Transferring custom column layouts between libraries

[xiaojohn]

Is there a simple way to transfer all the custom column layout information from one library to another?

I know if I copy a book between libraries I am given the option of copying any columns that are not in the receiving library, but I am looking for a way to duplicate the column layouts precisely. Why? Well, I am always fiddling to organise my Calibre in the most optimal manner, and it would be much easier if, having made changes to one, I could easily transfer all those changes to all my other three libraries. This includes deleting columns, renaming them, changing how they appear in the Edit Metadata screen etc. I currently do it manually.

Forgive me if this has been dealt with elsewhere - I searched and couldn't find a relevant thread

[Sirtel]

The View Manager plugin?

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by xiaojohn

Is there a simple way to transfer all the custom column layout information from one library to another?

I know if I copy a book between libraries I am given the option of copying any columns that are not in the receiving library, but I am looking for a way to duplicate the column layouts precisely. Why? Well, I am always fiddling to organise my Calibre in the most optimal manner, and it would be much easier if, having made changes to one, I could easily transfer all those changes to all my other three libraries. This includes deleting columns, renaming them, changing how they appear in the Edit Metadata screen etc. I currently do it manually.

Forgive me if this has been dealt with elsewhere - I searched and couldn't find a relevant thread

I think the short answer is - NO.

But it raises the question: Why do you want three libraries with the same layouts, custom columns etc? Or to put it another way, why not one library?

A common reason for multiple libraries is because the custom columns, layouts and processing for each are significantly different.

BR

[xiaojohn]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

The View Manager plugin?

I use View Manager, but my experience is that it doesn't transfer its layout information between libraries.

[xiaojohn]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

I think the short answer is - NO.

But it raises the question: Why do you want three libraries with the same layouts, custom columns etc? Or to put it another way, why not one library?

A common reason for multiple libraries is because the custom columns, layouts and processing for each are significantly different.

BR

Thanks - good to know it's not possible. I have 10K books in each library, and while I know Calibre can handle big libraries, my computer slowed to a crawl when I had all my books in one place. Splitting them alleviated this - but obviously creates other issues. Perhaps it's time to upgrade my computer...

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by xiaojohn

I use View Manager, but my experience is that it doesn't transfer its layout information between libraries.

Some calibre settings are global, others are per library, e.g. custom columns and virtual library definitions are per library, whereas tweaks and keyboard shortcuts are global.

Same with plugin settings, some are per library e.g. View Manager, whereas Count Pages and Favourites are global.

The Job Spy plugin can override some global settings on a per library basis, e.g. the Autoadd folder.

BR

[theducks]

Originally Posted by xiaojohn

Thanks - good to know it's not possible. I have 10K books in each library, and while I know Calibre can handle big libraries, my computer slowed to a crawl when I had all my books in one place. Splitting them alleviated this - but obviously creates other issues. Perhaps it's time to upgrade my computer...

Not a Transfer,
BUT
You can create a NEW Library and choose the option to USE the structure of the existing (current, the one that has the structure) one. Be sure to give each a unique name:

THEN
Switch TO the library you want to have the new structure:Select all:right click Copy To Library
Remove old empty Library (Delete on the Quick switch list only removes the LIST entry )

To echo the others: Why (if the same)?
IMHO there are valid reasons:
1) Desire/need to restrict content to those with access to a single Library.
2) Lack of drive space on a single drive (DO NOT use a networked/cloud drive for any in use Library).
3) Creating an 'Intake' Library where you do initial processing (remove ludicrous tags that dirty the various internal tables with deleted entries)
4) <reserved for those I forgot >