explaingit

rmcrackan/libation

★ 5,545C#Audience · generalComplexity · 2/5LicenseSetup · easy

TLDR

A free desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux that downloads your Audible audiobooks and removes the DRM lock so you can play them in any audio player and keep them forever.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Audible downloader
      DRM removal
      Library backup
    Platforms
      Windows
      macOS
      Linux
    Supported Regions
      US UK Canada
      Germany France
      Japan India Spain
    Use Cases
      Offline listening
      Cancel membership backup
      Transfer to any device
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Code map

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Things people build with this

USE CASE 1

Download your entire Audible library as standard audio files and organize them in any media player you like.

USE CASE 2

Create a permanent offline backup of purchased audiobooks before canceling your Audible subscription.

USE CASE 3

Transfer Audible audiobooks to a device that does not support the Audible app, like an older MP3 player or e-reader.

Tech stack

C#.NET

Getting it running

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 30min

Download the installer from getlibation.com and connect your Audible account, no command line needed.

GPL-3.0, free to use and modify, but any version you distribute must also be open-source under the same GPL-3.0 license.

In plain English

Libation is a free, open-source desktop application that lets you download and keep audiobooks you have purchased on Audible. Audible audiobooks come with a digital lock that prevents you from playing them outside of Audible's own apps. Libation removes that lock and saves your audiobooks as standard audio files you can play anywhere and keep permanently, even if you cancel your Audible membership. The app runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It works with Audible accounts from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, India, and Spain. Once you connect your account, Libation can import your entire library, including cover art, and lets you search, filter, and tag your books to organize them however you like. Decryption is handled by a component called AAXClean, which the project says is fast and does not require installing separate audio tools. This keeps setup simpler than some alternatives that depend on external software. The project is released under the GPL-3.0 open-source license, meaning anyone can inspect the code or contribute changes. Documentation and a recommended download for your operating system are available at getlibation.com. The author's stated goal is to keep it free and open-source for as long as they maintain it.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
I'm using Libation on Linux. Walk me through connecting my Audible account and starting a full library download to a local folder.
Prompt 2
My Libation download failed for several titles. How do I find the error log and retry just the failed audiobooks?
Prompt 3
I have audiobooks downloaded by Libation. Show me how to add the folder as an audiobook library in Jellyfin or Plex.
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