custom column with 'READ' switch - howto

[baursak]

it would be nice to create a custom column with 'READ' switch
- so that to keep finished books in the database on the one hand
- but to have a tool to hide them from Book list view on the other hand (the less clutter, the better)

this approach is realized in Kindle device and Kindle apps on smartphones

is there an appropriate solution in Calibre?

[georgemk]

Use Virtual Libraries. These are a view of the database based on search and saved as virtual library. Then you just use the Virtual Library(VL) as your main view. You can many VLs as you need and switch between them as required.
The manual page explaining it si https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/virtual_libraries.html

[theducks]

Throw Books away

The above with a custom column (I chose date type) as the filter trigger

Have Read:

#finished:true and formats:True

I have formats:true because I keep empty books as a wish list or link to a compilation containing YMMV

To Read:

#finished:false and (formats:EPUB or formats:Mobi or formats:AZW3)

(I have both a Kindle and a Kobo, so different formats are checked as well as filter out wish list)

In addition, I have OTHER search filters that use this read status.

Dates:  2000 are 'abandoned', 1999 have been split

I use EPUB Split plugin to make a big monster (boxed set) into a kitten sized read

[baursak]

Originally Posted by theducks

Throw Books away

The above with a custom column (I chose date type) as the filter trigger

Have Read:

#finished:true and formats:True

I have formats:true because I keep empty books as a wish list or link to a compilation containing YMMV

To Read:

#finished:false and (formats:EPUB or formats:Mobi or formats:AZW3)

wait-wait-wait
- hold your horses a bit
- I am newbie DB's in general and in Calibre in particular...

1. I understand that all the books shown in Book list view must have an additional property 'HAVE READ', whose value must be 'YES' or 'NO' (checked or unchecked field)
2. books which attribute 'HAVE READ' is marked 'YES' will be somehow filtered out
3. as a result I will have Book list view filled with unread books only

correct if I am wrong so far

P.S. I have in Calibre DB books in EPUB only
P.P.S. I have Kindle device only and Kindle apps on iOS and Android

[theducks]

You are going to add a custom column.
Preferences: Add your own columns: (type is) Yes/No (since you want a check)

(I just chose date so I could add <fake> dates as well as the real for additional meaning. YMMV )

THEN
You create a VL to show those with that column True (aka ticked) or False
As I stated. Since I have additonal formats OR Empty books (no format, just an entry) I refined my filter. True or False might serve you just fine

[baursak]

Originally Posted by theducks

You are going to add a custom column.
Preferences: Add your own columns: (type is) Yes/No (since you want a check)

(I just chose date so I could add <fake> dates as well as the real for additional meaning. YMMV )

THEN
You create a VL to show those with that column True (aka ticked) or False
As I stated. Since I have additonal formats OR Empty books (no format, just an entry) I refined my filter. True or False might serve you just fine

what should I put in all the fields of this "Create a custom column"?

[theducks]

The Beauty of Calibre is you DO NOT have to do it JUST my way.
(This was just what I wanted to store)

The Column Label can be anything. It can be changed at a later time. ( Keep i short so thew column does not get wide just to show the label)

OTOH The field TYPE can't. Which is why I suggest you give True/False a future use think before going down that path

[baursak]

Originally Posted by theducks

The Beauty of Calibre is you DO NOT have to do it JUST my way.
(This was just what I wanted to store)

The Column Label can be anything. It can be changed at a later time. ( Keep i short so thew column does not get wide just to show the label)

OTOH The field TYPE can't. Which is why I suggest you give True/False a future use think before going down that path

thank you: I finally coped with this
- God bless you