Calibre, a popular open-source ebook management tool, has just released version 7.20, which brings improvements and new features. Here they are.
The release’s highlight is the new PDF Input engine, designed to automatically detect and remove headers and footers from PDF files during conversion. It analyzes the document to identify these repetitive elements, making converted files much cleaner.
It’s important to note that the new PDF Input engine is now the default, but if users prefer the old version, it can still be accessed in the PDF Input section of the Conversion dialog.
In addition to the improved PDF handling, Calibre 7.20 also includes enhancements for the Read Aloud function, specifically for Piper Text-to-Speech engine users.
In light of this, users can now configure an extra pause at the end of each sentence, making the reading experience feel more naturalโa highly requested feature.
Moreover, the update adds new capabilities to the PDF Output function. Users can now take advantage of the WIDTH_PIXELS and HEIGHT_PIXELS variables, which provide information about the size of header and footer areas, enhancing customization options for PDF templates.
For Windows users, Calibre will now use its own bundled SSL certificates by default instead of relying on the system certificate store. This can be turned off if needed, giving users more control over their security settings.
The Trim Image tool in Calibre has also received an upgrade. It now features a control to adjust the aspect ratio, making image adjustments more precise and convenient. Additionally, the Kobo driver now supports the new firmware the Tolino Shine 5 uses, ensuring compatibility for more e-readers.
This release also addresses several bugs. Notably, an issue that prevented copying books to another library when the author did not exist in the destination database has been fixed.
Other fixes include resolving problems with non-ASCII characters in Read Aloud, as well as an error involving the content server’s HTML embedding within third-party iframes.
Lastly, Calibre 7.20 brings new and improved news sources for users who love staying informed. Among the newly added ones are NYT Magazine and RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland. In addition, existing news sources such as The Wire, Nikkei Asia Magazine, and National Geographic have been improved.
Check out the changelog for more details and the complete list of novelties in the Calibre 7.20 open-source ebook management tool.
