Import Your Kindle Highlights
PastReads offers two convenient methods to import your Kindle highlights and notes: directly from your Kindle e-reader device or from the Kindle mobile app. Choose the method that works best for you.
Import from Kindle Device
If you use a Kindle e-reader (like Paperwhite, Oasis, or basic Kindle), follow these steps to import your highlights:
Connect your Kindle to your computer using a USB cable.
Your Kindle screen will show "USB Drive Mode" when properly connected.
On your computer, open the Kindle drive
Navigate to the "documents" folder
Locate the My Clippings.txt file
Click the "Import" button in PastReads and select "Kindle"
Choose "Import from Kindle Device" and upload your My Clippings.txt file
Import from Kindle App
If you read using the Kindle app on your phone or tablet, you can import your highlights through the app's export feature:
Open the Kindle app on your device
Go to your library and select a book with highlights
Open the book's Annotations and select "Export Notebook"
Choose "Export" and email the file to [email protected]
Make sure to send from the same email address you use for PastReads
What Gets Imported
PastReads automatically processes and organizes:
- 📚 Book titles and author information
- 🔍 All your highlights with original formatting
- 📝 Notes attached to your highlights
- 📅 Original highlight dates (when available)
- 📍 Kindle location markers
- 🔄 Multiple highlights from the same book
Duplicate Detection
PastReads includes advanced duplicate detection, so you don't need to worry about importing the same highlights or notes multiple times. The system automatically checks for existing highlights and safely skips duplicates without creating redundant entries.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues:
For Kindle Device Import:
- File Not Found: Ensure your Kindle is properly connected and mounted as a drive
- Import Fails: Check that you're selecting the correct
My Clippings.txtfile - Invalid Format: Make sure you're using the original unmodified file from your Kindle
For Kindle App Import:
- Email Not Received: Check that you sent from your PastReads email address
- No Highlights: Verify that the book has highlights before exporting
- Processing Error: Try exporting and sending the notebook again
If problems persist, please contact our support team for assistance.
Apple Books
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Kobo
Learn how to import your Kobo highlights and notes into PastReads. A step-by-step guide to sync your reading insights from your Kobo e-reader to your PastReads library.