Calibre is one of the most popular eBook management tools available today, offering a wide range of features for organizing, converting, and reading eBooks. However, many users wonder whether Calibre can remove DRM (Digital Rights Management) from eBooks. The short answer is that while the base version of Calibre does not include DRM removal functionality, it is possible to add this capability through third-party plugins.
Contents
What is DRM and Why is It Used?
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a technology used by publishers and eBook retailers to restrict how digital content is used. DRM ensures that eBooks can only be accessed under specific conditions, such as:
- Being restricted to certain devices or apps (e.g., Kindle books only opening on Amazon-approved devices).
- Preventing users from sharing or copying eBooks.
- Enforcing time-based expirations for borrowed or subscription-based books.
While DRM is intended to protect authors and publishers from copyright infringement, many users find it restrictive, especially when they own books legally and simply want to read them on different devices.
Can Calibre Remove DRM?
By default, Calibre does not come with DRM removal capabilities. The software is designed to help users manage their eBook libraries, but it does not include functions for bypassing DRM protections due to legal and ethical concerns.
However, third-party plugins for Calibre—such as the well-known DeDRM plugin—can be installed to remove DRM from eBooks. These plugins are created by independent developers and must be downloaded and added to Calibre separately.
How to Remove DRM in Calibre Using Plugins
If you want to remove DRM from eBooks within Calibre, follow these steps:
1. Download and Install Calibre
If you haven’t already installed Calibre, you can download it from the official Calibre website for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Download the DeDRM Plugin
The DeDRM plugin is available from various online sources. A commonly used resource is GitHub, where developers maintain updated versions of the plugin.
3. Add the Plugin to Calibre
- Open Calibre and navigate to Preferences.
- Select Plugins and click on Load plugin from file.
- Locate and select the downloaded DeDRM plugin file.
- Confirm the installation, then restart Calibre.
4. Import and Convert DRM-Protected eBooks
Once the plugin is installed, you can add DRM-protected eBooks to Calibre. If the plugin is working correctly, it will automatically remove DRM upon import.
After that, you can convert your eBook to different formats (e.g., EPUB, MOBI, PDF) to read on different devices.
Is It Legal to Remove DRM?
The legality of removing DRM varies depending on the country you live in. In many places, bypassing DRM protections may violate copyright laws, even if you legally purchased the eBook.
However, some users argue that removing DRM for personal use—such as reading purchased books on multiple devices—is reasonable. Before attempting DRM removal, it is essential to research the laws in your country to understand the potential legal risks.
Alternatives to Removing DRM
If you prefer not to remove DRM, there are other options for accessing your purchased eBooks on different devices:
- Use publisher-approved apps such as Kindle, Adobe Digital Editions, or Kobo.
- Contact the retailer’s support team to request a DRM-free version.
- Look for DRM-free eBooks from sites like Project Gutenberg or independent publishers.
Conclusion
While Calibre does not natively support DRM removal, third-party plugins like DeDRM make it possible to unlock DRM-protected eBooks. However, users should be aware of the legal implications in their country before proceeding.
If you legally own an eBook and simply want to read it on multiple devices, installing a DRM-removal plugin can be a useful solution. However, always respect copyright laws and consider alternatives such as using approved reading apps or purchasing DRM-free books.
