Kobo Clara BW
KOReader
Installing and living with the KOReader reading app.
KOReader is a separate reading application that runs on the Clara BW without removing anything. When you install it, the Kobo home screen gains a “KOReader” icon; tapping it starts KOReader, and closing KOReader returns you to the normal Kobo interface (called Nickel, the name of Kobo’s own software).
Why the Clara BW is a favourite for KOReader
- It is small, light and cheap, so it is a low-stakes device to tinker with and comfortable to hold for long stretches with KOReader’s tighter margins.
- The screen is current-generation, so page turns and full refreshes are fast — KOReader feels responsive on it.
- The firmware tolerates sideloading and KOReader without much fuss, like the rest of the 2024 Kobo line.
What KOReader gives you here
- Typography control — margins, line spacing, hyphenation and font-weight settings that Nickel keeps hidden, which matter more on a 6-inch page.
- Format range — CBZ and CBR comics, FB2, DjVu and plain text, handled better than in the stock reader.
- Configurable touch zones — every corner and swipe can be assigned an action, which is useful on a device with no buttons.
- One setup across devices, including a synced reading position.
What you give up
Nickel’s Kobo store, OverDrive borrowing, Pocket and Bluetooth audiobooks do not work inside KOReader. If you use those, you will switch back and forth.
Start here
- Install KOReader on the Kobo Clara BW — the safe method that keeps Nickel intact.
- If KOReader will not open afterwards, see KOReader won’t launch on the Kobo Clara BW.