Support
Write to us
support@readlaterna.com — we read every message. Tell us your device, its iOS version and what happened. If a book won’t open, its format helps (EPUB, FB2 or PDF); attach the file only if it’s free to share, such as a public-domain book.
Books and formats
Which files does Laterna open?
EPUB (including EPUB 3), FB2 and FB2.zip, and PDF with a text layer. It can’t open books protected by DRM, scanned PDFs without text, or Kindle formats.
How do I add a book?
Tap “Add book” in the library and choose a file, or share the file to Laterna from Files, Mail or any other app.
Does Laterna change my files?
No. Laterna works with its own copy, and your original file stays exactly as it was. Deleting a book in Laterna deletes only that copy.
Where are my books kept?
On your device, inside Laterna. They are never uploaded to our servers.
Listening
What is the difference between the standard voice and the live voice?
The standard voice speaks right on your device, in Russian, Ukrainian and English. The live voice is synthesised on our server and sounds warmer and more natural; it reads Russian and English.
Why does the standard voice need the internet?
Before a chapter is read for the first time, our server turns its text into phonetic transcription for the voice. This happens once per chapter; after that the chapter plays without a connection. To listen where there is no signal, tap “Prepare book” while you’re online.
How much can I listen for free?
Your first book in full. After that, the standard voice reads 20 minutes a day and always lets you finish the chapter you’re on; you can prepare up to five books ahead. The live voice reads the books in our catalogue in full for free, and you can try it on your own book: ten seconds, five times a day.
What does the subscription add?
Listening with the standard voice without a limit, preparing any number of books ahead, and every month 30 hours of the live voice and 40 illustrations; the catalogue comes with its illustrations. The month’s hours and illustrations don’t carry over to the next month.
What if I run out of live-voice hours?
Buy a pack of 20 hours. Packs work with or without a subscription and never expire; the month’s hours are used first.
Illustrations
How do illustrations work?
Laterna finds the key scenes of a chapter and draws up to three illustrations for it, in the manner of old engravings. Their place on the page is kept in advance, so the text doesn’t move when a picture appears.
How many illustrations can I have?
One demo chapter is free. The subscription includes 40 illustrations a month, and packs of 60 and 150 are sold with or without it and never expire. Drawing needs an internet connection; once drawn, the pictures stay on your device.
Subscription and purchases
How do I cancel the subscription?
On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings → your name → Subscriptions → Laterna, or tap “Manage subscription” in Laterna. Cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the period, and it won’t renew.
How do I restore my purchases?
Tap “Restore purchases” on the subscription screen, signed in with the Apple Account you bought with.
How do I get a refund?
Payments go through Apple, and so do refunds: ask for one at reportaproblem.apple.com.
Privacy
What does Laterna know about me?
Very little. Your books never leave your device, no account is needed, and there are no ads. The details are in the privacy policy.
How do I turn off usage statistics?
In Laterna, Settings → “Help improve Laterna”. In the EU, the EEA, the UK and Switzerland they stay off unless you allow them.
How do I delete my data?
Deleting Laterna from your device deletes your books, notes and everything prepared for them. To delete what our server keeps — purchase records and usage statistics — write to support@readlaterna.com.