If you've got a Kobo e-reader, you've probably noticed that it's impossible to export your notes and the bits of text you're going to highlight.
Fortunately, there are solutions that allow you to retrieve notes from your computer for further editing, formatting or sending to someone else.
How do I take notes on a Kobo e-reader?
The first thing we're going to look at is how to take notes (or annotation) on a Kobo e-reader.
It's pretty straightforward.
When reading a book, you can leave your finger pressed down on the screen to underline a word. To underline a passage or a complete text excerpt, slide your finger over the relevant words.
A menu then opens, allowing you to enter text.
You can, of course, delete highlighted notes and extracts by pressing them to bring up the menu again and delete them.
How to enable export Kobo highlights and notes?
First, you need to enable annotation export to your Kobo e-reader.
First of all, you need to connect your e-reader to a computer to make its contents visible.
Next, go to the ".kobo / Kobo" folder.
You'll see a file called "Kobo eReader.conf".
You need to edit the file to add a line of text. You can use the text-editing software of your choice. I recommend VSCode, which runs on all platforms (Windows, Linux and Mac) and is free of charge.
Using the editor, find the line containing the text [FeatureSettings].
There should be some text below this line (at least one line).
You must then add this text below the existing text:
ExportHighlights=true
Here's what it looks like on my Kobo Nia in my text editor:
If you have no [FeatureSettings] in the file you can add it as showed in the last picture.
Now that this is done, you can eject your e-reader, which should no longer be connected to your computer.
How to export notes, highlighted extracts and annotations on your Kobo e-reader?
Now you can easily export your notes.
Go to the library and rest your finger on the cover of a book.
A menu appears and you need to select "Export annotations".
You then enter a file name (by default, the book name is used, which is very convenient):
Once this has been done, the highlighted passages and annotations are saved in a file in ".txt" format.
Simply reconnect your Kobo e-reader to view the contents of the file, as you can see in this screenshot:
The content is in the "Exported annotations" folder on your Kobo e-reader.
