Cobalt

Kobo app

Zotero Reader

Browse Zotero collections, read metadata and indexed paper text, and keep papers available offline.

Version 1.0.6network, frontlight-control
Reading a paper with structured layout and Zotero metadata on a Kobo

App setup

Before you install

  1. Create a dedicated Zotero API key with read-only access to your personal library. Zotero API key settings
  2. Copy the numeric user ID shown on the Zotero API key settings page. Zotero Reader asks for it on first launch.
  3. Install the API key on your Kobo under the exact secret name zotero. kobo secret set zotero --device <address>
  4. Launch Zotero Reader, enter the numeric user ID, and select a collection.
  5. Direct mode reads indexed text. Structured PDF layout, tables, figures, formulas, and OCR require the optional self-hosted conversion service. Self-hosting guide

Do not have Cobalt yet?

Install Cobalt directly from your browser

Plug your Kobo into this computer and the browser writes Cobalt across. About a minute, and no terminal. Applications after that arrive over Wi-Fi, with no cable.

Works in Chrome, Edge and Opera. Check your Kobo is supported.

Install Cobalt

Already have Cobalt?

Link your Kobo to install

On your Kobo, open App Store, then Install links. Scan the QR code, or enter the pairing code and verification key shown there.