How to Install Foliate on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

This guide will demonstrate how to install Foliate on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS utilizing the command-line terminal and LaunchPAD PPA maintained by Archisman Panigrahi or alternative package managers Snap, Flatpak with Flathub.

In today’s digital age, reading has taken a new turn with the advent of eBooks, making it essential to have a reliable and versatile eBook reader. Enter Foliate, an open-source eBook reader that provides a seamless and enriched reading experience on Ubuntu. Designed with usability in mind, Foliate offers a wide array of features that cater to the modern reader’s needs, transforming your computer into an expansive library of digital books. Whether you’re a casual reader or a literature enthusiast, Foliate’s intuitive interface and customizable reading options make it the go-to choice for eBook aficionados.

Why Choose Foliate?

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and an intuitive design.
• Customizable Reading Experience: Adjust font types, sizes, and themes.
• Annotation Tools: Highlight, take notes, and bookmark for easy reference.
• Support for Multiple Formats: Open EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and more.
• Reading Progress Tracker: Keep tabs on your reading progress.
• Text-to-Speech Functionality: Listen to your books when you’re on the go.
• Dictionary and Translation Tools: Enhance comprehension without leaving the app.
• Integration with Online Libraries: Access millions of free books directly.

Let’s transition into the technical aspects of getting Foliate up and running on your Ubuntu system. With just a few commands, you’ll unlock a world of literature at your fingertips.

Install Foliate on Ubuntu APT PPA

Update Ubuntu Before Foliate Installation

Before starting the installation process, ensuring your Ubuntu system is up-to-date is essential. This practice helps prevent conflicts during the installation and keeps your system secure. To update your system, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Import Foliate LaunchPAD PPA

One of the recommended installation options for Foliate is using Archisman Panigrahi’s LaunchPAD PPA, which is officially listed on the Foliate website. This PPA provides the latest stable version of Foliate and daily builds for those who prefer the cutting-edge version.

To import the PPA, choose either the stable or daily PPA. Note that you can only install one version at a time. If you import both PPAs, the daily build will take precedence.

To import the stable PPA for Foliate, run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/foliate -y

If you prefer to use the daily PPA for Foliate, execute the command below:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/foliate-daily -y

Refresh Packages Index After Foliate PPA Import

After importing the desired PPA, update the APT packages index to synchronize with the new PPA by running the following command:

sudo apt update

Install Foliate on Ubuntu via APT Command

To install the stable version of Foliate from the PPA, use the following apt install command:

sudo apt install foliate -y

If you have imported the Foliate Daily PPA, use the following apt install command to install the daily version:

sudo apt install com.github.johnfactotum.foliate -y

Note: If you encounter crashes, remove the daily and use the stable version or optionally use the next method in section 2, a growing popular method amongst most Linux distributions.

Install Foliate on Ubuntu via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative method to install Foliate using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a popular option similar to Snap, and it is featured across many Linux distributions as a third-party installation package manager for obtaining the latest packages.

Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Enable Flathub For Foliate on Ubuntu

Before installing Foliate through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including Foliate.

Install Foliate on Ubuntu via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install Foliate using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub com.github.johnfactotum.Foliate -y

This command installs the Foliate eBook Viewer from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application.

Install Foliate on Ubuntu via Snap

Snap provides a streamlined software deployment and management approach as a last-installation alternative. This section will elucidate the procedure to install Foliate, a user-friendly e-book reader, via Snap.

Confirm Snap’s Availability on Your Ubuntu System

Snap, a brainchild of Canonical (the entity behind Ubuntu), acts as a robust platform for software management. Although Snap is a standard feature on most Ubuntu versions, there might be instances where it’s absent. If you find Snap missing, you can reintroduce it with the ensuing command:

sudo apt install snapd -y

This will initialize the Snap Daemon (snapd), which supervises your Snap applications.

Initiate Classic Snap Support for Foliate on Ubuntu

Specific snap applications necessitate the ‘classic’ confinement, which allows them more comprehensive access to system resources akin to traditional software. For the flawless functioning of such applications, establishing a symbolic link (symlink) for classic snap support is paramount. The succeeding command facilitates this:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Incorporate the Essential Core Snap

Before you proceed with Foliate’s installation, setting up the ‘core’ snap is judicious. This pivotal component furnishes your system with foundational libraries and services that other snaps utilize. Taking this step can thwart potential discrepancies. Use the subsequent command to get the core snap:

sudo snap install core

Install Foliate on Ubuntu via Snap Command

With the groundwork laid, you’re primed to deploy Foliate. You can execute the command below to accomplish this:

sudo snap install foliate

Here, ‘sudo’ confers administrative permissions, ‘snap’ triggers the Snap packaging system, ‘install’ denotes the installation action, and ‘foliate’ specifies the application you wish to deploy.

Launching Foliate on Ubuntu via CLI or GUI Methods

Now that Foliate is installed on your system, you can launch the application in several ways. This section will guide you through different methods to start the Foliate eBook Viewer and begin enjoying your reading experience.

