Foliate
Foliate: A capable Linux reader for broad format support, annotations, and research lookups. Ranked #17 of 27 in Ebook Reader Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source Linux readers with research tools.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source Linux readers with research tools
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Annotation toolsYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports EPUB, Kindle, PDF, CBZ, FB2, and Mobipocket
- Includes bookmarks, annotations, search, and navigation history
- Offers dictionaries, translation, text-to-speech, and OPDS catalogs
Where it doesn't
- Available as a desktop application for Linux only
- Reading data is stored locally rather than through built-in cloud sync
- Does not include AI features
Our verdict on Foliate
Foliate is a free, open-source desktop ebook reader for Linux users who want more than basic page turning. It opens EPUB, Mobipocket, Kindle, FB2, CBZ, and PDF files, with paginated and scrolling modes for different reading preferences. Readers can adjust fonts, spacing, margins, and colors, then use a table of contents, in-book search, a progress slider, and navigation history to move through longer books. Bookmarks and annotations also make it suitable for study and research workflows.
Its strongest area is the combination of reading tools and reference features. Foliate supports dictionary, encyclopedia, and translation lookups through Wiktionary, Wikipedia, and Google Translate. Text-to-speech is available through Speech Dispatcher, while support for right-to-left text, vertical writing, fixed-layout books, and media overlays broadens its usefulness across different book types. OPDS catalog support adds a way to connect with compatible ebook catalogs, and its open-source model makes it a natural fit for Linux readers who prefer locally controlled software.
Foliate stores reading progress, bookmarks, and annotations in local JSON files. Those files can be exported or synchronized with external tools or storage services, but this approach requires the reader to manage that process rather than relying on built-in cloud synchronization. The Linux-only desktop scope also makes it less suitable for people who need the same library state across other platforms. Choose Foliate for a focused Linux reading environment with research-friendly tools and broad format support; choose an alternative if cross-platform access or built-in cloud sync is central to your workflow.
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Foliate pricing
Foliate fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | linux |
| Supported formats | EPUB, Mobipocket, Kindle, FB2, CBZ, PDF |
| Annotation tools | Yes |
| Reading sync | Yes |
| Offline reading | Not verified |
| Library storage | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: OPDS catalogs, Wiktionary, Wikipedia, Google Translate, Speech Dispatcher |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | johnfactotum.github.io |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Foliate integrations
Foliate lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- OPDS catalogs
- Wiktionary
- Wikipedia
- Google Translate
- Speech Dispatcher
Alternatives to Foliate
- ReadestA cross-platform ebook reader for broad format support and detailed annotations.9.4
- BookFusionA flexible cloud library for mixed-format readers who want offline access and sync.9.2
- PocketBook ReaderA format-rich free reader for mobile users who need Adobe DRM and reading-position sync.9.0
See all Foliate alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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