Learn how to use the file manager in Kotobee Author.
The File Manager
The File Manager allows you to look inside the book project archive and browse at the file level. You may also add, edit, or delete files inside. The File Manager is basically a file explorer for the inner content of your ebook. Since KPUB2 project files are based on EPUB, the structure is based on web technologies (HTML, JS, and CSS). For a nice and straightforward understanding of the EPUB format, please refer to the blog article Alice in EPUB-Land: Understanding the EPUB format.
Opening the File Manager
The File Manager may be accessed in one of two ways.
- The first way is by clicking on the File Manager button beside the book cover image.
- The second way to open the File Manager is from the chapter options. Click on the Show in File Manager button at the bottom right corner of any opened chapter.
Navigation in the File Manager
The File Manager opens in a window of its own. It is divided into two columns: the left column showing a list of the parent folders along with the current folder, and the right (wider) column showing the current folder's contents. Different icons are used to depict folders or different file types. You can enter any folder in the list by simply double-clicking on it. To go to a parent folder from the parent folders list, a single click would suffice.
You may exit the File Manager by clicking the Exit File Manager button located at the top right any time you want.
Importing files and folders
Files and folders may be imported into the File Manager as easily as dragging and dropping.
- Look for the files and folders you want to copy from your machine.
- Highlight and drag them into the File Manager window.
You will be asked to confirm whether you want to copy these files. - Click Yes. You will now see the new files or folders copied in the currently selected folder.
Alternatively, you may do it the classic way, and select the files or folders through the Import Files or Import Folder buttons located at the top.
Creating new files and folders
Text-based files may be newly created in the File Manager by clicking the New File button.
Rename the file and its extension to whatever you'd like. To start editing the file, simply double-click on it. Similarly, to create a new folder, follow the same steps, but click on the New Folder button instead.
Editing files
You may edit text-based files from within the File Manager. The supported file extensions are JS, CSS, XML, HTML, XHTML, TXT, HTM, and OPF.
Double-click any file of those extensions to open the file editor. The editor comes with a few keyboard shortcuts that are listed on the right.
After making the changes you need to make, click on the Apply and exit button to save the changes.
Options
There are many options while moving around in the file explorer to enhance the experience. For starters, you can show any file in your operating system's explorer by going to the Show in Explorer button, which an icon showing two sheets of paper next to one another.
To preview web pages in your browser, go to an HTML file and the Preview in browser button will be available.
You can also locate the content inside the chapter of your ebook outside the file manager by clicking on Locate Chapter, which looks like blue concentric circles.
There is also the option of previewing images inside the file manager just go to an image and the Preview button will be available.
