# Chaptarr

Chaptarr is a book collection manager for audiobooks and eBooks, born as a Readarr fork and grown into its own project. Where Readarr forced you to run two instances (*one for eBooks, one for audiobooks*), Chaptarr manages both formats in a single library, keeps multiple editions of the same title, recognises narrators, and optionally converts multi-file MP3 audiobooks into single chaptered M4Bs.

And unlike Readarr, Chaptarr does **not** depend on the now-defunct Readarr metadata servers. It runs its own metadata pipeline that resolves books across multiple providers, so search and matching actually work.

**Why Chaptarr over Readarr?**

- **One instance, both formats.** Separate root folders for audiobooks and eBooks, or eBooks placed alongside audiobooks - your call.
- **Working metadata.** Readarr's metadata sources are dead; Chaptarr's modular pipeline is alive and actively developed.
- **Narrator and edition aware.** Keep the Ray Porter *and* the graphic-audio edition, tagged correctly.
- **MP3 to M4B conversion.** Powered by m4b-tool, with chapter preservation or insertion.
- **Familiar Arr workflow.** Same indexer / download-client / quality-profile model as Sonarr and Radarr, so your existing stack plugs straight in.

## How to wire it up on ElfHosted

Your Chaptarr arrives pre-configured: indexers sync automatically from your hosted [Prowlarr](</app/prowlarr/>), download clients for [Decypharr](<https://store.elfhosted.com/product/decypharr/>) (debrid), CatBox (TorBox), and [NzbDAV](</app/nzbdav/>) (Usenet) are already defined, and two root folders are ready to go: **Audiobooks** (`/storage/symlinks/audiobooks`, with Audiobookshelf metadata and cover writing enabled) and **eBooks** (`/storage/symlinks/books`).

1. **Open Chaptarr from your apps dashboard.**
2. **Enable the download client that matches your setup** under `Settings → Download Clients`: they arrive defined but disabled, so flip on Decypharr if you use a debrid service, or NzbDAV for Usenet.
3. **Add authors and books** via search, or point Chaptarr at an existing library and let it match what you already have.
4. **Pair with a reader / player.** [Audiobookshelf](</app/audiobookshelf/>) serves the same audiobooks folder Chaptarr manages (*and eBooks via its reader*), while [Calibre-Web](</app/calibre-web/>) or [BookLore](</app/booklore/>) handle eBook libraries.

## Connecting Chaptarr to Audiobookshelf

Chaptarr and [Audiobookshelf](</app/audiobookshelf/>) are made for each other on ElfHosted: Chaptarr's default audiobook root folder (`/storage/symlinks/audiobooks`) is the same folder Audiobookshelf serves, and Chaptarr already writes Audiobookshelf-style `metadata.json` and cover files as it imports. Two steps complete the pairing:

1. **Point an Audiobookshelf library at the shared folder.** In Audiobookshelf, create (or edit) an audiobook library and add `/storage/symlinks/audiobooks` as a library folder.
2. **Add the Audiobookshelf connection in Chaptarr**, so each import triggers a targeted library scan instead of waiting for Audiobookshelf's next periodic sweep. In Chaptarr, go to `Settings → Connect → +` and choose **AudioBookShelf**:

   - **Host**: `audiobookshelf` (*the internal hostname; apps talk to each other by name, no `http://`*)
   - **Port**: `8000`
   - **Use SSL**: off (*internal traffic*)
   - **API Key**: generate one in Audiobookshelf under `Settings → API Keys` (*or use an admin user's API key on older versions*)
   - Map your Chaptarr audiobook root folder to the Audiobookshelf library you created, then **Test** and **Save**.

From then on, a book imported by Chaptarr appears in Audiobookshelf moments later, with metadata and cover already in place.

## Where should your library live?

Chaptarr's debrid-backed download clients hand it *symlinks*, not files, and Chaptarr's import is a rename. Keep your root folders under `/storage/symlinks/` (for example `/storage/symlinks/books` and `/storage/symlinks/audiobooks`) and imports stay instant, byte-free renames: your library is a set of pointers into the debrid mount, and nothing is downloaded until you actually read or listen.

Point a root folder at your own mounted storage under `/storage/rclone/` instead, and imports become real copies onto *your* storage: the full book is fetched from the debrid service at import time. That's a perfectly valid choice (books are small, and you own the bytes), just know which mode you're in.

One caveat: the optional MP3 to M4B conversion always produces real files, since it's creating something new. If you enable conversion, consider pointing the audiobook root folder at your own `/storage/rclone/` storage so converted files land on storage you own.

## Migrating from Readarr

Chaptarr uses its own metadata pipeline and database, so there is no in-place upgrade from an existing Readarr instance. The practical path is to point a fresh Chaptarr at your existing library folders and let it import and match your files. Once you are happy, retire the old Readarr subscription(s) from your ElfHosted account.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Beta software**
>
> Upstream describes Chaptarr as beta: it is under active development with a large user base, but expect occasional rough edges. Your library files are only ever read and organised in place, and your ElfHosted config is backed up daily.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Info**
>
> Chaptarr is an open-source tool. ElfHosted provides hosting infrastructure only. Users are responsible for their use of this service in compliance with applicable laws and third-party terms of service.

[Get a 7-day trial of ElfHosted Chaptarr! 🪄](<https://store.elfhosted.com/product/chaptarr/>)

## How do I access Chaptarr?

Chaptarr is available:

- From your dashboard: [https://your-username.elfhosted.com](<https://your-username.elfhosted.com>)
- Directly: [https://your-username-chaptarr.elfhosted.com](<https://your-username-chaptarr.elfhosted.com>)

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Signed-in users see their own URLs**
>
> The addresses above show the general pattern. [Sign in](<https://docs-internal.elfhosted.com/app/chaptarr/>) and these become your personal, clickable links.

## Chaptarr also works with

- [x] [Audiobookshelf](</app/audiobookshelf/>)
- [x] [BookLore](</app/booklore/>)
- [x] [Calibre-Web](</app/calibre-web/>)
- [x] [Prowlarr](</app/prowlarr/>)

## How do I get support for Chaptarr?

1. For general use of Chaptarr, refer to the [official site](<https://github.com/Chaptarr/chaptarr>) or to one of the links in the resources section below.
2. For specific support re your ElfHosted configuration / account, see the [ElfHosted support options](</get-help/>)!

## Sponsor Chaptarr ❤️

You can contribute directly to the development of Chaptarr using the following:

- [Ko-fi](<https://ko-fi.com/chaptarr>)

## Chaptarr resources

- [Chaptarr (*official site*)](<https://github.com/Chaptarr/chaptarr>)
- [Chaptarr GitHub repo](<https://github.com/Chaptarr/chaptarr>)
- [Chaptarr Wiki](<https://wiki.chaptarr.com>)
- [Chaptarr Discord](<https://discord.gg/G9ZbgWS5rp>)

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Your content, your responsibility**
>
> ElfHosted provides Chaptarr as a hosted application — we do not supply content, accounts, or third-party credentials. You are responsible for ensuring that your use of this app complies with applicable laws and our [Acceptable Use Policy](</legal/acceptable-use/>). If you have questions about what is or isn't permitted, please [reach out](</get-help/>) — we're happy to help.