Apple Books

Apple keeps Books highlights in a local database on your Mac. Screvi reads that database, either from two files you upload or through a small desktop helper. If you only read on iPhone or iPad, you can email highlights instead.

Option 1: Upload Two Files (No Install)

1. In Screvi, go to Integrations > Apple Books and pick the Upload files tab.
2. On your Mac, open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G, and paste:
   • ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.iBooksX/Data/Documents/AEAnnotation/ for the annotations file
   • ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.iBooksX/Data/Documents/BKLibrary/ for the library file
3. Drag the .sqlite file from each folder into the matching slot in Screvi.
4. Click Import.

The files are read in your browser. Nothing is uploaded until you press Import, and only the highlights and book metadata are sent.

Option 2: Desktop App

Best if you want to re-sync often. Needs macOS 14 or later; on older macOS use Option 1.

1. In Screvi, copy your key from Settings > API.
2. Download the Screvi desktop app and open it.
3. Paste the key when asked.
4. Choose Apple Books in the sidebar and click Connect Apple Books. macOS asks you to allow access to the Books data.
5. Click Sync Highlights.

The app has read-only access. It never changes anything in Apple Books.

Option 3: Email from iPhone or iPad

1. Open a book in Apple Books and tap the menu in the bottom right.
2. Choose Bookmarks & Highlights, switch to Highlights, and tap Select.
3. Pick the highlights you want, tap the share icon, and choose your email app.
4. Send them to new@highlights.screvi.com from the email address you use for Screvi.

Screvi turns the email into highlights under that book within a minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it sync automatically?

No. Run the desktop app sync, re-upload the files, or send a new email whenever you have new highlights. Screvi skips anything it already has.

My highlights from iPhone are not in the Mac files.

Apple Books syncs highlights between devices through iCloud. Open Books on your Mac and wait for the sync to finish, then upload again.

Is it safe to give the desktop app access?

Yes. It reads highlights and book metadata only. Screvi cannot modify your library or reach anything else on your Mac.