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PNL Reader v2.8.0: Customize the Reader for Your Favorite Sites
• • riverHey friends! I'm excited to share v2.8.0 with you. This update is all about you taking control. Let me explain.
The ProblemYou know that feeling when PNL Reader doesn't work well on your favorite website? Maybe it grabs the wrong content, or the comments look weird. Before, you had to wait for me to fix it. That's slow. And honestly, you know your favorite sites better than I do!
The Solution: Site CustomizationNow you can customize PNL Reader for any website. I added a new Site Customization page where you can:
Craft your own configurations — tell the reader exactly which parts of the page to grab Manage all your customizations in one place — edit, delete, or see where they came from Share your work with others at Reader TroveYes, sharing! If you make a great configuration for a popular site, why keep it to yourself? One click sends it to our community forum. And if someone else already made one? You can add it to your reader directly from the Reader Trove. No copy-paste needed.
Reddit: An ExperimentI spent a lot of time on Reddit support. Like, a lot. Reddit is tricky — comments live in shadow DOM, there are profile badges everywhere, and images hide in carousels. I tried my best to make it look decent.
Now PNL Reader can:
Show the full comment tree with proper threading Display image posts and gallery carousels correctly Hide those annoying profile badges and flairs Make the "more comments" button actually look niceIs it perfect? Probably not. Reddit keeps changing things, and every subreddit has its own quirks. But here's the good news: with the new Site Customization feature, you can improve it! My Reddit config is just a starting point. If you find a better way to style comments or grab content, share it with the community. I'd love to learn from you.
Better TTS ExperienceTwo small but nice improvements for listening:
Auto scroll — When you use "read whole page," the screen now follows along. No more losing your place!
Smarter pauses — Those decorative dividers like ~~~ or *** that authors use between sections? The reader now pauses there instead of trying to pronounce them. Much better.
Fixes, Fixes, FixesI also fixed a bunch of small things:
Fonts now look correct on all sites (some sites had weird sizing) Dark theme checkboxes are visible again NovelFull navigation works properly Mobile theme selector doesn't overflow anymore Try It OutUpdate to v2.8.0 and check out the new Site Customization page. It's in the extension menu under settings.
Made a cool customization? Share it at Reader Trove! I'd love to see what sites you're reading.
Happy reading! 📖
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How to add site customization to PNL Reader
• • riverHow to Customize a siteSite customization lets you tell PNL Reader exactly how to extract content from any website. When the default reader mode doesn't work well on a site, you can create your own configuration.
Getting Started Open PNL Reader extension menu Click Site Customization in the settings dropdown Fill in the form and click Save Customization Configuration SchemaHere's what each field does:
Required Fields nameA friendly name for your customization. This helps you identify it later.
Example: "Reddit Posts and Comments" urlMatchA URL pattern to match. Can be a simple string or a regular expression.
Simple string (easiest):
"https://example.com/articles/"This matches any URL that contains https://example.com/articles/.
Regular expression (more powerful):
"https://www.reddit.com/r/\\w+/comments/\\w+/.*"This matches any Reddit post URL using regex patterns.
Regex tips (optional):
Use \\d+ to match numbers Use [^/]+ to match any characters except / Use .* to match anything Escape special characters like . with \\. Article Settings (Optional)These fields tell PNL Reader where to find the article content.
article.contentCSS selector(s) for the main content. This is the most important field.
Single selector: "#chapter-content" Multiple selectors: [".post-body", ".comments"]When you use multiple selectors, content from all matching elements is combined in order.
article.titleCSS selector for the article title.
Example: "h1.post-title" article.bylineCSS selector for author information.
Example: "a[href*='/user/']" article.publishedTimeCSS selector for the publish date/time.
Example: "time[datetime]" article.excludesCSS selectors for elements to remove from the content. Useful for hiding ads, share buttons, or other clutter.
Example: [".ads", ".share-buttons", ".sidebar"] Navigation Settings (Optional)Enable previous/next page navigation for multi-page articles.
navigation.previousCSS selector for the "previous page" link.
Example: "a.prev-chapter" navigation.nextCSS selector for the "next page" link.
