Import Your Kobo Highlights

PastReads makes it easy to import your highlights and notes from your Kobo e-reader. Our import system processes your Kobo database file to preserve all your reading insights, including book information, highlights, and notes.

Choose Your Import Method

You have two ways to import your Kobo highlights:

Web uploader: Simply drag and drop your file onto the PastReads website (files up to 50MB).
PastReads Sync Desktop app for macOS: Import directly from your Mac with no file size limits. Download PastReads Sync (macOS only)

Quick Start

Connect your Kobo e-reader to your computer using a USB cable.
Your Kobo may ask for approval to connect to your computer, if so click "Connect".

Locate the KoboReader.sqlite file (in the .kobo folder) on your Kobo harddrive

The .kobo folder is hidden by default.

Here's how to show hidden files:

On Mac: Press ⌘ (Command) + ⇧ (Shift) + . (Dot)
On Windows: Click "View" in File Explorer, then check "Hidden items"

Open the PastReads Import modal on the website or the PastReads Sync Desktop app

Drag and drop the KoboReader.sqlite file or click to select it

What Gets Imported

When you import highlights from your Kobo device, PastReads automatically processes:

📚 Book titles and author information
🔍 Highlight content with original formatting
📝 Notes attached to your highlights
📅 Highlight dates
🔄 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.

Your Data

When you upload your KoboReader.sqlite file:

🔒 We extract your highlights, notes, and book information
🗑️ The SQLite file is immediately deleted from our servers after processing
✨ Only the extracted reading insights are stored in your PastReads library

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues:

File Not Found: Make sure your Kobo is properly connected and mounted as a drive
Import Fails: Ensure you're selecting the correct KoboReader.sqlite file
No Highlights Appear: Verify that you have highlights saved on your Kobo device

If problems persist, please contact our support team for assistance.