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The Content Manager is where you manage the ZIM files installed on your N.O.M.A.D. server. ZIM files are the compressed, self-contained archives that power your Information Library — each one contains a complete offline snapshot of a website, encyclopedia, or reference collection. There are two main areas:
  • Content Manager (/settings/zim) — view and delete content that is already installed.
  • Content Explorer (/settings/zim/remote-explorer) — browse the remote ZIM library and download new content.

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Content Manager

The Content Manager lists every ZIM file currently on your server. For each item you can see the title, file size, and the date it was downloaded.

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Deleting installed content

To free up storage, delete ZIM files you no longer need:
1

Open the Content Manager

Go to Settings → Content Manager (navigate to /settings/zim).
2

Find the file to remove

Browse the installed content list. Each entry shows the title and storage used.
3

Delete the file

Click the delete action for that item. The file is permanently removed and storage is immediately reclaimed.
Deleting a ZIM file removes it permanently. To get it back, you need to download it again from the Content Explorer.

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Content Explorer

The Content Explorer connects to the remote Kiwix library to browse and download available ZIM content.
1

Open the Content Explorer

Go to Settings → Content Explorer (or navigate to /settings/zim/remote-explorer).
2

Browse available content

The library is organized by category. Browse or search for the content you want.
3

Download

Click Download next to any item. Downloads run in the background — you can continue using the server while they complete.
An internet connection is required to browse the remote library and download new content. Once downloaded, everything works offline.

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Wikipedia Selector

Wikipedia is available in many languages and sizes, from compact editions to the full English dump (~95 GB). The Content Explorer includes a dedicated Wikipedia browser to help you find the right one.
Only one Wikipedia selection is active at a time. If you download a new Wikipedia package, it replaces the previously installed version. The old file is removed automatically.
To change your Wikipedia selection, download a different package from the Content Explorer. The swap happens automatically.

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Content categories and tiers

When browsing curated collections — either in the Content Explorer or the Easy Setup wizard — content is organized into three tiers:
TierWhat it includesDownload size
EssentialCore content for the categorySmallest
StandardEssential plus additional useful contentMedium
ComprehensiveEverything available for the categoryLargest
Choose the tier that fits your available storage and actual needs. You can always download more later.

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Checking for newer versions

ZIM snapshots are updated periodically — Wikipedia releases new snapshots approximately monthly. To get a newer version of installed content:
  1. Go to Settings → Content Explorer.
  2. Search for the same content you currently have installed.
  3. Check if a newer date appears in the filename or description.
  4. Download the newer version. For Wikipedia, it replaces the existing file automatically.

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Storage tips

Large ZIM files like full Wikipedia (~95 GB) or Khan Academy (~50 GB) can fill a drive quickly. Check current usage in Settings → System before starting a large download.
If you’re unsure how much content you’ll actually use, start with the Essential tier for each category. You can always download the Standard or Comprehensive tier later when you have a clearer picture of your needs.
Unused ZIM files consume storage without providing value. Periodically review the Content Manager and remove anything you haven’t accessed.
Large files take time. Queue your downloads before going offline and let them run to completion.

Information Library

Learn how to use the offline reference library powered by Kiwix.

System Health

Check available storage before large downloads.