How to Read AO3 Stories in KOReader
You can read an Archive of Our Own story in KOReader by downloading the complete story as an EPUB, copying it to your device, and opening it from KOReader’s file browser. The EPUB remains available for offline reading.
What you need
WP Downloader is a free web tool, and you do not need to install anything to use it. You will need:
- A link to an Archive of Our Own work
- A device running KOReader
- A way to copy the downloaded file to the device
KOReader is a free, open-source document reader for Kobo, PocketBook, and Android devices. It also runs on Kindles that have been jailbroken. KOReader supports EPUB and PDF, but EPUB is the easier option here because WP Downloader provides it free to everyone.
Step 1: Copy the Archive of Our Own story link
Open the story on archiveofourown.org, archiveofourown.com, or archiveofourown.net. A work link usually looks like this:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/123456Copy the link for the complete work. WP Downloader downloads whole Archive of Our Own stories, not individual chapters or lists.
Step 2: Download the story with WP Downloader
Go to the Archive of Our Own downloader and paste the story link into the box. WP Downloader detects the site from the URL.
Select EPUB and choose whether to include the story’s images. Start the download, then save the finished EPUB somewhere you can easily find it.
You can also download a PDF after signing in with a free Discord account. WP Downloader does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.
You do not need to sign in for public stories. If a story is restricted to members, you can sign in with your Archive of Our Own account so WP Downloader can fetch content that account is allowed to read. It uses your credentials only to retrieve the story you requested and does not bypass account restrictions or other access limits.
For a broader walkthrough, see how to download AO3 fanfiction.
Step 3: Copy the EPUB to your device
How you transfer the file depends on the device running KOReader.
Kobo or PocketBook
Connect the e-reader to your computer with USB and copy the EPUB to the device. Disconnect the reader safely when the transfer finishes.
Open KOReader, find the folder containing the EPUB in its file browser, and select the file.
Installing KOReader on a Kobo is a separate, unofficial process. If you are comparing other ways to read on a Kobo, see the AO3 stories on Kobo guide.
Android
Move the EPUB to your Android phone, tablet, or e-reader with your usual Android file-transfer method. Save it in a folder you can find easily.
Open KOReader’s file browser, go to that folder, and select the EPUB.
Kindle
KOReader runs only on Kindles that have been jailbroken. Installing it on a Kindle is a separate, unofficial process and is not covered here.
If KOReader is already installed and working, copy the EPUB to the Kindle and open it through KOReader’s file browser. For the standard Kindle reading process, see how to send AO3 stories to Kindle.
Downloading new chapters
WP Downloader cannot add new chapters to an EPUB you have already downloaded. When the author updates the story, return to the AO3 downloader, paste the work link again, and download a new copy of the complete story.
WP Downloader’s support for Archive of Our Own and its other fiction archives was ported from FanFicFare, the open-source fanfiction downloader.
FAQ
Which format should I use with KOReader?
EPUB is the most direct option. KOReader opens EPUB files, and WP Downloader provides EPUB downloads free to everyone. KOReader can also open PDFs.
Can I download one AO3 chapter for KOReader?
No. WP Downloader downloads the complete Archive of Our Own story. It does not download individual chapters or lists.
Do I need an Archive of Our Own account?
Public stories do not require an account. You can sign in when your Archive of Our Own account has access to a members-only story.
Can WP Downloader update an EPUB when new chapters appear?
No. Download the complete story again to get the latest available chapters.
Does KOReader work on every Kindle?
No. It runs on Kindles that have been jailbroken, and installing it is a separate, unofficial process.