Need help merging libraries from old to new

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by artistwantab

That works...it saves me a lot of work for sure.

In the future is there a way of saving those setting so if I install calibre in a new computer I don't need to do that...I can just simply apply the old settings to a new calibre installation.

To save your settings you'll need to copy the configuration folder and paste it to the same location on the new computer. To find your config folder, go to Preferences -> Miscellaneous -> Open calibre configuration folder. This opens the config folder. Take note of the location, so you can find it on the new computer.

[artistwantab]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

If you want to keep your books in separate folders based on genres, tags or even alphabetically, the only way to do it with calibre is to create separate physical libraries (using the GUI, not manually).

That is exactly what I have done. Not trying to mess with Calibre GUI.

Just trying to make less work for me in the future. I have never worked with a program that didn't have a refresh setting so this is new to me.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by artistwantab

That is exactly what I have done. Not trying to mess with Calibre GUI.

And how did you do it? Hopefully not just creating separate folders and moving books to them manually.

[artistwantab]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

And how did you do it? Hopefully not just creating separate folders and moving books to them manually.

I create a master folder by Genre.

Then I created a folder for the authors alphabetically....

Then I create a library for each letter... Once the books are found and organized by Calibre.

I move the folder into the "Master Genre Folder" and then using the switch/create option I create the library pointing to the master folder and it still finds all the books even though they are separated into separate folders alphabetically.

This is how I have done it for years with little to no issues.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by artistwantab

I create a master folder by Genre.

Then I created a folder for the authors alphabetically....

Then I create a library for each letter... Once the books are found and organized by Calibre.

I move the folder into the "Master Genre Folder" and then using the switch/create option I create the library pointing to the master folder and it still finds all the books even though they are separated into separate folders alphabetically.

This is how I have done it for years with little to no issues.

Frankly I have no idea what you think you're doing there. All I can say is that you're lucky you have no issues, or maybe you have just not noticed them yet. I suggest running Check library (especially the second part of checking if the database matches the files) by clicking on the Library icon -> Library maintenance -> Check library. If nothing is found, then you can probably continue doing it your way.

[artistwantab]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Frankly I have no idea what you think you're doing there. All I can say is that you're lucky you have no issues, or maybe you have just not noticed them yet. I suggest running Check library (especially the second part of checking if the database matches the files) by clicking on the Library icon -> Library maintenance -> Check library. If nothing is found, then you can probably continue doing it your way.

I appreciate your input and I will keep you updated.

I will do the check library and let you know if something goes wrong.

I can say the one thing that did happen when I first tried this....If I decided to replace the cover or alter the book contents in calibre. It recreates the author folder in the Master Folder. I then have to move it back and switch/create again to the master folder or the book that was altered will not work.

This is why I make sure I am completely happy with everything before moving them to the master folder.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by artistwantab

That works...it saves me a lot of work for sure.

In the future is there a way of saving those setting so if I install calibre in a new computer I don't need to do that...I can just simply apply the old settings to a new calibre installation.

Simply copy the configuration folder at the same time as the backup. Then replace that after the initial Calibre install (calibre not running)
FWIW I just had my W10 SSD get damaged (something w
ent wrong with SATAport0) and damaged the boot block and repair failed. ) I am now running Linux Mint from SATA port 1 and all I did was copy the config folder and Libraries from the old (not quite dead) drive. I did need to adjust some paths using the regular Calibre GUI. Can't beat that.

[artistwantab]

Originally Posted by theducks

Simply copy the configuration folder at the same time as the backup. Then replace that after the initial Calibre install (calibre not running)
FWIW I just had my W10 SSD get damaged (something w
ent wrong with SATAport0) and damaged the boot block and repair failed. ) I am now running Linux Mint from SATA port 1 and all I did was copy the config folder and Libraries from the old (not quite dead) drive. I did need to adjust some paths using the regular Calibre GUI. Can't beat that.

Ok....will do. I will hope I don't have another crash but better safe then sorry...as they say

[JSWolf]

This sounds like a massive fail waiting to happen.

The best solution is...

• Create a directory
• Point calibre to that directory
• Create a new library
• Drag/drop all of your eBooks on the calibre GUI
• Create any custom columns you may want
• DO NOT TOUCH THE LIBRARY!