Globally convert all existing Author names from LN,FN to FN LN?

[DZC]

I have a library of about 1200 remaining titles which currently have Author(s) name listed in "last name, first name" format and Author Sort is the same. These are consistently entered across all records. Is there a relatively easy way to globally convert the order of ALL entries in the Authors(s) field to the default of "first name last name?"

I've been manually revising one at a time via Edit metadata, over 400 so far. It's very slow going, with more than 1200 to go. The revised entries have been moved to another library so each library is consistent in the Author(s) name order.

I am hoping someone knows a less painful way to change the existing entries on all Author names.

In the past, I bumbled around with Alter Tag Browser's Manage Authors to change all Author names to the Last Name, First Name as in Author Sort,. In truth, I didn't know what I was doing, but dumb lucked into getting all Author names to same order as Author Sort. BUT I haven't figured out how to revert all author names back to the default "first name last name" order.

I explored Tweaks a little, but am hesitant to muck about in there as I don't really understand it. The only thing I have done is add more names to the copynames part of the tweak. My experience there has been that revised tweaks are applied to subsequently added books but do not change existing entries. Those still have be manually corrected one by one in Edit Metadata. That tweak may not even be relevant to what I'm trying to do now anyway. So confusing.

Sigh. Surely there's an easier way. People must always be wanting to change the author name order to suit individual preference. I personaly prefer a consistent Last name, First name everywhere, and did the work to get my entries consistent in that order in this library. I'm finding it's too much work to maintain. Going with Calibre's default order for Author is easier.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by DZC

I have a library of about 1200 remaining titles which currently have Author(s) name listed in "last name, first name" format and Author Sort is the same. These are consistently entered across all records. Is there a relatively easy way to globally convert the order of ALL entries in the Authors(s) field to the default of "first name last name?"

I've been manually revising one at a time via Edit metadata, over 400 so far. It's very slow going, with more than 1200 to go. The revised entries have been moved to another library so each library is consistent in the Author(s) name order.

I am hoping someone knows a less painful way to change the existing entries on all Author names.

In the past, I bumbled around with Alter Tag Browser's Manage Authors to change all Author names to the Last Name, First Name as in Author Sort,. In truth, I didn't know what I was doing, but dumb lucked into getting all Author names to same order as Author Sort. BUT I haven't figured out how to revert all author names back to the default "first name last name" order.

I explored Tweaks a little, but am hesitant to muck about in there as I don't really understand it. The only thing I have done is add more names to the copynames part of the tweak. My experience there has been that revised tweaks are applied to subsequently added books but do not change existing entries. Those still have be manually corrected one by one in Edit Metadata. That tweak may not even be relevant to what I'm trying to do now anyway. So confusing.

Sigh. Surely there's an easier way. People must always be wanting to change the author name order to suit individual preference. I personaly prefer a consistent Last name, First name everywhere, and did the work to get my entries consistent in that order in this library. I'm finding it's too much work to maintain. Going with Calibre's default order for Author is easier.

Quality Check Plugin: Fix Section

[DZC]

I don't understand. What does that mean?

[PeterT]

Install the Quality Check Plugin and then look at it's fixes.

[Adoby]

The problems with mixed LN, FN and FN LN are common. So common that there is a plugin Quality Check that have some functions built in it to help fix these problems for you. You need to install that plugin and check out those functions. Most likely it will save you a lot of time and work.

[DZC]

Thanks everyone. Not familiar with "plugins" but will take a look at it.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by DZC

Thanks everyone. Not familiar with "plugins" but will take a look at it.

Preferences (icon): Get Plugins

(Doesn't any 'just explore' menus on new software anymore?)

[DZC]

Ohhhhh my! The Quality Check Plugin wields the magic power for which I had beseeched the gods -- and this forum :-))) Calibre menus can be quite overwhelming for some, and I didn't even know what a "plugin" was. Now having happily made acquaintance with Mr. Quality Check, I may even tackle my other more disorganized libraries as well! A big thanks to all for helping me learn.