Does Kobo Glo support EPUB?

Yes. All Kobo Glo models — original Kobo Glo, Glo HD, Clara HD, and Clara 2E — support EPUB and EPUB3 natively. EPUB is the recommended format because it reflows text to your preferred font size. PDF files are also supported but do not reflow.

How do I transfer EPUB files to a Kobo Glo device?

Three methods work on all Kobo Glo models: (1) Email the EPUB to your Send to Kobo address (Settings → Account). (2) Connect via USB and drag EPUBs into the Kobo drive's root folder. (3) Use Dropbox sync (Settings → Account → Dropbox) to sync books wirelessly. USB is fastest for large batches; Send to Kobo is most convenient for one-off additions.

What is the difference between Kobo Glo, Glo HD, Clara HD, and Clara 2E?

Kobo Glo (2012, 212 ppi), Glo HD (2015, 300 ppi), Clara HD (2018, 300 ppi, SMARTlight), and Clara 2E (2022, 300 ppi, waterproof, recycled-plastic body). All are 6-inch front-lit e-readers. The Clara 2E is the current model in this line. All support EPUB natively and receive firmware updates.

Can I read library books on Kobo Glo?

Yes. All Kobo Glo models support OverDrive library lending. Go to Settings → Get Books → Library to set up your library account. Borrow EPUB titles from your library's digital collection and they download directly to your Kobo. No computer required.

How do I convert a PDF to EPUB for Kobo Glo?

Upload the PDF to toolkit.bot, click Convert, download the EPUB, then transfer to your Kobo Glo via USB or Send to Kobo email. PDFs are supported on all Kobo Glo models, but EPUB is much better for reading on a 6-inch screen because the text reflows to match your font size preference.

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How to Read EPUB Files on Kobo Glo (All Models) — 2026 Guide

Kobo Glo was the first Kobo with a built-in front light, and the Glo family (Glo, Glo HD, Clara HD, Clara 2E) spans several generations. All support EPUB natively. This guide covers loading EPUB files onto any Kobo Glo model and getting the best reading experience.

The Kobo Glo Family

The Kobo Glo was introduced in 2012 as the first Kobo with a built-in front light — a feature that is now standard on all e-readers. The Glo family has evolved through four main generations: the original Glo, the higher-resolution Glo HD, the modern Clara HD (with SMARTlight warm/cool adjustment), and the current Clara 2E (waterproof, recycled-plastic body). All models support EPUB natively and continue to receive firmware updates from Rakuten Kobo.

Kobo Glo Family Comparison

Model	Year	Resolution	SMARTlight	Waterproof	Status
Kobo Glo	2012	212 ppi	No	No	Discontinued
Kobo Glo HD	2015	300 ppi	No	No	Discontinued
Kobo Clara HD	2018	300 ppi	Yes	No	Discontinued
Kobo Clara 2E	2022	300 ppi	Yes	IPX8	Current
Kobo Clara BW	2024	300 ppi	Yes	IPX8	Current

How to Load EPUB Files onto Kobo Glo (All Models)

Method 1 — Send to Kobo (Wireless)

On your Kobo, go to Settings → Account to find your Send to Kobo email (e.g. yourname@kobo.com).
Email your EPUB file as an attachment to that address from your computer or phone.
On your Kobo, go to Settings → Sync. The book appears in your library within seconds.

Method 2 — USB Transfer

Connect your Kobo to your computer with a micro-USB or USB-C cable (depending on model).
The Kobo appears as a USB storage drive.
Drag EPUB files into the root folder of the Kobo drive (or a subfolder you create).
Safely eject the Kobo. It scans for new books within seconds of disconnection.

Method 3 — Dropbox Sync (Clara HD and later)

On your Kobo, go to Settings → Account → Dropbox and link your Dropbox account.
Add EPUB files to the Apps/Kobo folder in Dropbox.
Sync your Kobo (Settings → Sync) to pull in books wirelessly.

Converting PDF to EPUB for Kobo Glo

Kobo Glo devices support PDF natively, but PDF rendering on a 6-inch screen requires zooming. EPUB reflows text to fill the screen at your preferred font size — far more comfortable for long reading sessions.

Go to toolkit.bot and upload your PDF.
Click Convert. Download the EPUB.
Transfer to your Kobo Glo using USB or Send to Kobo email.

Reading Tips for Kobo Glo Devices

Font and size: Tap the centre of the screen while reading and tap the Aa icon to change font, size, line spacing, and margins. The default Kobo font is pleasant; try Bookerly for a Kindle-like experience.
SMARTlight (Clara HD and later): Swipe down from the top edge to adjust brightness. On Clara HD, Clara 2E, and Clara BW, a slider lets you switch between cool white and warm amber light.
OverDrive / Libby: On Clara HD and later, set up library borrowing via Settings → Get Books → Library. Borrow EPUB loans directly without a computer.
Calibre: Use Calibre desktop software to manage your Kobo library over USB. The KoboTouchExtended plugin unlocks additional features.
Kobo Plus: Clara 2E and Clara BW support Kobo Plus subscription for access to a catalogue of books. Separate from sideloaded EPUBs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kobo Glo support EPUB?: Yes. All Kobo Glo models — original Kobo Glo, Glo HD, Clara HD, and Clara 2E — support EPUB and EPUB3 natively. EPUB is the recommended format because it reflows text to your preferred font size. PDF files are also supported but do not reflow.
How do I transfer EPUB files to a Kobo Glo device?: Three methods work on all Kobo Glo models: (1) Email the EPUB to your Send to Kobo address (Settings → Account). (2) Connect via USB and drag EPUBs into the Kobo drive's root folder. (3) Use Dropbox sync (Settings → Account → Dropbox) to sync books wirelessly. USB is fastest for large batches; Send to Kobo is most convenient for one-off additions.
What is the difference between Kobo Glo, Glo HD, Clara HD, and Clara 2E?: Kobo Glo (2012, 212 ppi), Glo HD (2015, 300 ppi), Clara HD (2018, 300 ppi, SMARTlight), and Clara 2E (2022, 300 ppi, waterproof, recycled-plastic body). All are 6-inch front-lit e-readers. The Clara 2E is the current model in this line. All support EPUB natively and receive firmware updates.
Can I read library books on Kobo Glo?: Yes. All Kobo Glo models support OverDrive library lending. Go to Settings → Get Books → Library to set up your library account. Borrow EPUB titles from your library's digital collection and they download directly to your Kobo. No computer required.
How do I convert a PDF to EPUB for Kobo Glo?: Upload the PDF to toolkit.bot, click Convert, download the EPUB, then transfer to your Kobo Glo via USB or Send to Kobo email. PDFs are supported on all Kobo Glo models, but EPUB is much better for reading on a 6-inch screen because the text reflows to match your font size preference.

Convert a PDF to EPUB for Kobo Glo free →