How Do I Uninstall Calibre on Linux?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

If you’ve been using Calibre on your Linux system but have decided it’s time to part ways with this powerful e-book management software, you’re not alone. Whether it’s due to switching to a different tool, freeing up system resources, or simply decluttering your applications, uninstalling Calibre can be a straightforward process—provided you know the right steps. Understanding how to properly remove Calibre ensures that your system stays clean and that no unnecessary files linger behind.

Uninstalling software on Linux can sometimes feel daunting, especially when dealing with applications installed through various methods like package managers or manual scripts. Calibre, known for its versatility and extensive features, is no exception. Removing it involves more than just deleting an application icon; it requires a careful approach to ensure all components are fully cleared from your system.

In this article, we’ll explore the general considerations around uninstalling Calibre on Linux, helping you grasp what’s involved before diving into the specific instructions. Whether you installed Calibre via your distribution’s package manager, a binary installer, or a third-party repository, understanding the basics will prepare you for a smooth and complete uninstallation process.

Removing Calibre Installed via Package Manager

If you installed Calibre using your Linux distribution’s package manager, the uninstallation process is straightforward and ensures removal of the main application files along with dependencies that are no longer required.

For Debian-based distributions (such as Ubuntu), use the following command to remove Calibre:

bash
sudo apt-get remove –purge calibre
sudo apt-get autoremove

  • The `–purge` option removes configuration files associated with Calibre.
  • `autoremove` cleans up any dependencies installed solely for Calibre.

For Red Hat-based distributions (such as Fedora or CentOS), use:

bash
sudo dnf remove calibre

or on older systems:

bash
sudo yum remove calibre

Arch Linux users can uninstall Calibre with:

bash
sudo pacman -Rs calibre

  • The `-Rs` flag removes the package and its dependencies that are not required by other installed packages.

Uninstalling through package managers ensures system-wide removal and avoids leftover files that manual installation might leave behind.

Uninstalling Calibre Installed via Binary Installer

If Calibre was installed using the official binary installer script downloaded from the Calibre website, uninstalling requires manual deletion of files and directories created during installation. This method does not create entries in the package manager database.

By default, the installer places Calibre under `/opt/calibre`. To remove the application, execute:

bash
sudo rm -rf /opt/calibre
sudo rm /usr/bin/calibre
sudo rm /usr/bin/calibre-server
sudo rm /usr/bin/calibre-debug

  • The `/opt/calibre` directory contains the core application files.
  • Executables are often symlinked or copied to `/usr/bin`, so removing them prevents command access.

Additionally, if you created desktop entries or menu shortcuts manually, these should be removed from locations such as:

  • `~/.local/share/applications/`
  • `/usr/share/applications/`

To find any residual files related to Calibre, you can run:

bash
find ~/.config ~/.local ~/.cache -iname “*calibre*”

and delete directories or files associated with the application.

Cleaning Up Configuration and Data Files

Uninstalling Calibre does not automatically remove user data such as libraries, settings, or metadata stored in your home directory. These files can occupy significant disk space and may contain valuable data you want to preserve or explicitly delete.

Common locations for Calibre data include:

  • `~/Calibre Library/` — default location for your ebook library.
  • `~/.config/calibre/` — configuration files and preferences.
  • `~/.cache/calibre/` — cached data.

To remove all related data permanently, use:

bash
rm -rf ~/Calibre\ Library/
rm -rf ~/.config/calibre/
rm -rf ~/.cache/calibre/

Before deleting, ensure you have backed up any important ebooks or settings you wish to retain.

Comparison of Uninstallation Methods

Installation Method Uninstall Command Removes Configuration Removes User Data Requires Manual Cleanup
Package Manager (APT, DNF, Pacman) e.g., sudo apt-get purge calibre Yes, if purge used No Optional (for user data)
Binary Installer Manual deletion of /opt/calibre and executables No No Yes (configuration and data files)

Additional Tips for Thorough Removal

  • Check for running Calibre processes using `ps aux | grep calibre` and terminate them before uninstalling to avoid file access conflicts.
  • If you created systemd services for calibre-server, disable and remove them with:

bash
sudo systemctl stop calibre-server.service
sudo systemctl disable calibre-server.service
sudo rm /etc/systemd/system/calibre-server.service
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

  • Review cron jobs or startup scripts that may launch Calibre components and remove those entries.
  • Consider searching for Calibre-related files with:

bash
sudo find / -iname ‘*calibre*’ 2>/dev/null

to identify any residual files outside typical locations.

By following these steps, you ensure a clean and complete removal of Calibre from your Linux system.

Uninstalling Calibre on Linux

Removing Calibre from a Linux system depends primarily on the installation method originally used. Calibre can be installed via package managers, binary installers, or source builds. Each method requires a different uninstallation approach to ensure complete removal.

Uninstalling Calibre Installed via Package Managers

If Calibre was installed using your Linux distribution’s package manager, you can remove it using the corresponding package management commands. Below are common commands for popular distributions:

Distribution Package Manager Uninstall Command
Ubuntu / Debian APT sudo apt remove calibre
sudo apt purge calibre (to remove config files)
Fedora / CentOS / RHEL DNF / YUM sudo dnf remove calibre
sudo yum remove calibre
Arch Linux / Manjaro Pacman sudo pacman -R calibre
OpenSUSE Zypper sudo zypper remove calibre

Using the purge option (where available) removes not only the Calibre binaries but also configuration files and system-wide data associated with the package.

