Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Glyph?

Glyph is an iOS app for reading web novels. It doesn’t host any content. Instead, it uses community-built extensions to connect to novel websites. Think of it as a browser specifically designed for reading.

Is Glyph free?

Yes, Glyph is free with no ads, no subscriptions, and no in-app purchases.

Where do I get extensions?

Extensions are shared as repository URLs by the community. You add them in Settings → Extensions → +. The app fetches the available sources from the URL and lets you install them.

Does Glyph work offline?

Yes. You can download chapters for offline reading from any novel’s detail page. Downloaded chapters are stored on your device and accessible without an internet connection.

Reading

How do I switch between paginated and scroll mode?

While reading, tap the center of the screen to show controls. Tap the menu (bottom right) → Theme & Settings → Reading Direction. Choose “Horizontal” for paginated or “Vertical” for scroll.

Can I change the font and colors?

Yes. In the reader, go to menu → Theme & Settings. You can change the font, font size, line spacing, text color, background color, and more. There are 6 built-in themes and you can create custom ones.

How do I bookmark a position?

Open the reader menu → Add Bookmark. A small orange marker appears on the page. To see your bookmarks, go to menu → Bookmarks. You can also add notes to bookmarks.

How do I search within a chapter?

Open the reader menu → Search in Chapter. Type your query. All matches are highlighted in yellow, and the active match is orange. Use the arrow buttons to jump between matches.

The reader shows a white screen / loading forever

Try these steps:

  1. Go back and re-open the chapter
  2. If that doesn’t work, go to Settings → Storage → Clear Extension Cache, then try again
  3. Check your internet connection, since the extension might need to fetch content

A chapter shows “Could not load chapter”

The extension couldn’t fetch the chapter content. This usually means:

  • The novel website is down or blocking requests
  • Your internet connection dropped
  • The extension needs to be updated

Tap “Retry” to try again. If it persists, check if the extension has an update in Settings → Extensions.

Extensions

How do I add a new extension repository?

  1. Go to Settings → Extensions
  2. Tap the + button
  3. Paste the repository URL
  4. Tap Fetch, then Install

How do I update extensions?

Go to Settings → Extensions. In the Active Sources section, tap Refresh on any source to re-download its latest version. You can also tap the refresh button in the toolbar to update all repositories at once.

An extension isn’t loading / shows “Extension not loaded”

The extension’s JavaScript bundle might be missing or corrupted. Try:

  1. Go to Settings → Extensions → tap the repository → Refresh the source
  2. If that doesn’t work, go to Settings → Storage → Clear Extension Cache
  3. Re-open the app

Can I disable an extension without deleting it?

Yes. Go to Settings → Extensions → tap the repository. Swipe left on any source to disable it. It stays installed but won’t appear in Browse or Search. You can re-enable it anytime with the Install button.

How do I create my own extension?

See the SDK Documentation for a complete guide. You’ll need basic TypeScript knowledge and familiarity with HTML selectors.

Data & Privacy

Does Glyph track me?

No. Glyph has no analytics, no tracking, no accounts. Your reading data stays on your device (and iCloud if you’re signed in).

Does my data sync between devices?

Yes, via iCloud. Your library, reading history, bookmarks, and progress sync automatically across all devices signed into the same Apple ID.

How do I clear my data?

  • Reading history: Settings → Storage → Clear Reading History
  • Extension cache: Settings → Storage → Clear Extension Cache
  • Downloaded chapters: Settings → Storage → Delete All Downloads
  • Library: Remove novels individually via swipe or context menu

Where is my data stored?

All data is stored locally on your device using SwiftData. If iCloud is enabled, it’s also synced to your iCloud account. Extensions run in sandboxed WebViews with domain restrictions and can only access their declared base URL.

Troubleshooting

The app feels slow

  • Check which extension is slow, as some novel sites have high latency
  • Try clearing the extension cache (Settings → Storage)
  • Make sure you’re on a stable internet connection

Novels are showing content I don’t want to see

Go to Settings → Filters & Ratings:

  • Set your Maximum Rating (Everyone, Teen, Mature, Adult)
  • Enable Blur Mature/Adult Covers to blur sensitive cover images

Extensions that support tags will have their content filtered automatically.

I lost my reading progress

Your progress syncs via iCloud. If you’re on a new device:

  1. Make sure you’re signed into the same Apple ID
  2. Wait a few minutes for iCloud to sync
  3. Check the History tab

How do I report a bug?

Go to Settings → Share Diagnostic Report. This generates a report with app logs and network activity (no personal data). Share it via email or message to help debug the issue.