Import/add ebooks without files

[PawWol]

I'm new to this forum and want to be new user of calibre.
I have a question about import or add new ebooks: there is possible to add only metadata to the base and the files leave in old location (without copy ebook file to calibre library)?
I would like to use calibre as typical ebook organize and manage software.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by PawWol

I'm new to this forum and want to be new user of calibre.
I have a question about import or add new ebooks: there is possible to add only metadata to the base and the files leave in old location (without copy ebook file to calibre library)?
I would like to use calibre as typical ebook organize and manage software.

2 Ways
1)In the add books icon: Add empty book (this only creates a very simple entry that you need to flesh out further)

2)Add the book, then delete the format by right clicking on the entry.
Adding does nothing with/to the source location

[BetterRed]

↑ ↑ ↑ ✔

I use method 1, usually creating 'N' empty books in one operation.

BR

[Daria]

1)In the add books icon: Add empty book (this only creates a very simple entry that
you need to flesh out further)

It would be useful also having a text field where we can input the path to the book in our disk.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Daria

It would be useful also having a text field where we can input the path to the book in our disk.

Either add your own long text HTML column or create a rule to put the file path into an Identifier. Both provide an avenue to having clickable link to the file.

That said, why not put the book file in the library?

BR

[PawWol]

Thanks a lot for answers but:
1) both methods (ways) don't allow to open the file
2) create own column with HTML text is time-consuming

Other question: "... why not put the book file in the library?"
Because file(s) I want to add are anywhere on hard drive. Copy file book to calibre library means simply duplication an existing one. For what?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by PawWol

Copy file book to calibre library means simply duplication an existing one. For what?

To save all this work-around-effort

why not recursive search your computer (from the command line) with the results piped into a file. Then use the Import List plugin to add them to the Library.
Then use that same file to clean up (archive, move) the originals

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by PawWol

Thanks a lot for answers but:
1) both methods (ways) don't allow to open the file

Using an identifier can open the file in Windows. It should pass the file to the OS to open.

[PawWol]

Originally Posted by davidfor

Using an identifier can open the file in Windows. It should pass the file to the OS to open.

I try this method as well. Thanks
But i wasn't simple to develop possible Add the file or file format as relative (only path to the original file location e.g. like Alfa eBooks Manager works) or absolute - as now that mean copy file to the library.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by PawWol

Thanks a lot for answers but:
1) both methods (ways) don't allow to open the file
2) create own column with HTML text is time-consuming

Other question: "... why not put the book file in the library?"
Because file(s) I want to add are anywhere on hard drive. Copy file book to calibre library means simply dplication an existing one. For what?

Please read ==>> Want to change folder structure or file names in the Calibre library?

For the first solution, you only define the '#file_path' column once. Then, from the book list, you can tap F2 in the File Path cell, click the Link tool, click the Browse button, locate the book via the file system file selector, click OK in the file selector, click OK in the Link tool, click OK in the long text editor.

Sure, that's a lot of 'work', but you don't have to type the file path or copy it to the clipboard before creating the 'empty' book. I prefer this method because I can do it 'in the book list', the Identifiers method requires use of the Single Metadata Edit tool - which I choose to avoid.

BR