Example: "a.next-chapter" Custom CSS (Optional) cssAdd custom styles for the extracted content. These styles are applied in reader mode.
/* Style comments */ .comment { border-left: 2px dashed var(--pico-muted-border-color); padding-left: 1em; margin: 1em 0; } /* Highlight author names */ .author { font-weight: bold; color: var(--pico-primary); }Available CSS variables:
--pico-primary - Primary accent color --pico-muted-color - Muted text color --pico-muted-border-color - Muted border color --pico-background-color - Background color --pnl-reader-line-height - Current line height setting Examples Simple Example: NovelFull { "name": "NovelFull Chapters", "urlMatch": "https://novelfull.com/[^/]+/[^/]+\\.html$", "article": { "content": "#chapter-content", "title": "a.chapter-title", "excludes": ["div"] } } Complex Example: RedditFor a more advanced example with custom CSS styling, see Site Customization - Reddit Posts and Comments.
How to Find the Right Selectors Open the website you want to customize Right-click on the content you want to extract Click Inspect to open Developer Tools Look at the HTML structure and find unique selectorsTips:
Use IDs when available (#main-content) Use class names (.article-body) Use attribute selectors ([data-type="post"]) Combine selectors for specificity (article .content p) Share Your CustomizationMade a great customization? Share it with the community!
Fill in your configuration in the Site Customization page Click Share at pnl.dev Review and submit your postYour configuration will be available at Reader Trove for others to use.
Formatting tips:
When sharing, your configuration is wrapped in a JSON code block. If you have custom CSS, it's better to put it in a separate CSS code block rather than inline in the JSON. This makes it easier to read and edit:
### Configuration ```json { "name": "My Site", "urlMatch": "https://example.com/", "article": { "content": ".article-body" } } ``` ### Custom CSS ```css .comment { border-left: 2px solid #ccc; padding-left: 1em; } ```The Share at pnl.dev button does this automatically for you.
Need Help?Creating customizations can be tricky. Don't hesitate to:
Ask questions at pnl.dev/category/3/feedback Browse existing configurations at Reader Trove Report issues if something doesn't work as expectedThe community is here to help. Every question helps improve PNL Reader for everyone.
Happy reading! 📖
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Better readability: Keyboard Navigation for Wattpad, RoyalRoad, and ScribbleHub
• • riverDear fellow Cultivators, Isekai protagonists, and late-night scrollers,
If you are like me, a web novel bookworm, you know the drill. It's 2:00 AM. You swore you'd stop three chapters ago. But then the MC finally slaps the arrogant young master, or the villainess drops a truth bomb that changes the entire timeline. You need to know what happens next.
But searching for that tiny "Next Chapter" button with tired eyes? It ruins the immersion. It breaks the flow of the Dao.
Welcome PNL Reader v2.7.0.
The promo banner for PNL Reader
This update is a love letter to everyone binge-reading on Wattpad, RoyalRoad, ScribbleHub, and similar sites. I've optimized the "Reader Mode" specifically for these platforms.
The Best Part: Keyboard Navigation 🏹No more fumbling with the mouse. PNL Reader now intelligently detects the navigation links on these sites.
Right Arrow (→): Instantly load the next chapter. Left Arrow (←): Go back (but why would you? The cliffhanger is forward!).It sounds simple, but when you are fully immersed in a 2000-chapter xianxia epic, it changes everything. You can now devour chapters as fast as you can read them, sinking deeper into the story without lifting a finger from your keyboard.
Supported SitesI've added specific support to parse the content better and enable navigation for:
Wattpad (because we all need a little romance drama) RoyalRoad (stats, systems, and LitRPG goodness) ScribbleHub (for the really specific tastes... We don't judge) Wuxiaworld (where the martial path begins) Worm / Parahumans (yes, it works on individual WordPress blogs too!)And the list goes on! PNL Reader's intelligent parser is designed to work on the majority of reading sites out there. If you find one that isn't supported, let me know! (Or just send me the link, I probably need something new to read anyway).
Protect Your Spiritual Sea (and Your Eyes) 🧊Reading 50 chapters in one sitting is a stamina test for your eyes. PNL Reader has always offered multiple themes to reduce eye strain, but v2.7.0 introduces a my-personal-favorite: The Nordic Theme.
