Manga & CBZ to XTC
A CBZ or CBR in, an Xteink book out: spreads split in reading order, white borders trimmed, every page dithered for the panel.
- Xteink X4, X4 Classic
- 480 × 800
- 4 grays
- .xtch
The preview is the converted page, pixel for pixel.
Choose a CBZ, CBR or images first; they open here, nothing is uploaded.
How to open it on the reader
- CrossPoint or CrossInk: copy the .xtch file to the SD card (any folder) or send it with File Transfer, then open it from the file browser. Chapters are under the reader menu.
- Stock firmware: XTC is Xteink's own book format. Copy the file to the SD card and open it from the file list. We haven't confirmed .xtch and the X3 size on stock yet; if a file won't open, try Black & white (.xtc).
A comic that comes out wrong? Tell us. We read everything.
What it does to the file
Everything below can be checked against the file you get back.
- Spreads are split in reading order
- Right to left by default, which is how manga is printed; one setting switches it for Western comics. The cut runs down the gutter, not through the middle of a page.
- White borders are trimmed
- Scans carry a margin the reader would only show as wasted screen. It is measured per page and cut before dithering.
- Screentone becomes a dot pattern
- Four grays cannot hold a halftone, so the dithering is drawn here where you can see it, instead of being flattened by the firmware.
- Several archives become chapters
- Each file is a chapter in the order you drop them, titled from ComicInfo.xml when the archive has it.
Settings that work for most manga
| Setting | Manga | Western comics |
|---|---|---|
| Reading direction | Right to left | Left to right |
| Spreads | Split | Split or Sideways |
| Layout | Whole page; Sideways halves for small lettering | Sideways halves |
| Grays | 4 grays (.xtch) | 4 grays (.xtch) |
Have a manga as a PDF? The PDF to XTC converter does the same with Scans & pictures. For a cover on the sleep screen, use the Xteink wallpaper converter.
No Xteink yet, or want a second one? The X4, X4 Pro and X3 are sold on xteink.com. Already have one? There are magnetic cases for the X4, X4 Pro and X3, and a charging stand that fits all three. Those are affiliate links: if you buy through one, einktools earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Questions
›How do I read manga on an Xteink X4?
Convert the CBZ to XTCH here, copy the file to the SD card and open it. XTCH pages are pictures at the screen's exact size, so they open instantly and turn fast, unlike a CBZ or a big PDF the reader has to decode page by page.
›What about double-page spreads?
Pick Split to get the two halves as separate pages, right page first for manga. Sideways shows the whole spread with the reader turned, and Shrink fits it on the upright screen.
›The lettering is too small. What can I do?
Choose Sideways halves: hold the reader on its side and each page is shown in two halves, 800 pixels wide, cut along the white gutters between panels where it can. Raise Contrast if the screentones look gray.
›Can I put several volumes in one book?
Yes. Choose several CBZ or CBR files at once; they're sorted by name and each becomes a chapter in the reader's chapter menu.
›Does it take CBR files?
Yes. CBR (RAR) archives are unpacked in your browser, like CBZ, and can be mixed with CBZ volumes. CB7 (7-Zip) isn't supported yet: unpack it and choose the images, or convert it to CBZ in Calibre.
›XTC or XTCH?
XTCH (4 grays) keeps screentones and shading; it's the better default. XTC (black and white) is half the size and turns pages faster, and suits X4 Pro batches that only show black and white.
›Does it work on stock Xteink firmware?
XTC is the format Xteink made for its readers, and CrossPoint and CrossInk read XTC and XTCH. We haven't yet confirmed XTCH or the X3's size on stock firmware; if a file doesn't open there, try Black & white (.xtc) and tell us.
›Are my files uploaded?
No. The archive is opened and every page converted inside your browser tab. Nothing is sent anywhere.