approach to conversion in calibre

perler · 07-09-2017, 12:47 PM

I am using calibre quite a long time and still find the approach to conversion a bit awkward, maybe the dev(s) can think about it. this is mainly about autoconversion:

the situation for most users is this, I think: you have a kindle and some other device, which most of the time can display books in epub format. so, whenever you import a book into the library, in the end you need these two formats.

right now, the autoimport menu reads: "automatically convert added books to the current output format". Nowhere is specified what the current output format is, experience tels me it is the format last converted to - and this may change, so this option is a bit useless.

why not instead have an option:

automatically convert books in these formats:

[X ] mobi
[X] epub
[ ] ...

and whatever format you import, in the end you have books converted into these formats?

kovidgoyal · 07-09-2017, 12:53 PM

The current output format is defined in Preferences->Behavior.

And why should mobi and epub be special? Why not EPUB and PDF? Or HTMLZ and DOCX? Or X and Y?

In any case, if you are using calibre to send your books to a device, there is no need to autoconvert at all. calibre will autoconvert the files to the format supported by the device when you click the send to device button.

perler · 07-09-2017, 01:03 PM

ok, I see the option for the preferred format, but this doesn't help if the preferred format is set to mobi and you add books in mobi format and need another format for your books as well (say .DOCX)

MOBI and EPUB was an example. I thought my options mock up made this clear.

I don't send the books to a device but download them onto the device via web browser, so I need to have the formats available for download.

theducks · 07-09-2017, 01:13 PM

search

Code:

not formats:docx

Select all: then bulk convert to docx

Your workflow is not mainstream. Calibre's automated functions support mainstream users. Your use is easy to accomplish manually in the current Calibre.

perler · 07-09-2017, 01:28 PM

I am not sure why you feel the need to offer a "solution". Please read the second sentence in my OP and compare to your last one. hint automatic != manual.

I was simply pointing out a perceived flaw in UX design (one of many) and suggested a different approach.

theducks · 07-09-2017, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perler

I am not sure why you feel the need to offer a "solution". Please read the second sentence in my OP and compare to your last one. hint automatic != manual.

I was simply pointing out a perceived flaw in UX design (one of many) and suggested a different approach.

You asked to have something fixed.

My 2 preferred formats are: AZW3 EPUB
Since I typically connect my K4, it (the driver) takes care of forcing a conversion if a K4 type format does not exist.

Fot those books that view better on my TAB, "I" do the conversion when needed since I tend to use CC or the browser, and as you noted, you only get to pick from existing formats.
So the 'solution' I use, is to plan ahead.

kovidgoyal · 07-09-2017, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perler

I was simply pointing out a perceived flaw in UX design (one of many) and suggested a different approach.

You could have asked for a feature for your use case politely, and I might have entertained it. That sentence means you just killed my motivation to do so.

Oh and just a hint for the future, when software does not conform to your use case, that is not a flaw, it just means it prioritizes other use cases. You will get much further if you realize that and not try and sell your needs using hyperbole.

07-09-2017, 12:47 PM	#1
perler Enthusiast Posts: 29 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: perler	approach to conversion in calibre I am using calibre quite a long time and still find the approach to conversion a bit awkward, maybe the dev(s) can think about it. this is mainly about autoconversion: the situation for most users is this, I think: you have a kindle and some other device, which most of the time can display books in epub format. so, whenever you import a book into the library, in the end you need these two formats. right now, the autoimport menu reads: "automatically convert added books to the current output format". Nowhere is specified what the current output format is, experience tels me it is the format last converted to - and this may change, so this option is a bit useless. why not instead have an option: automatically convert books in these formats: [X ] mobi [X] epub [ ] ... and whatever format you import, in the end you have books converted into these formats?

07-09-2017, 01:13 PM	#4
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 29,809 Karma: 54830978 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	search Code: not formats:docx Select all: then bulk convert to docx Your workflow is not mainstream. Calibre's automated functions support mainstream users. Your use is easy to accomplish manually in the current Calibre.

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07-09-2017, 12:53 PM	#2
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 43,860 Karma: 22666666 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	The current output format is defined in Preferences->Behavior. And why should mobi and epub be special? Why not EPUB and PDF? Or HTMLZ and DOCX? Or X and Y? In any case, if you are using calibre to send your books to a device, there is no need to autoconvert at all. calibre will autoconvert the files to the format supported by the device when you click the send to device button.

07-09-2017, 01:03 PM	#3
perler Enthusiast Posts: 29 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: perler	ok, I see the option for the preferred format, but this doesn't help if the preferred format is set to mobi and you add books in mobi format and need another format for your books as well (say .DOCX) MOBI and EPUB was an example. I thought my options mock up made this clear. I don't send the books to a device but download them onto the device via web browser, so I need to have the formats available for download.

07-09-2017, 01:28 PM	#5
perler Enthusiast Posts: 29 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: perler	I am not sure why you feel the need to offer a "solution". Please read the second sentence in my OP and compare to your last one. hint automatic != manual. I was simply pointing out a perceived flaw in UX design (one of many) and suggested a different approach.

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