Inspired by the cool, calming colors of the northern horizon, this theme uses muted slate-blues and deep midnight navies. It is designed to be gentle on the retina while keeping the text crisp.
Whether you prefer the classic warmth of Sepia for a library vibe, or the new cool chill of Nordic, switch up your themes to keep your eyes fresh for the next arc.
A Warning ⚠️I am not responsible for your lost sleep. By making it easier to say "just one more chapter," PNL Reader v2.7.0 might act as a potent sleep-deprivation formation array. Proceed with caution.
What are you reading? 📚Before I dive back into my trove, I have to ask: what is your favorite web novel?
My current cultivation ground is RoyalRoad, and my top recommendation is Mother of Learning. It’s a brilliant mix of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, time loops, and wild adventure elements all in one (Sci-Fi is my favorite genre, after all).
Let me know your favorite sites and genres as well. I'm always looking for new scriptures to study!
Happy Reading!
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PNL Reader 2.0: read quietly or read aloud, it's your choice.
• • riverHi, language learners and fellow ebookworms! Hope you’re all having a good weekend, or at least finding a little time to read between everything else. I’m excited to announce that PNL Reader 2.0 is here! This release brings the first Pro feature—voice mode—and a host of enhancements to the reading experience.
Listen Up! (Or Don’t—It’s Your Choice) 🔊3.png
Ever find yourself reading a long article or web novel on RoyalRoad or ScribbleHub and wishing someone would just read it to you while you sip your coffee and look thoughtful? Wish granted! With the new audio player, you can now select any text and have PNL Reader read it aloud.
Themes for Every Mood 🎨
This read aloud feature is part of the Pro plan, but everyone gets a free trial quota of 100 uses—so you can try it out and see if it fits your reading style.
Even better, the audio mode automatically detects the language of the text and supports as many languages as you can think of. Learning Swedish? Give it a try and see if it’s better than 8sidor.se! Whether you want to practice your listening skills, rest your eyes, or just hear what your favorite web novel sounds like in a near-human-yet-still-robotic voice, the choice is yours. And if you prefer the sound of silence, you can still read quietly with a paper-feel background like it’s 2008.We’ve also given the theme selector a glow-up. Not only can you switch between dark mode, light mode, and a whole palette of other themes, but you’ll also see a handy color preview icon for each one. No more guessing what “Solarized Light” actually looks like—just click and see. Now you can match your reading mood, your wallpaper, or even your cat’s fur color (no judgment).
A Reading Page That Looks Like Paper (But Won’t Give You Papercuts) 📄The reading page has been prettified with a sharper background, border, and shadow that make it look like a real sheet of paper—minus the risk of paper cuts or coffee stains. It’s easier on the eyes and just feels right, whether you’re reading late at night or pretending to work during a Zoom call.
PDF Support: Now Featuring arXiv and more 📑For the academics and research enthusiasts among you, PNL Reader now supports loading PDFs from arXiv and a bunch of other sites. For example, you can open a research paper like https://arxiv.org/pdf/2412.10028v4 or https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00134-020-06294-x.pdf in your browser. Then, just click the PNL Reader icon—PNL Reader will automatically open the PDF in its distraction-free reader mode. Even better, it’s fully integrated with Dictionariez, so you can look up any word in the PDF instantly with a click. Reading academic papers (and actually understanding them) could be much easier!
Still the Same Great Dictionary Integration 📚And don’t forget, PNL Reader still plays nicely with Dictionariez, so you can click any word and instantly see what it means. Because who has time to open a new tab just to look up “defenestration”?
Open-source and download links 👩💻Full transparency is still the key. PNL Reader is open source, so it’s available for anyone to review and contribute to.
Chrome: PNL Reader on Chrome Web Store
Firefox: PNL Reader on Mozilla Add-ons
Edge: PNL Reader on Edge Web StoreThanks for reading, and for being part of the PNL Reader community! If you have feedback, suggestions, or just want to share your favorite new theme, drop by Programming N' Language Community. Now go forth and read (or listen) to your heart’s content. And remember, the only thing better than a good ebook is one that reads itself to you.
