Change datatype from text to comma separated?

[rantanplan]

I have a column in Calibre where I document how I got the ebook. E.g. Kindle, Kobo, Humblebundle etc. Sometimes I have multiple copies of the same book from different sources, but when I set this column up, it was configured as a text field (in tag browser).

Is it possible to change this column to comma separated text by manipulating a table in the sqlite database itself? I'd create a backup first, obviously, but would that be possible?

[BetterRed]

Have you tried creating a Tag like column and then using Bulk Metadata Edit->Search & replace to copy the single value text column onto the new Tag-like column?

This worked for me:



Then delete the old column and rename the new one (lookup and header).


BR

[ownedbycats]

Originally Posted by rantanplan

I have a column in Calibre where I document how I got the ebook. E.g. Kindle, Kobo, Humblebundle etc. Sometimes I have multiple copies of the same book from different sources, but when I set this column up, it was configured as a text field (in tag browser).

Is it possible to change this column to comma separated text by manipulating a table in the sqlite database itself? I'd create a backup first, obviously, but would that be possible?

The main difference between text and CSV in the database is the is_multiple column (in the custom_columns table) being set to 1, but there may be other differerences that I'd be hesitant to try chaley would know more details.

My method of 'converting' a column is what BetterRead said - column2, search-and-replace, delete and rename. Any templates or plugin settings using it will automatically switch over, though you might need to re-create column icon/colouring settings.