or iOS). • **Supported Formats**: EPUB, PDF, CBZ comic archives, DRM-free MOBI and AZW3, FB2, plain text (.txt), and ZIP or 7z archives. • **Connection**: 100% offline (no account, registration, or internet connection required). • **Files**: Your book files downloaded to your device storage (such as your Downloads folder or iCloud Drive).

1. Open GemReader and ensure you are on the main **Library** screen. 2. Tap the **+** button located in the top bar (or tap the floating action button at the bottom right corner of the shelf). 3. In the pop-up menu that appears, tap **Import books** (marked with an open book icon). 4. Your phone's system file manager will appear. Navigate to your **Downloads** or documents folder and tap the book file you wish to import. 5. GemReader will inspect the book metadata, safely copy the file into your local app storage, extract the cover artwork, and place it directly on your bookshelf ready for reading.

• **Safe to Delete Download Copies**: Because GemReader copies and stores your book inside its own private app folder, you can safely delete the original copy from your phone's Downloads folder to reclaim storage space. • **Batch Importing**: To import several books at once, press and hold on the first file in your system file picker to activate multi-select, tap additional titles, and choose **Select** or **Open**. • **ZIP & 7z Archives**: If you downloaded a multi-volume series or book bundle packaged inside a `.zip` or `.7z` file, you do not need to extract it first on a computer. GemReader can inspect the archive directly and unpack the book files for you. • **Our Private-First Philosophy**: For a deeper exploration of how offline storage protects your reading habits, read our launch essay, Welcome to Your Private Library: Importing Your ePubs.