# Getting started with Bookrise

> Add your first book, mark what you're reading and start tracking your progress in Bookrise.

Source: https://bookrise.app/help/getting-started/ · Updated 2026-10-27

Welcome to Bookrise. Start with the book you're reading now, an old favorite or something you'd like to read next. You can build the rest of your library as you go.

Already finished setup? Jump to [adding books from the Books tab](#add-books-any-time).

## Add books during setup

During setup, you'll reach **Start your library**. Choose how you'd like to add your books:

- **Import**: bring books from Goodreads, StoryGraph or another reading app. Choose your app from the list, or **Other CSV File** for a CSV export.
- **Find Books**: search for a title, author or ISBN.
- **Add Manually**: enter a title and any other details you know. Only the title is required.
- **Scan Barcode (ISBN)**: scan the barcode on the back of a printed book. Allow camera access if asked.
- **Popular Finds**: tap a suggested book's cover to add it. A green checkmark means it's in your library.

Once you've added a book, tap **Continue**. You can also tap **Skip** to add books later.

![The Start your library page with import sources, Find Books and Add Manually](https://bookrise.app/_astro/onboarding--start-library.p6lyQvJt_1F7bpG.webp)

> [!TIP]
> Bringing a library from another app? Import it first so you don't have to add each book again. [Learn how to import your library](/help/import-your-library/).

## Add books any time

Whether you skipped setup or have another book to add, start from the **Books** tab:

1. Tap **Books** in the tab bar.
2. Choose **Find Books**, **Add Manually** or **Scan Barcode (ISBN)** from the row at the top. Swipe the row if an option is out of view.
3. If you searched or scanned, open the book you want and tap **Add to Library**.
4. Check the details in **Add Book**, then tap the checkmark to save.

![An empty Books tab with Find Books, Add Manually and Scan Barcode buttons above the Library section](https://bookrise.app/_astro/empty-states--library-home.CX48HMI-_1lExTz.webp)

You'll see **Book added to Library** when it's saved. Tap **View** to open the book, or keep adding more.

![The Books tab with a Book added to Library message and a View button](https://bookrise.app/_astro/book-editor--added-toast._FABsVFQ_ZKkSBQ.webp)

[The guide to adding books](/help/add-a-book/) explains each option in more detail, including how to add a book from a website link.

## Mark what you're reading

New books are saved as **To Read** unless you choose a different status. You'll find them under **Want to Read** on the **Books** tab.

To mark the book you're reading now:

1. Open the book.
2. Tap **Reading Status** and choose **Reading**.

Your book moves to **Reading Now** at the top of the **Books** tab, so it's easy to find when you pick it up again.

Choose **Finished** when you're done, or **Abandoned** if you decide not to finish. [Learn more about reading statuses](/help/reading-status/).

## What to try next

Once you've added a book, try whichever of these feels useful:

- **Record your progress.** Tap **Update Progress** on the book's page, or use **Reading Mode** to time a session.
- **Set a reading goal.** Choose a daily or yearly target in **Insights**.
- **Make the app your own.** Pick a color and theme in **Settings** → **Appearance**. [Customize how Bookrise looks](/help/appearance/).
- **Organize your books.** Group them by topic, keep a series together or create your own collections. [Explore categories and collections](/help/categories-and-collections/).

## FAQ

### Do I need an account to use Bookrise?

No. Open Bookrise and start adding books. Your library is saved on your device.

### Can I bring my library from Goodreads or StoryGraph?

Yes. Export your books from the other app first. Then choose your app under Import during setup, or go to Settings → Import & Export in Bookrise later.

### I skipped setup. How do I add books now?

Open the Books tab and choose Find Books, Add Manually or Scan Barcode (ISBN) from the row at the top. You can add books whenever you're ready.