CLI Methods to Launch Foliate on Ubuntu

If you have installed Foliate using APT or would like to launch it immediately, open your terminal and enter the following command:

foliate

For those who have installed Foliate using Flatpak, use the following command in your terminal to launch the application:

flatpak run com.github.johnfactotum.Foliate

Lastly, Snap Foliate installations can open the application from the command terminal using the following command:

snap run foliate

GUI Method to Launch Foliate on Ubuntu

You can launch Foliate directly from your desktop environment for a more user-friendly approach. To do this, follow the path below:

Activities > Show Applications > Foliate

First-Time Tips with Foliate on Ubuntu

Now that you have successfully installed Foliate on Ubuntu, here are some first-time tips on getting the most out of your eBook reader. These tips are tailored for Linux users and aim to enhance your reading experience by familiarizing you with Foliate’s capabilities and customization options.

General Tips for Using Foliate on Ubuntu

• Explore Keyboard Shortcuts: Foliate comes with a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can make your reading experience smoother. For example, you can press F to toggle fullscreen mode, N to jump to the next page, and P to go back to the previous page. Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts can significantly improve your navigation through eBooks.
• Adjust the Font and Size for Comfort: To customize the font type and size, access the settings menu by clicking on the gear icon. Here, you can select your preferred font and adjust the size to suit your reading comfort. This is particularly useful for long reading sessions.
• Utilize the Night Mode: Reading in different lighting conditions is made easier with Foliate’s night mode feature. Switching to night mode reduces the strain on your eyes in low-light environments. You can enable this feature from the display settings within the app.
• Explore the Table of Contents: For easier navigation through the eBook, utilize the table of contents feature. It allows you to jump to different chapters or sections of the book instantly. This feature is especially handy for reference materials and textbooks.

Customizations in Foliate for Ubuntu Users

• Change Themes for a Personal Touch: Foliate offers several themes to choose from, allowing you to personalize your reading environment. You can switch between light, dark, sepia, and more depending on your preference.
• Adjust Margins and Line Spacing: Foliate lets you modify margins and line spacing to tailor the reading layout to your liking further. This customization can help reduce eye strain and make the text more digestible.
• Customize Reading Direction: Foliate supports changing the reading direction for those reading texts in languages that flow right-to-left. This ensures that the software meets the needs of a diverse user base.
• Enable Scrolling View: Foliate allows you to switch to a scrolling view, if you prefer, over flipping pages. For some users, this continuous flow can be more conducive to reading on digital screens.

Performance Tips for Foliate on Ubuntu

• Manage Resources with Smaller Books: While Foliate is efficient, opening very large eBooks can consume more system resources. If you encounter performance issues, consider breaking up large files into smaller segments.
• Use Dictionary and Translation Features: Foliate integrates dictionary and translation tools that work offline, ensuring that looking up words or phrases doesn’t interrupt your reading experience. Ensure you have the necessary dictionaries downloaded for offline use.
• Leverage Text-to-Speech (TTS) for Audiobook Experience: Foliate’s TTS feature can turn any eBook into an audiobook, making it easier to consume literature while multitasking. This feature relies on your system’s TTS capabilities, so ensure you have a compatible TTS engine installed on Ubuntu.

Exploring Additional Features in Foliate

• Annotations and Highlights: Foliate allows you to annotate text and highlight passages. These notes are saved and can be reviewed or exported, making Foliate an excellent tool for students and researchers.
• Search Within Books: Quickly find passages or references within your eBook using Foliate’s search functionality. This feature is invaluable for studying or when looking for specific quotes.
• Bookmark Pages: Don’t lose track of where you are in your book. Use bookmarks to return to specific points of interest easily.
• Access Public Domain Libraries: Foliate can integrate with public domain libraries, allowing you to download and read classics directly within the app. Explore the settings to connect to these libraries and expand your collection.

Incorporating these tips into your use of Foliate on Ubuntu, you can optimize your eBook reading experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient. Foliate’s robust set of features and customization options ensure that it caters to a wide array of reading preferences and needs.

Additional Foliate Commands on Ubuntu

This section will cover how to update and remove Foliate using the terminal. These commands will help you manage the Foliate application on your Ubuntu Linux system.

Update Foliate

Although updates should appear in notifications, checking for updates using the terminal if they fail to show is recommended. Use one of the following commands to check for updates, depending on your original installation method:

APT Foliate Update Command:

sudo apt update

Flatpak Foliate Update Command:

flatpak update

Snap Foliate Update Command:

snap refresh

Remove Foliate

If you no longer require the Foliate application, use one of the following commands to remove it, depending on your original installation method:

APT Foliate Remove Commands:

sudo apt remove foliate

sudo apt remove com.github.johnfactotum.foliate

Lastly, for users who installed Foliate from the PPA by Archisman Panigrahi, remove the PPA using the following command.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/foliate --remove -y

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/foliate-daily --remove -y

Flatpak Foliate Remove Command:

flatpak remove  --delete-data com.github.johnfactotum.Foliate -y

Snap Foliate Remove Command:

sudo snap remove foliate

Conclusion

In this guide, we walked you through the steps to install Foliate on Ubuntu, providing first-time users with essential tips to enhance their reading experience. We delved into general usage, customization options, and performance advice and explored additional features to get the most out of this versatile eBook reader. Our final recommendation? Take some time to play around with Foliate’s settings and features to tailor your reading experience exactly to your liking. Remember, the more you customize it to fit your preferences, the more enjoyable and productive your reading sessions will be. Happy reading!