Ultimate Guide: Manga Web to CBZ!

A simple, step-by-step guide to building your digital manga library

Step 1: Download Manga using JAM

We use JAM (an open-source tool) to rip high-quality images from the web.

Install Java: JAM needs it to run. Get it from Java.com.
Get JAM: Download the latest release from GitHub Page.
Run it: Download JAM.zip, extract it, and then run JAM and paste your manga’s web link.

Expected Directory Structure

Your input directory should contain folders representing individual chapters. The script will ignore any non-directory files in the root.

Manga_Name/
  ├── Ch. 1 - The Beginning/
  │    ├── 1.webp
  │    ├── 2.webp
  ├── Chapter 2/
  ├── Ch 10.5 - Extra/

Step 2: Setup Python & The Converter

We use a custom Python script to perfectly sort and bundle those messy downloaded folders into clean Volumes.

Install Python: Download it from Python.org.
Crucial Note for Windows: > During the Python installation, you must check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” at the bottom of the setup window.
Download the Tools: Go to our GitHub Repository and download the project files (click “Code” -> “Download ZIP” and extract it). This folder contains the Python script and the shortcut files you need.

Step 3: Configuration

Configure: Open cbz_builder.py in a text editor. Update the INPUT_DIR (where JAM saved your manga) and OUTPUT_DIR (where you want the finished files to go).

1
2
3

INPUT_DIR = Path(r"C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Manga_Name")
OUTPUT_DIR = Path(r"C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Manga_Name_cbz")
TEMP_DIR = Path(r"C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/temp_cbz")

Customizing Volume Sizes

By default, the script groups chapters based on predefined thresholds. To change how many chapters go into a volume, simply adjust the thresholds list in the code:

# The numbers represent the maximum chapter limit for that volume.
# Vol 1 is up to 9.9, Vol 2 up to 18.9, etc.
thresholds = [
    9.9, 18.9, 27.9, 36.9, 45.9, 54.9, 63.9,
    73.9, 83.9, 93.9, 103.9, 113.9, 123.9, 133.9
]

Execute: Double-click your run.bat (Windows) or run.sh (Mac/Linux).

RUN PYTHON

For Windows:
Simply double-click the run.bat file. It will handle everything automatically!

For Linux & macOS:
Both Linux and Mac use the run.sh file.

Note: For security reasons, Mac/Linux requires you to give the file permission before it can run the first time:
1. Open your Terminal.
2. Type chmod +x (make sure there is a space at the end!).
3. Drag and drop the run.sh file into the terminal window and press Enter.
4. You can now run it anytime by typing ./run.sh in the terminal, or by double-clicking it (depending on your system settings).