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OPDS Catalog

Codex supports the Open Publication Distribution System (OPDS), allowing you to browse and download your library from compatible e-reader apps and devices.

What is OPDS?​

OPDS (Open Publication Distribution System) is a standard protocol for distributing ebooks and other digital content. It uses Atom XML feeds to create browsable catalogs that work with many e-reader applications.

Benefits​

  • Universal compatibility: Works with dozens of apps
  • Direct downloads: Download books directly to your device
  • Browse anywhere: Access your library from any device
  • No special app needed: Use your favorite reading app

OPDS Endpoints​

Catalog Root​

http://localhost:8080/opds

The root catalog provides navigation links to browse your library.

Available Feeds​

EndpointDescription
/opdsRoot catalog with navigation
/opds/allAll books (paginated)
/opds/recentRecently added books
/opds/seriesBrowse by series
/opds/series/{id}Books in a specific series
/opds/librariesBrowse by library
/opds/libraries/{id}Books in a specific library
/opds/search?q={query}Search books

Authentication​

OPDS endpoints require authentication. Use one of these methods:

HTTP Basic Auth​

Most OPDS clients support HTTP Basic authentication:

Username: your-username
Password: your-password

URL: http://localhost:8080/opds

API Key​

Use an API key as the password with username api:

Username: api
Password: your-api-key

URL: http://localhost:8080/opds

Creating an API Key for OPDS​

Create a dedicated API key with minimal permissions:

curl -X POST http://localhost:8080/api/v1/api-keys \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "name": "OPDS Reader",
    "permissions": ["LibrariesRead", "SeriesRead", "BooksRead", "PagesRead"]
  }'

Compatible Apps​

iOS​

AppNotes
PanelsExcellent comic reader, full OPDS support
ChunkyComic reader with OPDS streaming
KyBook 3Ebook reader with OPDS support
MarvinFeature-rich ebook reader

Android​

AppNotes
Moon+ ReaderPopular reader, OPDS catalog support
FBReaderOpen source, good OPDS support
LibreraFeature-rich, OPDS browsing
TachiyomiManga reader with extensions

Desktop​

AppNotes
CalibreFull OPDS support via plugin
Thorium ReaderModern EPUB reader with OPDS

E-Readers​

DeviceNotes
KoboBuilt-in OPDS support (via Pocket)
PocketBookNative OPDS browser

Setting Up OPDS Clients​

General Setup​

  1. Open your reading app's library/catalog settings
  2. Add a new OPDS catalog
  3. Enter the URL: http://your-server:8080/opds
  4. Enter your username and password
  5. Save and browse your library

Panels (iOS) Example​

  1. Open Panels
  2. Go to Library > Sources
  3. Tap "Add Source"
  4. Select "OPDS"
  5. Enter:
    • Name: My Codex
    • URL: http://your-server:8080/opds
    • Username: your-username
    • Password: your-password
  6. Tap Save

Moon+ Reader (Android) Example​

  1. Open Moon+ Reader
  2. Tap the library icon
  3. Select "Net Library"
  4. Tap "+" to add new
  5. Select "OPDS Catalog"
  6. Enter:
    • Name: Codex
    • URL: http://your-server:8080/opds
    • Enable authentication
    • Enter username and password
  7. Tap OK

Calibre Example​

  1. Install the "OPDS Client" plugin
  2. Go to Preferences > Plugins > Get new plugins
  3. Search for "OPDS Client" and install
  4. Restart Calibre
  5. Click the OPDS icon in toolbar
  6. Add new server:
    • URL: http://your-server:8080/opds
    • Username/password

OPDS Features​

Browse by Series​

Navigate to /opds/series to see all series, then drill down into individual series to see their books.

Search your entire library:

http://localhost:8080/opds/search?q=batman

Most OPDS clients have a built-in search feature that uses this endpoint.

Download Formats​

When viewing a book, you'll see acquisition links for downloading:

  • Original file format (CBZ, CBR, EPUB, PDF)
  • Cover image thumbnail

Pagination​

Large catalogs are paginated. OPDS clients handle pagination automatically through next and previous links in the feed.

Network Configuration​

Local Network Access​

For devices on your local network:

http://192.168.1.100:8080/opds

Replace with your server's IP address.