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You Asked, I Listened: PDF Support is Finally Here in Dictionariez!
• • riverHi everyone! If you’ve been using Dictionariez, you probably know that I’ve been working on this project as a solo developer for quite some time now. Over the years, one of the most requested features has been PDF support. Many of you have reached out, asking for a way to use Dictionariez with PDFs—whether for reading eBooks, studying papers, or reviewing work documents.
I’m excited to share that the wait is finally over! I’ve built a PDF Reader Web Application that works seamlessly with Dictionariez. It’s lightweight, secure, and designed to make your reading experience as smooth as possible. And for language learners, this is a productive tool—especially if you’re studying books, academic papers, or other materials in PDF format.
What’s New?Here’s what the new PDF Reader Web Application brings to the table:
Dictionariez Integration
Highlight words or phrases in your PDF and instantly look them up or translate them using Dictionariez. It works just like it does on web pages.Drag-and-Drop Simplicity
You can drag and drop your PDF files into the app, and they’ll load instantly. No extra steps, no hassle.Privacy First
Your files never leave your browser. Everything is processed locally, so you don’t have to worry about your data being uploaded to a server.Integration with PNL Reader
If you’re already using PNL Reader, my browser extension that enhances the reading experience on any webpage, you’ll love this integration. When you open a PDF directly in your browser, you can click on the PNL Reader extension, and it will automatically redirect the PDF to the PDF Reader Web Application. This makes opening PDFs locally a more seamless experience.Responsive Design
Whether you’re on a desktop, tablet, or phone, the app adapts to give you the best experience.Advanced PDF Viewer
Why This is Perfect for Language Learners
Powered by ngx-extended-pdf-viewer and PDF.js, the app supports zooming, text selection, and even searching within your PDFs.If you’re learning a new language, reading is one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. But let’s face it—reading in a foreign language can be tough, especially when you’re constantly looking up words. That’s where this new feature shines.
Here’s why the PDF Reader Web Application is especially helpful for language learners:
Study Authentic Materials
Many language learners rely on textbooks or graded readers, but real-world materials like novels, academic papers, or even manuals are often in PDF format. Now, you can read these materials while using Dictionariez to look up unfamiliar words instantly.Build Vocabulary Faster
Highlighting and translating words directly in the PDF saves time and keeps you focused. You can even create flashcards or notes from the words you look up.Learn in Context
Seeing words in their natural context (like in a book or article) helps you understand how they’re used in sentences, making it easier to remember them.Perfect for Students
If you’re a student studying in a foreign language, you probably deal with a lot of PDFs—textbooks, research papers, lecture notes, and more. This tool makes it easier to navigate those materials without constantly switching between apps.Immersive Learning
Language Learning Tips for Using the PDF Reader
By reading full texts in your target language, you’re immersing yourself in the language, which is one of the most effective ways to learn.Here are a few tips to get the most out of the PDF Reader Web Application as a language learner:
Start with Materials at Your Level
Choose PDFs that are slightly above your current level. This way, you’ll encounter new words without feeling overwhelmed.Create a Vocabulary List
Use Dictionariez to look up unfamiliar words and write them down in a notebook or app. Review them regularly to reinforce your learning.Focus on Context
Instead of translating every word, try to understand the meaning of sentences based on context. Use Dictionariez only for words or phrases that are critical to understanding the text.Revisit Texts
After reading a PDF once, come back to it later. You’ll be surprised at how much more you understand the second time around.Combine with Other Tools
Use the words you’ve learned in flashcard apps like Anki to reinforce your memory.Set Goals
How It Works
For example, aim to read one chapter of a book or one article per week. Setting small, achievable goals will keep you motivated.Using the PDF Reader Web Application is super straightforward:
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your file into the app, or click to select it from your device.Start Reading
The PDF loads instantly, and you can scroll, zoom, and search through it.Use Dictionariez
Highlight any word or phrase in the PDF to look it up or translate it, just like you would on a webpage.Redirect PDFs with PNL Reader
If you open a PDF directly in your browser, just click on the PNL Reader extension, and it will redirect the PDF to the PDF Reader Web Application. No need to download the file or manually open the app—it’s all handled seamlessly.Stay Secure
Why It Took Time
All file processing happens locally in your browser. Your data stays with you—always.As a solo developer, I’ve always tried to prioritize features that matter most to you, the users. Adding PDF support wasn’t just about displaying files—it was about making sure the experience was smooth, secure, and worked seamlessly with Dictionariez and PNL Reader.
