Changing custom columns type?

[Pepin33]

Is there any way to change custom columns type without loosing its content? (for example, if I have an "integer" column, and I want to change it to "number with decimals").

If the answer is not (I think so), then I suppose the way is to create a new custom column and to copy old values from the other. In this case, is there any way to copy the full column (for all the library) at a time?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Pepin33

Is there any way to change custom columns type without loosing its content? (for example, if I have an "integer" column, and I want to change it to "number with decimals").

If the answer is not (I think so), then I suppose the way is to create a new custom column and to copy old values from the other. In this case, is there any way to copy the full column (for all the library) at a time?

I think this might work with a composite column:
Do the Shell game with Search and Replace:
Make your new column (you can rename later).
Now select all books that us the custom column
Tap the 'E' key (bulk edit) and select the Search and replace tab
Select your old column to find
the REGEX search term is (.+)
Select your new column as the destination
the REGEX value is \1
Apply
Once you are happy, use the column editor to remove the old column

[Pepin33]

Thanks, theducks.

I tried it, but it didn't work. I get an error "could not convert string to float". I think it's because the REGEX values. ¿?

Edit: Sorry, my mistake. It works. The error I got was because I was selecting some books without any value at the original column. When I select only books with any value at the old column, it works perfectly.

Thanks again, theducks.

[rolandt99]

I am a newbiee so not sure what you mean by the "Shell game with Search and Replace".

In my case I need to change the custom column quality from stars (rating, with 0-5 stars) to integer, as I need to a) reduce screen real-estate usage and b) allow greater than 5 as a value. I would like to do the same with the Rating column as it takes up screen real-estate.

But, when I open Search and Replace the Quality (or #Quality) [nor is Rating] column is not included in the selectable search field drop-down values.

So, what am I doing incorrectly?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by rolandt99

I am a newbiee so not sure what you mean by the "Shell game with Search and Replace".

In my case I need to change the custom column quality from stars (rating, with 0-5 stars) to integer, as I need to a) reduce screen real-estate usage and b) allow greater than 5 as a value. I would like to do the same with the Rating column as it takes up screen real-estate.

But, when I open Search and Replace the Quality (or #Quality) [nor is Rating] column is not included in the selectable search field drop-down values.

So, what am I doing incorrectly?

No rating (type?), I wonder why?

But there is a '{template}'

And the Template to enter is: {rating} (which shows as a number)