[Kavita] External/Internal PDF Link Toggle in Library Settings

[aliooo36]

Idea Description

I primarily read PDFs in Kavita and the core experience works great. However, navigating documents with a mix of internal references (footnotes, indexes) and external web URLs creates unnecessary friction.

An "Internal-Only" link toggle would address two specific issues:

1. Preventing Reading Disruptions

• Clicking an external link opens a new browser tab, breaking the reading state and forcing me out of the Kavita app interface.
• An internal lock ensures that clicking or tapping around a document only navigates within the PDF itself, making misclicks a non-issue.

2. Local Privacy & Security

• Malicious or tracked hyperlinks can leak data (like a public IP address or active reading times) to outside servers when triggered. Restricting links ensures the document remains completely sandboxed and offline.
• Protection from Unverified Links: It blocks accidental redirects to phishing pages or automated file downloads embedded within unverified documents.

Proposed Behavior

Add a configuration toggle in the PDF reader settings (e.g., "Restrict to Internal Links Only"). When enabled, http:// and https:// protocols are ignored, while document anchor tags continue to handle internal navigation normally.

I plan on implementing the feature myself and sending a PR soon! Thank you :)

Idea Category

Feature Enhancement

Duration of Using Kavita

2 months

Before submitting

• I've already searched for existing ideas before posting.

[majora2007]

I saw you raised a PR for this. Right now, I don't have time to look into it. I'll try and circle back around to it after this release window.

[aliooo36]

Not a problem 👍