I wanted to get it right, and that meant taking the time to ensure:
Privacy: No file uploads, no servers—just local processing in your browser. Performance: Fast and responsive, even with large PDF files. Integration: A seamless experience with Dictionariez and PNL Reader, so you can use the tools you love without interruption. What’s Next?This is just the beginning! Here are a few features I’m planning to add in the future:
Annotations: Highlight text, add notes, and mark up your PDFs. Bookmarks: Save your place in long documents for easy navigation. Dark Mode: A more comfortable reading experience for night-time use. Try It OutThe PDF Reader Web Application is live and ready for you to use. Click here to check it out! Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves reading, this tool is here to make your life easier.
Wrapping UpAs a solo developer, every feature I build is a labor of love, and this one is no exception. I’ve poured a lot of time and effort into making PDF support a reality because I know how much it means to so many of you.
If you’ve been waiting for this feature, give it a try and let me know what you think! Your feedback is what keeps me going, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on how I can make it even better.
Thank you for supporting Dictionariez and for being part of this journey. I’m excited to see how you’ll use the new PDF feature!
Spread the WordIf you love the new PDF feature, share it with your friends and colleagues. Every bit of support helps me continue improving Dictionariez for all of you.
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PNL Reader: Simple, Elegant, and Transparent
• • riverDear Netizens and Web Novel Enthusiasts,
I’m excited to announce that PNL Reader is finally here! After a week of development sprint, it just hits the first milestone, and I’m already using it to read a novel myself. It’s a browser extension designed to make your reading experience smoother, more enjoyable, and relaxing. Whether you're diving into articles, novels, or any other web content, PNL Reader has your back with its simple yet elegant features.
This all started from a thread discussing the frustration many face when looking for a no-nonsense, simple reader mode that also plays nice with Dictionariez and respects privacy. So, I decided to create my own solution. Keep in mind this is the first version, so please be patient if you encounter any bugs.
Here’s a quick rundown of the features based on my own experience as an novel reader online:
Key FeaturesDictionariez Compatibility
Instantly look up any word on a webpage by simply clicking on it. PNL Reader is fully compatible with Dictionariez for seamless word lookup.Privacy-First Approach
Your privacy is a priority. PNL Reader only requires the ActiveTab permission to enable reader mode on the current webpage you’re on, with no additional host permissions required.Dark & Light Mode
Switch between dark and light modes depending on your preference, so you can reduce eye strain and read comfortably at any time of day.Navigation Shortcuts
Easily navigate through your favorite web novel websites, like Scribble and RoyalRoad, using convenient keyboard shortcuts for next and previous pages.Open Source
Download Links
Full transparency is key. PNL Reader is open source, so it’s available for anyone to review, contribute to, or scrutinize as they wish.Chrome: PNL Reader on Chrome Web Store
Getting Started
Firefox: PNL Reader on Mozilla Add-ons
Edge: PNL Reader on Edge Web StoreTo see PNL Reader in action, check out our introduction video.
Your Feedback Is Important!
I would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and any issues you might encounter. Please reach out at the Programming N' Language Community.
As I am preparing for the second version of PNL Reader, here are a few specific areas where your feedback would be incredibly helpful:
Which websites would you like to use the reader mode on? What more themes (beyond just dark or light) would you like? Are there any additional features you’d like to see in the toolbar? In your opinion, what are the essential features every reader must have?Thank you for your support, and I look forward to improving PNL Reader based on your valuable feedback!
Trends
Dictionariez is an open-source tool that assists you in language learning; it supports multiple languages and offers a diverse collection of dictionaries.
Translate texts, images, and audio to 100+ languages instantly. Use TextPixie’s AI translator for fast, accurate, and contextually appropriate translations.