How much of Calibre's merging/duplicate identification behaviour can I stop?

[rglrglrgl]

Hi!

I want to have a strict "one book = one format" policy in my library. I deal with a lot of versions and editions of the same book and run into Calibre merging things I didn't want merged somewhat frequently.

1) Identical filenames in the same directory.

I constructed this situation to infer exactly what was happening.




Identical filenames with different extensions found in the same directory during an "Add from folders" automatically merge. No matter which option I select re: same folder = same book.

Can this be prevented? I imagine this functions well for most people but it's pushing me into weird fiddly corners and creating friction where I really want to just set and forget.

2) Duplicates found on import.

Attachment 201047

Can I stop this from showing up? It's never relevant to me.

I'm a bit confused on what actually happens and if this can lead to a marge. It'll also oft

Am I safe to think if I just press 'OK' that it'll never attempt to merge anything?

3) Same folder = same book prompt.



Is there any way to make either option for this prompt automatic? I'll never click 'Yes' intentionally.

-----------------------------------------------

Using auto add seems like it would cut the majority of this out but my file system has metadata at the folder level that I was intending on using 'Get Filenames' to capture then S&R into appropriate fields. Many, many hours of work wasted.

I can think of ways to solve this before I start adding anything but I'm not very confident in my scripting skills and the extra cognitive load and margin for error I'm adding in on a huge task feel bad.

[kovidgoyal]

1) No it cannot be prevented
2) Pressing ok wil lnot merge anything it will add the duplicates as new books.

I suggest you instead write a script that use the calibredb command to add things based on your special needs. It will give you full control.