Loc stands for location, and it’s essentially a digital unit of measurement that Kindle uses to keep track of where you are in a book.
Rather than using traditional page numbers that could vary depending on the device or font size, Loc is a more precise and universal way to track where you are in a book. Each location represents roughly one screenful of text, and it changes as you scroll through your book.
How Loc Works
The easiest way to think about Loc is that it’s like a virtual page number. Your Kindle doesn’t have fixed pages like a physical book, so instead, Loc provides an indicator of your virtual page’s location.
If you search through your book for a specific keyword, your Kindle will display both the number of pages found and the Loc for each of those pages. This way, you can jump right to that passage without scanning through multiple pages.
Pros and Cons of Loc
- Loc is universal, so it won’t change regardless of the device or font size.
- It’s more precise than traditional page numbers since it can help you track down specific passages within a few lines.
- Because Loc isn’t standard among book publishing platforms, it can be difficult to use when quoting passages in your reviews or discussions.
- It can also make it difficult to track where you are in a book since the numbers don’t give you any context for how far along you are in the story.
Loc and Kindle Features
Loc isn’t just for tracking the location of passages. It’s also essential for Kindle’s other functions, such as syncing and backup. When you need to sync reading progress between devices, Kindle uses Loc as a reference point to ensure that you pick up where you left off.
That means that even if you switch from your Kindle to your phone or tablet, you’ll always be at the same point in your book.
Loc vs. Page Numbers
One of the primary benefits of Loc over page numbers is that it is accurate, regardless of the font size or screen dimensions. The same passage will always have the same Loc regardless of how it is displayed on different Kindle models. In contrast, page numbers can vary depending on the screen size and font style.
This inconsistency can cause confusion when attempting to cite or reference a passage in academic or research papers.
Why show pages instead?
While Loc has advantages, many readers find it confusing and prefer to see pages instead. This is especially true if you’re used to reading physical books and want to keep track of your progress in terms of pages. Additionally, mentioning the page number you’re on is a common way to reference specific book parts, so it’s understandable why some would prefer to see pages instead of Loc.
How to show pages instead?
The good news is that switching from Loc to pages on your Kindle is easy. Here’s how:
- Open the book that you want to view pages instead of Loc.
- Tap on the top of the screen to reveal the toolbar.
- Tap on “Aa” to access the text settings.
- Scroll down until you see “Reading Progress.”
- Change the display option from “Location” to “Page Number.”
Once you’ve done that, you’ll see the page numbers instead of Loc whenever you read that book.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Loc is an important feature that Kindle users should be aware of, but it’s understandable if you prefer to view pages instead.
Following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily switch between the two options depending on your preference. Regardless of whether you choose Loc or Pages, the most important thing is that you’re enjoying your reading experience, and with Kindle, that’s more convenient than ever.
