So Novel is a general-purpose web content extraction and export tool that converts online content into standard ebook formats.
The tool addresses the problem of efficiently extracting structured information from web pages and converting it into multiple document formats including EPUB, TXT, and PDF. It works by parsing web content and applying flexible export pipelines to generate ebooks suitable for offline reading, format conversion, and ebook creation workflows.
The project suits users who need to download and convert web-based novels and articles into portable ebook formats for reading on various devices. It provides three interface options—command-line, text-based user interface, and web interface—allowing users to choose their preferred interaction method. The tool is available across Windows, Linux, and macOS, with Docker support for containerized deployment. Installation options include direct binary downloads, package managers like Homebrew and Scoop, and Docker Compose for NAS environments. The README recommends specific ebook readers for optimal viewing of exported EPUB files and suggests conversion tools for other formats.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with user questions and discussions through GitHub issues and discussion forums. The project maintains documentation for common usage scenarios and actively addresses compatibility issues, such as problems with EPUB files in certain readers. The maintainers provide multiple installation and configuration options, including support for custom JVM parameters and local JDK/JRE usage, indicating attention to diverse deployment environments. The project accepts sponsorship and maintains a public list of supporters, suggesting ongoing community involvement.
