How do I convert epubs with embedded fonts?

[BookCat]

I often convert epub to epub in order to add metadata and new covers etc. Occasionally, when they're loaded onto my Libra 2 I'm unable to alter the font, either to a custom font or one already installed on the Libra.

I'm then stuck with an often ugly publisher font.

Is there some way to change this behaviour so the font becomes more flexible?

Please note: I'm still using Windows 7 (because I like it - I'll update when I need a new laptop) and the compatible Calibre version which I use is Calibre 3.48 (64 bit).

Thanks.

[Karellen]

Originally Posted by BookCat

I often convert epub to epub in order to add metadata and new covers etc.

Do you need to do it that way? You should be able to edit the existing epub to add your new cover and metadata.

What metadata are you adding?

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by BookCat

I often convert epub to epub in order to add metadata and new covers etc.

No need to convert to do that. The only times I convert ePub to epub are:
1) The source is epub and needs any of the auto styling
2) I've edited the chapter heads to headings and multiple chapters are in one file with no page breaks. Conversion after edit splits files which adds page breaks

Originally Posted by BookCat

Occasionally, when they're loaded onto my Libra 2 I'm unable to alter the font, either to a custom font or one already installed on the Libra.

I can't see how a conversion or embedding fonts would cause that. That's something broken in the CSS (inherit statements can do strange things). I embed fonts always and can over-ride publisher font on the Libra always unless the CSS is broken.


I understand your view on Win7. I went from XP to Win7 in 2016 and in Jan 2017 rather than win10 I went to Linux Mint with mate desktop. Using NT since 3.5 in 1994 and the old windows that died with Win98/ME since Windows 3.0, though not seriously using Windows till 3.1 came out. CP/M and DOS before that.
1995 NT 3.51
1996 NT 4.0
Skipped Win2K (NT 5.0)
2002 NT 5.1, AKA Windows XP.
Skipped Vista

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by BookCat

I often convert epub to epub in order to add metadata and new covers etc.
Please note: I'm still using Windows 7 (because I like it - I'll update when I need a new laptop) and the compatible Calibre version which I use is Calibre 3.48 (64 bit).

No need to do epub->epub, use the Polish Books or Embed Metadata tools.

BR

[BookCat]

The main metadata that I add is the blurb which would normally be on the back cover of a paperback, a few tags and maybe a new cover. I thought I had to convert to do this.

I phrased the question badly. I'm not trying to embed a font, but the books seem to already have embedded fonts which stick like glue and won't go away no matter which font I choose on the Libra. So it seems to be "embedded" or like it's carved into stone somewhere deep in the mysteries of technology.

I'm not very techie. Please bear in mind that I can only just about use Calibre and haven't a clue what CSS is.

Thanks.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by BookCat

The main metadata that I add is the blurb which would normally be on the back cover of a paperback, a few tags and maybe a new cover. I thought I had to convert to do this.

I phrased the question badly. I'm not trying to embed a font, but the books seem to already have embedded fonts which stick like glue and won't go away no matter which font I choose on the Libra. So it seems to be "embedded" or like it's carved into stone somewhere deep in the mysteries of technology.

I'm not very techie. Please bear in mind that I can only just about use Calibre and haven't a clue what CSS is.

Thanks.

Editing the css would be the correct way to get rid of embedded fonts. But if you don't want to do that, try reading the book as kepub. That should let you change the font.

[Karellen]

Originally Posted by BookCat

The main metadata that I add is the blurb which would normally be on the back cover of a paperback, a few tags and maybe a new cover. I thought I had to convert to do this.

All you need to do is add that info into the book entry in Calibre.
Then, open the book in the Editor, then close the book. No need to save or make any edits. The new data will be loaded.

You may need to check the cover as the dimensions of the new cover may be different to the dimensions of the old cover, so you will need to update the cover page with the new dimensions.

[BookCat]

Sirtel: I have kepubify, so will see if creating a kepub helps.

Karellen: I'm not sure where "the book entry" is. By the editor do you mean "view" or "Edit book"?

[Karellen]

Originally Posted by BookCat

Karellen: I'm not sure where "the book entry" is. By the editor do you mean "view" or "Edit book"?

The book entry: I assume the book is in your Calibre library? Highlight the book and click "Edit Metadata". Add your metadata and the new cover.

"Edit Book" = Editor

[DNSB]

For removing fonts, you could use the Modify ePub plugin which has Remove embedded fonts as one of it's options along with adding covers, adding/cleaning up metadata, etc.

[BookCat]

Thank you for trying, but this is all beyond me. I'll kepubify the books and if that doesn't work I'll have to put up with the ones which have embedded fonts.

At least this is better than the old days of paperbacks when we couldn't even alter the size of the font.

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by BookCat

At least this is better than the old days of paperbacks when we couldn't even alter the size of the font.

What do you mean?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by BookCat

Thank you for trying, but this is all beyond me. I'll kepubify the books and if that doesn't work I'll have to put up with the ones which have embedded fonts.

At least this is better than the old days of paperbacks when we couldn't even alter the size of the font.

Modify ePub is very easy to use. You just select the eBook you want to remove embedded fonts and then run Modify ePub, if the option for removing embedded fonts is not checked, select is and then let it do it's thing. Modify ePub will remember your selection for when you run is again.

[BookCat]

Where is Modify ePub? Or is it a separate program?

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by BookCat

Where is Modify ePub? Or is it a separate program?

It's a plugin. Preferences -> Plugins -> Get new plugins