Overview
Ebok is a local-first ebook reader for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It combines a personal desktop library with optional on-device AI explanations that interpret a selected word in the context of the surrounding passage.
The library is stored on the user's computer, ordinary reading works offline, and no account or cloud-sync service is required. The available release is an early Alpha intended for testing.
Key Features
- Imports EPUB, PDF, Kindle and Mobipocket formats, FictionBook, comics, and additional supported ebook formats through drag and drop.
- Organizes books with collections and favorites while preserving reading position.
- Provides adjustable typography, page color, and reading flow.
- Supports bookmarks, highlights, and notes.
- Includes an English dictionary and optional online translation alongside AI explanations.
On-Device AI Explanations
Ebok uses Meta's Llama 3.2 1B Instruct with 4-bit weights, WebLLM, and WebGPU. When a reader selects a word and enables AI, the selected term and nearby passage are processed locally to produce a short explanation of its meaning in that sentence. The feature can be turned off from the same word popup.
Initial AI setup requires a compatible GPU and a model download of about 700 MB. Once the model files are cached, explanations can run offline. AI responses may be incorrect, so the bundled dictionary remains available as an alternative.
Availability and Limitations
Alpha builds are provided for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, x64 Windows, and x64 Linux. Mac builds are not notarized, Windows installers are unsigned, and updates are manual. Users are advised to retain copies of their original ebooks during testing.
Imports are limited to 100 MB per file. DRM-protected books, KFX, ACSM, legacy DOC, and password-protected PDFs are unsupported, while PDF and comic text search and OCR are unavailable. Some legacy formats require a separate Calibre installation, and online lookup or translation requires an internet connection.