A new stable release is here with three major improvements and numerous smaller changes. Let's dive into the highlights:

Built-in Theme Explorer

Users can now browse, preview, and download themes directly within Kavita. Uploaded themes will update automatically.

Smart Collections for Kavita+

Users can import Interest Stacks/Restacks from their MAL accounts into Kavita, syncing every two days. These collections are read-only but can be promoted if the user has the promotion role.

Scanner Changes

Optimizations have been made to improve scanning performance for larger libraries, reducing the processing time significantly.

Misc Changes

• WAL Enabled by Default: Fixes common database lock issues.
• Double Scrollbar on Mobile: Fixed on all pages.
• OPDS Improvements: Enhanced metadata and reading list support.
• Manga Reader Tweaks: Improved fit-to-height/width functionality.

New Features

• Smart Collections: Sync with MAL every 2 days.
• Theme Downloads: Direct from the Theme Repo, with automatic updates.
• Book Series Specials: Classified with specific filename markers.
• OPDS-PS: Convert PDF files to images.
• Random Sort Option: New sorting method for streams.
• Manual Width Override: For manga/webtoon reader.

Changes

• Password Reset: Works without email setup.
• Reduced Memory Usage: When adding series to a collection.
• Manga Reader Scaling: Improved to meet user expectations.
• Search Improvements: Faster for larger libraries by default.
• Scanner Optimizations: Less work on lower-level folders.
• Updated Cover Generation: Better handling for webtoons.

Fixes

• Hangfire Access: Corrected unauthorized access.
• Theme Deletion: Admins can no longer delete themes in use.
• Manga Reader Double Setting: Fixed cover and last page positioning.
• Series Parsing: Improved handling of special cases.
• Double Scrollbar: Fixed in various components.
• Metadata Access: Corrected access issues for restricted libraries.
• Event Widget: Enhanced responsiveness and localization.

@DieselTech has joined the Kavita team, contributing significant improvements for comic users.

Looking Ahead

Plans for the next release include a PDF rework, considering user feedback and holiday schedules.

Enjoy the new features and improvements, and please provide feedback for further enhancements.