How to read a Chinese PDF, scan or EPUB with HanReader

November 1, 2026

You do not need to understand every character before opening a Chinese document. Start with a short passage you want to read: a page from a book, a study handout or a photo of a menu. HanReader keeps the material you chose at the centre of the reading session.

1. Choose and open your document

Use the document-opening action on the library screen to select a PDF, EPUB or DOCX from your device. For a scan or photo, import the image instead. The reading material is yours; HanReader is a reading tool, not a catalogue of books. Only import material you have permission to use.

For a first session, choose one clear page rather than a long, complicated document. See the supported reading features for an overview.

2. Check text recognition before translating

A scanned PDF or photograph contains an image of text. HanReader uses on-device text recognition to make that text available for reading. Clear, upright images with good lighting work better than blurred or cropped pictures.

Compare a few recognized lines with the original. If characters or line order look wrong, use a clearer source before relying on a translation or explanation. Recognition and AI assistance can make mistakes.

3. Read a short passage in context

Select the line or passage you want to understand and use the bilingual reading tools. Read the Chinese first, check the translation, then return to the original. For an unfamiliar expression, ask for an explanation tied to that passage instead of treating a word as if it had only one meaning.

Keep the selection short when the surrounding context is clear. Save useful words and add a note about how they were used, so your next review has a concrete example.

4. Listen, then read it again

Use narration on the passage you are studying and follow the text. Listen once for the overall meaning, then read it again at your own pace. Online explanations and neural narration require a connection and may use reading credits; check the app's current balance and purchase information rather than assuming a subscription is unlimited.

5. Keep your source and know what goes online

Local reading data and online assistance are different. Keep your original files backed up, and consult the privacy policy before using online features with sensitive text. If an import or reading action fails, note the file type and the step that failed and contact support; do not send a private document unless necessary.

Check the download page for current availability and device requirements.