Remote Access​

For access outside your network, you'll need:

  1. Port forwarding: Forward port 8080 (or your custom port)
  2. Dynamic DNS: If you don't have a static IP
  3. HTTPS: Strongly recommended for security

Example with reverse proxy:

https://codex.yourdomain.com/opds

HTTPS Requirement​

Some apps require HTTPS for security. Use a reverse proxy with SSL:

server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    server_name codex.yourdomain.com;

    ssl_certificate /etc/letsencrypt/live/codex.yourdomain.com/fullchain.pem;
    ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/codex.yourdomain.com/privkey.pem;

    location /opds {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:8080;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
    }
}

Troubleshooting​

Connection Failed​

  1. Check URL: Ensure the URL is correct and includes /opds
  2. Check credentials: Verify username/password
  3. Check network: Ensure device can reach the server
  4. Check firewall: Ensure port is open

Authentication Failed​

  1. Check username/password: Case-sensitive
  2. Try API key: Use api as username, API key as password
  3. Check user permissions: Ensure user has read permissions

No Books Showing​

  1. Scan library: Ensure library has been scanned
  2. Check permissions: User needs BooksRead permission
  3. Check filters: Some apps filter by format

Downloads Failing​

  1. Check file permissions: Codex needs read access to library
  2. Check file size: Very large files may timeout
  3. Check network: Unstable connections cause failures

Slow Browsing​

  1. Enable caching: OPDS responses are cached
  2. Check network: Slow network = slow browsing
  3. Reduce library size: Very large libraries take longer

OPDS Versions​

Codex supports multiple OPDS versions:

  • OPDS 1.2: Standard catalog format (Atom XML-based)
  • OPDS 2.0: Modern JSON-based catalog format
  • OPDS PSE 1.0: Page Streaming Extension for comics

Most clients work with OPDS 1.2. PSE enables page-by-page streaming in supported apps.

OPDS 2.0​

OPDS 2.0 is the next-generation standard using JSON instead of XML. It provides better tooling support and richer metadata via schema.org.

OPDS 2.0 Endpoints​

EndpointDescription
/opds/v2Root catalog (JSON)
/opds/v2/librariesList all libraries
/opds/v2/libraries/{id}Series in a library
/opds/v2/series/{id}Books in a series (publications feed)
/opds/v2/recentRecent additions
/opds/v2/search?query=...Search books and series

Content Type​

OPDS 2.0 feeds use application/opds+json content type.

Example Response​

{
  "metadata": {
    "title": "Codex OPDS 2.0 Catalog",
    "modified": "2026-01-10T12:00:00Z"
  },
  "links": [
    {"rel": "self", "href": "/opds/v2", "type": "application/opds+json"},
    {"rel": "search", "href": "/opds/v2/search{?query}", "type": "application/opds+json", "templated": true}
  ],
  "navigation": [
    {"href": "/opds/v2/libraries", "title": "All Libraries", "type": "application/opds+json"}
  ]
}

Reading Progress in OPDS 2.0​

OPDS 2.0 feeds include reading progress for each book (user-specific). Progress is included as a readingProgress object on each publication.

Client Support​

Modern OPDS clients are increasingly supporting OPDS 2.0. If your client doesn't support 2.0, use the standard OPDS 1.2 endpoint at /opds.

Security Considerations​

Use HTTPS​

Always use HTTPS for remote access to protect credentials.

Dedicated API Keys​

Create API keys with minimal permissions for OPDS access:

{
  "name": "OPDS Reader",
  "permissions": ["LibrariesRead", "SeriesRead", "BooksRead", "PagesRead"]
}

Network Segmentation​

Consider keeping your media server on a separate VLAN if exposing to the internet.

Best Practices​

Organize Your Library​

Well-organized libraries make OPDS browsing easier:

/library/
├── Comics/
│   └── [Series Name]/
│       └── files...
└── Manga/
    └── [Series Name]/
        └── files...

Use Consistent Metadata​

Good metadata improves the OPDS browsing experience:

  • Include ComicInfo.xml in comics
  • Ensure EPUBs have complete metadata
  • Use consistent series naming

Test Your Setup​

Before configuring mobile apps:

  1. Test in a browser: http://localhost:8080/opds
  2. Verify authentication works
  3. Check books are visible
  4. Test downloads

Next Steps​