Getting Started

Getting Started

Use the hosted reader

Open Granthalay in a current browser. No account is required for the current reader.

Add a book

1. Open the library.
2. Choose the add/import control.
3. Select a valid .epub file.
4. Wait while Granthalay extracts its title and cover locally.
5. Open the book to see its details and chapters.

The file is not uploaded by Granthalay. It is stored in IndexedDB for this exact browser profile and site origin.

Organize the library

Choose list, compact-grid, or comfortable-grid view. Your view and theme preference persist in this browser. Removing a book deletes its library entry but never deletes the original file on your device.

Install the app

Use Granthalay's install action or your browser's Install app / Add to Home Screen command. Installation requires browser PWA support and HTTPS. See Deployment and PWA for current path limitations.

Keep notes while reading

The reader can save bookmarks and selected-text highlights locally. Use the bookmark button in the reader header to save the current location, then open the Reader settings pop-up and use the Annotations tab to return to or remove saved items. See Reading Books for the complete interaction and storage behavior.

The bottom app bar has Library, Annotations, and Settings destinations. Annotations opens a dedicated responsive page of saved bookmarks and highlights across every local book. Filter the page by annotation type, open a selected passage in the reader, or remove it. Settings opens the global reading defaults in a responsive phone, tablet, and desktop layout. The shared bottom app bar remains available on Library, Annotations, and Settings. A settings menu provides section navigation on phones and tablets; the same categories appear in a persistent sidebar on desktop.

Back up your books

Keep the original EPUB files. Granthalay currently has no library export or cloud recovery, and clearing site data removes locally stored books and reading positions.