How to setup Calibre to remove DRM from ebooks on Linux

I'm writing this guide as a note to myself on how to setup Calibre to make backup copies of the ebooks I purchase on my Linux system. If this can help someone else backup their ebooks, well that's good too.

Install Calibre #

Per the Download for Linux page, execute the following command:

sudo -v && wget -nv -O- https://download.calibre-ebook.com/linux-installer.sh | sudo sh /dev/stdin

Install noDRM / DeDRM_tools plugin for Calibre #

Next, install the plugin that removes DRM.

1. Download the .zip file from https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/releases
2. Unzip the release archive downloaded from Github. Inside you'll find DeDRM_plugin.zip — this is the file you'll load into Calibre in step 4. Don't unzip this inner zip.
3. Open Calibre and navigate to Preferences -> Plugins.
4. Select Load plugin from file.
5. Navigate to the folder created from step 2 and select DeDRM_plugin.zip.
6. Select Yes on the confirmation dialog box.
7. Select OK to acknowledge your awesomeness.

Install ACSM Input plugin for Calibre #

When you purchase an ebook encrypted with Adobe DRM, you're sent an .acsm file when you try to download the ebook from the vendor website. This plugin will allow you to read the .acsm file with Calibre, download the ebook, remove the Adobe DRM and save the book to your computer as an .epub file. Very nice.

1. Download the .zip file from https://github.com/Leseratte10/acsm-calibre-plugin/releases
2. Open Calibre and navigate to Preferences -> Plugins.
3. Select Load plugin from file.
4. Navigate to and select the file downloaded from step 1. Note: The file doesn't have to be unzipped. Simply select it as it was downloaded.
5. Select Yes on the confirmation dialog box.
6. Restart Calibre.
7. Navigate to Preferences -> Plugins. Open the settings for the ACSM Input plugin.
8. Follow the setup instructions to authorize. You'll need an Adobe ID (the plugin's README recommends creating a separate one rather than using your main account) to complete device authorization.

That's everything needed to remove DRM from Adobe books. Below are some quick notes to remind myself on how to remove DRM using Calibre.

Remove Adobe DRM #

1. Download the .acsm file.
2. Open Calibre and select the Add books button.
3. Select the .acsm file and the file will automatically be de-DRM'd and added to your books library.

Conclusion #

I'm now able to save the books I've purchased and read them on any device of my choosing, backed up in case my Kobo or other accounts are deleted or I lose access to my books.

If this guide is not working for you or something isn't clear, please send me an email and I'll see if something has changed or improve the guide.