The Amazon Kindle has a function that not everyone knows about and that can be useful for you when reading

Do you read with that?already in landscape format? Not all book fans who are equipped with an e-book reader know this option for holding digital works in their hands so that they can be read horizontally.

This is not only shown by surprised faces in the editorial office, but also in a current oneReddit-ThreadIn addition, some were not aware of this option.

We will therefore show you how you can also read in landscape format with the Kindle in the future.

Quick navigation:

Notice: In our case we are using the Kindle Paperwhite 11. The following steps therefore refer to this model.

Kindle: Read in landscape format - this is how it works

The Kindle does not automatically switch between portrait and landscape format like a traditional tablet. The corresponding option must first be activated or deactivated:

  1. Open a book of your choice on Kindle.
  2. Now tap on the top area of ​​the text without opening the top menu.
  3. Now press the “Aa” symbol.
  4. Switch to the “Layout” tab.
  5. Now select landscape format under “Format”.

Tap anywhere at the top of the screen.

The view then switches to landscape format. However, the large black border of the device always remains on the left side. In any case, we haven't found an option that allows a different view in landscape format.

In the menuLayoutThere are other options to adapt the view to your own needs:

  • Stripes
  • Text alignment
  • Space between lines

To enlarge or reduce the font, go to the Font tab and select the appropriate size.

Which Kindle models support landscape orientation?

In the editorial department, we don't have every Kindle model to test this function everywhere.As far as we know, it is supported by all models.

The two models Kindle Oasis andalso support horizontal alignment. However, the way in which this function is activated may vary depending on the model (version).

Kindle: Why read in landscape format?

Reading in landscape format is a matter of personal preference. Some users write in the thread linked above that it can be more comfortable in landscape format.

The left thumb then rests on the thicker black edge, which potentially provides more stability when reading and allows the device to fit better in the palm of your hand. But it also depends on the exact model and your own preferences when holding it.

Either way: the option is there and can be activated or deactivated at any time in the settings.

Did you already know the function or is the option completely new to you? Do you primarily read in portrait or landscape format? Apart from the layout, are there any other useful features that you can recommend? Which alternatives to the Kindle do you find particularly good? Feel free to write them in the comments below!