Legado Book Sources
Connect to Legado book sources to access vast web novel resources
Legado is an open-source reading application with a rich book source ecosystem. Rodel Reader supports connecting to Legado servers to access vast web novel resources through its book sources.
Supported Service Types
Rodel Reader supports two types of Legado services:
| Type | Description | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Legado App | Android app, provides service via local network port | Same local network |
| Reader Server | Self-deployed reading server (hectorqin/reader) | Remote access across networks |
Legado App (Android)
Legado is a reading app running on Android devices. After enabling Web service, it can be accessed via local network.
Pros:
- Simple setup, ready to use
- Rich book sources, active community
Limitations:
- Android device must stay on
- Rodel Reader must be on the same local network as Android device
- Some devices (like Huawei) automatically kill background apps when screen is off
Background Keep-alive
Battery optimization on some Android devices may terminate background apps. Add Legado to the background whitelist or battery optimization whitelist to ensure continuous service.
Reader Server
Reader is a self-deployable reading server that supports Docker deployment and can be hosted on cloud servers or NAS.
Pros:
- Not limited to local network, access anytime anywhere
- Server runs stably, no worry about background termination
- Multi-user support (via Access Token)
Limitations:
- Requires some server administration knowledge
- Need to set up and maintain yourself
Adding Legado Source
In the Legado group in the sidebar, click the + button to add a new Legado source.
Configuration Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Custom name, displayed in sidebar |
| Server Address | Legado service URL (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:1122) |
| Server Type | Choose "Legado App" or "Reader" |
| Access Token | Reader server authentication token (not needed for Legado App) |
| Ignore SSL Errors | Check this if using self-signed HTTPS certificate |
Getting Server Address
Legado App:
- Open Legado app
- Go to "Me" → "Web Service"
- Enable service, note the displayed IP address and port
Reader Server:
- Use your deployed server address, typically
http://serverIP:portor custom domain
Browsing Bookshelf
After adding a Legado source, click the source name in the sidebar to enter its bookshelf page.
The bookshelf displays all books on the Legado server, including:
| Info | Description |
|---|---|
| Cover | Book cover image |
| Title | Book title |
| Author | Author name |
| Source | Book source name |
| Latest Chapter | Latest chapter from book source |
Searching Books
Enter keywords in the top search box to quickly filter books on the bookshelf (matches by title or author).
Refreshing Bookshelf
Click the refresh button to reload bookshelf data from Legado server.
Importing Books
After selecting one or more books, use the bottom action bar for import operations.
Selection Methods
| Method | Operation |
|---|---|
| Single Select | Click book card |
| Multi-select | Hold Ctrl and click |
| Range Select | Hold Shift and click |
| Box Select | Drag mouse in blank area to select multiple books |
| Select All | Click "Select All" checkbox in bottom action bar |
Import Methods
| Method | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Online Import | Create book reference, fetch content in real-time when reading | Instant open, on-demand loading, requires service online |
| Download Import | Download all chapters and convert to EPUB, import to local library | Supports offline reading, full reader features available |
| Download to Local | Download EPUB file to specified directory, don't import to library | For backup or sharing |
Online Reading vs Download Reading
Both reading methods have their pros and cons; choose based on your needs.
Online Reading
Import book as online reference, fetch chapter content from Legado server in real-time when reading.
Pros:
- Start reading immediately, no waiting for download
- Automatically get latest chapters
- Doesn't occupy local storage
Limitations:
- Requires Legado service to stay online
- Unstable network may affect reading experience
- Some advanced features unavailable (like annotations, AI features)
Download Reading
Download complete book and convert to EPUB format, import to local library.
Pros:
- Supports offline reading
- Full standard reader features (annotations, AI, TTS, etc.)
- Chapter content is fixed, stable reading experience
Limitations:
- Need to wait for download to complete
- Occupies local storage
- Need to re-download for chapter updates
Recommendation
For ongoing serializations, use Online Reading; for completed books or detailed study, use Download Reading.
Reading Progress Sync
Rodel Reader syncs reading progress with Legado server via API.
Note
It's recommended to choose one between Rodel Reader and Legado as your primary reading tool. Frequent switching may cause reading progress conflicts or history confusion.
FAQ
Connection failed?
- Check network: Confirm Rodel Reader and Legado service are on the same local network (Legado App) or network is reachable (Reader Server)
- Check service status: Confirm Legado service is running
- Check address: Confirm server address and port are correct
- Check firewall: Confirm firewall isn't blocking related ports
Legado App service keeps disconnecting?
Android device battery optimization may terminate background apps:
- Open device Settings → App Management → Legado
- Find "Battery" or "Background Management" settings
- Set to "Unrestricted" or "Allow background activity"
- Some devices require additionally adding app to "Whitelist"
Download progress stuck?
- Check if Legado service is working properly
- Some book sources may limit request frequency, try again later
- Try reducing concurrent download count
Slow chapter loading when reading online?
- Check network connection quality
- Book source server may respond slowly, depends on source quality
- Consider downloading the book for local reading