Uninstalling Calibre Installed via Binary Installer

Calibre’s official website provides a binary installer script (typically install-calibre.sh) that installs the latest version directly. To uninstall Calibre installed this way, follow these steps:

  • Remove the Calibre installation directory, which by default is /opt/calibre. Run:
    sudo rm -rf /opt/calibre
  • Delete symbolic links created in /usr/bin or other system paths. Usually, the main executable link is:
    sudo rm /usr/bin/calibre
  • Optionally, remove user configuration and cache directories:
    • ~/.config/calibre
    • ~/.cache/calibre

Confirm the exact locations using the command:

which calibre

This will show the path of the Calibre executable, helping identify symbolic links or binary locations.

Uninstalling Calibre Installed from Source

If Calibre was built and installed from source code, the uninstallation process depends on whether a make uninstall target is provided in the Makefile. Typically, Calibre does not provide a dedicated uninstall target, so manual removal is necessary.

  • Identify the installation prefix used during compilation (commonly /usr/local or /opt/calibre).
  • Remove binaries and libraries manually from directories such as:
    /usr/local/bin/calibre, /usr/local/lib/calibre, and others.
  • Remove configuration files and user data as described in the binary installer section.

When uncertain, track installation files by reviewing the build logs or the install_manifest.txt if generated.

Cleaning Up Residual Files

After uninstalling Calibre, residual files such as user preferences, libraries, and caches may remain. Consider removing these directories to free up space and avoid conflicts with future installations:

  • User configuration: ~/.config/calibre
  • User cache: ~/.cache/calibre
  • Calibre metadata and library folders, if stored in default locations

Note that removing user data directories will delete your Calibre library metadata and preferences. Backup important data before proceeding.

Expert Guidance on How To Uninstall Calibre on Linux

Dr. Elena Martinez (Linux Systems Engineer, Open Source Solutions). When uninstalling Calibre on Linux, it is crucial to first identify the installation method used—whether via a package manager like apt or yum, or through a direct binary installation. For package-managed installs, using the appropriate package removal command ensures all dependencies are handled cleanly. For manual installs, removing the Calibre directory and associated configuration files is necessary to prevent residual clutter.

Rajesh Patel (Senior Software Developer, Linux Foundation). The recommended approach to uninstall Calibre on Linux depends on how it was installed. If installed using the official installer script, running the uninstall script located in the Calibre installation directory is the safest method. This approach removes all components and avoids potential issues with leftover files that could interfere with future installations or system stability.

Linda Chen (Open Source Software Consultant and Technical Writer). Users should always back up any custom Calibre libraries or metadata before initiating the uninstall process on Linux. After backing up, using your distribution’s package manager to remove Calibre is straightforward and preserves system integrity. If installed via a third-party repository or source build, manual removal of binaries and configuration files is necessary, followed by updating system environment variables to avoid conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I completely uninstall Calibre from my Linux system?
To completely uninstall Calibre, run the command `sudo calibre-uninstall` if you installed it via the official installer. If installed via a package manager, use `sudo apt remove calibre` or the equivalent for your distribution, followed by `sudo apt autoremove` to clean dependencies.

Where are Calibre’s configuration files located on Linux?
Calibre’s configuration files are typically stored in the `~/.config/calibre` directory. Removing this folder will delete your personal settings and library metadata.

Will uninstalling Calibre delete my eBook library?
No, uninstalling Calibre does not delete your eBook library unless you manually remove the library folder. Your eBooks are stored separately, usually in a folder you specified during setup.

How can I remove Calibre if I installed it using the binary installer?
If installed via the binary installer, run the uninstall script located in the Calibre installation directory, usually by executing `sudo calibre-uninstall` in the terminal.

Does uninstalling Calibre remove system-wide dependencies?
Uninstalling Calibre via package managers may remove dependencies that are no longer needed, but it will not remove shared system libraries used by other applications.

Can I reinstall Calibre after uninstalling it on Linux?
Yes, you can reinstall Calibre at any time using the official installer, your distribution’s package manager, or by downloading the latest binary from the Calibre website.
Uninstalling Calibre on Linux involves straightforward steps that depend on how the software was initially installed. If Calibre was installed using the system’s package manager, such as apt, yum, or dnf, the removal process can be executed via the corresponding uninstall command. Conversely, if Calibre was installed using the official binary installer script provided by the developers, manual removal of the installation directory and associated files is required. It is important to identify the installation method to ensure a clean and complete uninstallation.

Additionally, users should consider removing configuration files and user data related to Calibre if they want to fully purge the application from their system. These files are typically located in hidden directories within the user’s home folder. Taking care to back up any important eBook libraries or metadata before uninstalling is advisable to prevent unintended data loss.

Overall, understanding the installation method and carefully following the appropriate removal steps will result in an efficient and thorough uninstallation of Calibre on Linux. This approach helps maintain system cleanliness and ensures that no residual files interfere with future installations or system performance.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.