I documented the implementation steps for future reference. I'm posting it here in case it helps someone.

DEVICE:

• Model: Kobo Libra Colour
• Software Version: 4.45 (last SW update 03.March.2026)

 

PRE-REQUISITE:

• Working KOReader (Version 2026.03)

‼️ Reminder: Backup your files!

 

PLUG-INS:

• Simple UI v1.4.0  - Github Releases
• Appearance v1.3.7 - Github Releases 
• Simple UI Custom Look v1 - Github Release

 

 

FONT:

• IM Fell English - Download Link

 

 

IMAGE SOURCES: (PNG files)

• Free RPG Dragon Loot Icons - Download Link
• Freepik

 

CONNECT DEVICE TO MACHINE:

Basic Installation:

1.     Download the 3 plugins linked above (Simple UI, Appearance, Simple UI Custom Look)

2.     Add the plugin folders inside koreader/plugins

 

Simple UI Custom Look Customization - Add Background Image:

1.     Download the background image from the dev -> Download Link (Reddit Thread)

2.     Add the image to this file path: koreader/images/backgrounds (if the directory does not exist, create it)

3.     Mandatory filename: homescreen_bg.png 

 

Simple UI Customizations - Add Quick Actions Images:

1.     Download icons for Bookmarks, Dictionary, History, Series, Vocab, USB (I used transparent PNG files from Free RPG Dragon Loot Icons

2.     Rename the file for easier search later. (i.e. bookmarks.png for bookmarks and so on)

3.     Add the icons to the path: koreader/plugins/simpleui.koplugin/icons/custom

 

Simple UI Customization - Add Bottom Navigation Icons: (Home, Power, Library, Continue)

1.     Go to this path: koreader/resources/icons/mdlight/

2.     Add home.png 

3.     Go to this path: koreader/ plugins/simpleui.koplugin/icons

4.     Add power.png, library.png, continue.png

 

Simple UI Customizations - Changing Bottom Navigation Icons:

Files Used: PNG files for Bottom Navigation.

1.     Go to this path: koreader/plugins/simpleui.koplugin/

2.     Open the file sui_config.lua 

3.     Redirect your icons to the PNG files you uploaded.

 

EJECT THE DEVICE FROM MACHINE:

Simple UI Customization - Create a 2-Page Home Screen:

1.     Go to Top Navigation > Simple UI > Settings > Home Screen > Modules > Number of Pages

2.     Set the number of pages to 2.

3.     Tick the following boxes: Clock, Cover Deck, Currently Reading, Quick Action, Reading Stats, Recent Books

4.     Go to Top Navigation > Simple UI > Settings > Home Screen > Modules > Arrange Modules

5.     Select an item and move it up or down using the arrows at the bottom of the device until you get the correct chronological order:

a.     Page 1: Clock, Currently Reading, Reading Stats

b.     Page 2: Cover Deck, Recent Books, Quick Actions 1 

6.     Click the check mark at bottom right of the device.

 

Simple UI Customization - Add Quick Action to Home Page:

I. Create an item in Quick Actions

1.     Go to Top Navigation > Tools icon > Simple UI > Settings > Quick Actions

2.     Click „Create Quick Action“

3.     For Dictionary:

a.     Select Systems Action > Dictionary Lookup

b.      Rename to „Dictionary“

4.     For Vocabulary Builder:

4a.     Select Systems Action > Show Vocab Builder

4b.     Rename to „Vocab“

5.     For USB Storage

5a.     Select Systems Action > Start USB Storage

5b.     Rename to „USB“

 

II. Add both items to Quick Actions

1.     Go to Top Navigation > Tools icon > Simple UI > Settings > Home Screen > Modules > Module Settings > Quick Actions

2.     Select Quick Actions 1

3.     Go to Items

4.     Tick the boxes for Dictionary & Vocab. Do not include USB. That’s for the Bottom Navigation.

III.  Add item to Modules

1. Tick the boxes for Quick Actions 1

 

Simple UI Customization - Modify Items in Quick Actions 1 (Home Screen):

1.     Go to Top Navigation > Simple UI > Settings > Home Screen > Modules > Module Settings > Quick Actions > Quick Actions 1 > Items

2.     Select: Bookmarks, Dictionary, History, Series, Vocab

3.     Optional: Arrange items in that order.

 

Simple UI Customization - Modify Bottom Navigation Items:

1.     Go to Top Navigation > Simple UI > Settings > Bottom > Navigation Bar > Tabs

2.     Tick: Continue, Home, Library, Power, USB

3.     Optional: Go to Arrange Tabs and use this sequence: Power, USB, Home, Library, Continue

4.     You should be able to see all the icons at the bottom with the correct images except for USB. That’s the expected outcome because it’s a Quick Actions item.

 

Simple UI Customization - Change Quick Actions Images:

1.     Go to Top Navigation > Simple UI > Settings > Quick Actions > Change Icons

2.     Click on „Bookmarks“

3.     Select the bookmarks file on the list.

4.     Repeat the same steps for Dictionary, History, Series, Vocab, and USB.

 

P.S.: Should you try to implement this using different versions or device, use this guide at your own discretion. 

P.P.S: I know I posted like a few hours ago but this is the shiny thing I need to get off my system so I can start with important tasks. Hope this helps!

I finally have a base UI that I really like. I used to hate KOReader with burning passion for having juvenile file explorer setup until I discovered SimpleUI by doctorhetfield. Now, I love KOReader and I’m promoting it to my friends like I’m on commission.

I’m still undecided on the following (a.k.a. my non-problem problems):

1. Changing the icons - I want different things all the time. I will leave it alone for now.

2. Fonts - I primarily write in cursive and I really want to use cursive but it strains my damn eyes. The bane of my existence: Aesthetics vs. Functionality.

3. Theme - I have an eye on a few themes in plugins and patches.