Introduction to Kiwix
What is Kiwix?
Kiwix is an open-source platform created in 2007 to provide offline access to Wikipédia and to its related projects like the Wiktionnaire, Wikivoyage or Wikibooks. Developed by Kiwix Association, in collaboration with Wikimedia Foundation (which manages these various projects), Kiwix wants to make freely accessible information in places where the Internet connexion is missing or unstable.
These contents have a common ground: they are wikis, collaborative websites that anyone can consult, but also contribute to and edit. This participatory approach helps build a dynamic, collectively-constructed knowledge base. Kiwix allows users to download and browse these resources freely, at any time, even without an internet connection, making it a valuable tool for schools, libraries, or community organizations in remote areas.
Kiwix : an offline numerical library
At the heart of Kiwix is a vast and rich digital library, primarily focused on encyclopedic and educational content. One of the most well-known resources offered by Kiwix is Wikipedia, available in numerous languages. This encyclopedia is downloaded as a file, enabling offline access on various devices (computers, tablets, or smartphones).
In addition to Wikipédia, Kiwix is provinding access to other educational resources freely-available like Wiktionary (collaborative dictionary), Wikivoyage (travel guides), or Project Gutenberg (library of numerical books in the public sector).
Most of these projects (with the exception of Gutenberg) come from the Wikimedia Foundation and operate under the same principle: they are wikis, meaning collaborative platforms where content is created, edited, and enriched by the users themselves.
These projects all share a common goal: to make knowledge free and accessible to everyone, in multiple languages. Together, they form a true participatory digital library that spans a wide variety of topics—languages, science, history, geography, culture, literature, and more.
What Can You Do with It ?
Explore a wide range of reading and listening resources
- Kiwix enables users to browse and explore a wide range of resources without being connected to the internet. For instance, they can navigate through different sections of Wikipedia, using internal links and categories to dive deeper into specific topics. The interface is designed for smooth and intuitive navigation across articles and sub-articles.
The various French-available Wikipedia on Kiwix
Preview of the French Wikipedia homepage in Kiwix
To browse Wikipedia as it is available on Kiwix, click here...
- One of the main activities on Kiwix is reading. The app allows users to read full articles or e-books. Whether for personal research, academic studies, or simply out of curiosity, Kiwix offers instant access to a vast collection of content, including full texts, encyclopedias, and classic literature.
Par exemple, on peut y lire des depuis Wikipédia, consulter des définitions Les Misérables
While Kiwix is primarily designed for reading, some content—such as Project Gutenberg texts or audio articles, can also be listened to. These features allow users to access resources in audio format, providing an alternative way to learn, particularly useful for those who prefer listening over reading.
For example, we can listen to the audio-version of the fables de la Fontaine, contes de Grimm, or popular science articles read out loud.
- Kiwix includes powerful search tools that make it easy to quickly find specific articles and information. Searches can be done by keyword, topic, or category, streamlining access to relevant content. Results are swiftly filtered and organized, helping users find what they’re looking for with ease.
- In addition to Wikipedia, users can access other educational resources like Wiktionary for word definitions or Wikivoyage for travel information. Kiwix also allows users to download additional content based on their specific needs, whether for education, research, or personal development.
One of Kiwix’s most powerful features is its ability to function entirely offline. By allowing users to download complete versions of resources like Wikipedia to their devices, Kiwix eliminates the need for an internet connection to access vital information. This is especially helpful in rural areas or in contexts where internet access is limited, expensive, or unstable. Once downloaded, the resources can be accessed anytime, anywhere, without relying on an active internet connection.
Download the Kiwix app
In addition, Kiwix is available on several platforms and devices, like computers, smartphones and tablets. The app can be freely-downloaded from the App Store (iOS), the Google Play Store (Android) or directly from the official website of Kiwix. This allows great flexibility, even for users with limited hardware resources.
Once content is downloaded, Kiwix can be used entirely offline, making it particularly useful in areas without internet connectivity or when on the move.
How Kiwix is used
Kiwix also plays a crucial role in inclusive education, especially in developing countries or regions with limited access to schooling. By providing complete educational resources offline, it enables students, learners, and teachers to access a wide range of content without having to worry about internet costs or connectivity.
The app is widely used in humanitarian contexts, offering free access to a wealth of knowledge for people in refugee camps, isolated communities, or disaster-affected zones. Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions deploy Kiwix as an essential tool to improve access to education and information, regardless of infrastructure challenges.
Kiwix also stands out for its multilingual support, granting access to resources in a wide range of languages, making education more accessible to diverse populations. This is especially important in multilingual regions, as it allows users to access information in their native languages.
Among the available languages are: French, English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, German, Swahili, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and many more. This linguistic diversity allows everyone to consult content in the language they are most comfortable with.
Kiwix : an Open Source project
As an open-source project, Kiwix is constantly being updated and improved by a global community of developers and users. Users can contribute to the platform’s development by suggesting improvements, fixing bugs, or even translating content. This open-source nature makes Kiwix flexible and adaptable to meet users’ needs in a variety of contexts.
The Kiwix interface
Below is a preview of the Kiwix application with the ‘books’ available for download for offline use:
Analysis of Kiwix: strengths and limitations
The benefits of Kiwix :
- The software is entirely free and open-source, allowing it to be developed and adapted as required
- Full offline access once files have been downloaded
- Diversified content: Wikipedia, Wiktionnary, Wikivoyage and Project Gutenberg
- Can be used on a wide range of platforms: computers, phones, tablets and via Kiwix servers
The disadvantages of Kiwix :
- Content is not updated automatically; you have to download it again manually to access the latest content
- ZIM files can weigh several gigabytes, which can be a problem if the connection is unstable or slow and storage is limited
Kiwix on the DataCup
Download Kiwix on the DataCup, is to get all the functionality of this application in server mode. End users don't have to install anything on their devices. They consult and navigate the Kiwix application directly on the DataCup. All the ‘books’ / ZIMs are stored directly on the DataCup.
Your project leader in the field can easily choose the ‘books’/ZIMs he wants to make available in the Kiwix application, update these ‘books’/ZIMs at the time of his choosing, and manage the available storage space.
Working with us doesn't just mean getting a robust mini-server, it also means ongoing support:
- With the help of your teams, we can help you choose content from among those available to best meet your expectations and needs, depending on the target audience (children, young people, adults, teachers, farmers, etc.).
- Our teams offer training for your teams to help you get to grips with your DataCup, both in terms of hardware and software, taking into account your objectives in the field.
- With up to 8TB of storage, you can download a large number of ZIM files to the DataCup without worrying about customised content.
- To facilitate communication, follow-up, adaptation and the resolution of potential problems, we remain accessible and contactable.
Conclusion
Kiwix is an innovative platform for accessing offline educational and encyclopaedic resources, including Wikipedia, Wikivoyage and Project Gutenberg. By offering a solution for access without Internet, this platform is useful in isolated or developing areas.
Its open-source model and the fact that it is free ensure that it will continue to evolve thanks to an active community. What's more, by being multilingual, Kiwix gives a wide group of people access to information. It is a valuable tool for education, personal development and research.
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