Preferred output format order?

badbob001 · 04-01-2015, 12:26 PM

If a book has several formats, how do I specify the preferred output format order? I'm using a Kindle Voyage.

In the Behavior section, the 'Preferred input format order' list has the following formats at top:
EPUB
AZW3
MOBI
PDF

The single 'Preferred output format' is set to AZW3.

When I have a book that has both PDF and EPUB formats, I was expecting the EPUB to be converted to AZW3 and sent to the device. Instead, I got the PDF.

Does there need to be a 'Preferred output format' list as well?

theducks · 04-01-2015, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbob001

If a book has several formats, how do I specify the preferred output format order? I'm using a Kindle Voyage.

In the Behavior section, the 'Preferred input format order' list has the following formats at top:
EPUB
AZW3
MOBI
PDF

The single 'Preferred output format' is set to AZW3.

When I have a book that has both PDF and EPUB formats, I was expecting the EPUB to be converted to AZW3 and sent to the device. Instead, I got the PDF.

Does there need to be a 'Preferred output format' list as well?

The Device driver (configure is a right-click option when connected) has that list. Note If the device driver indicates support (a tick), the format passes without (the offer of) auto-conversion.

There is also a tweak to LIMIT the output format list choices. (eg EPUB,AZW3)

badbob001 · 04-01-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

The Device driver (configure is a right-click option when connected) has that list. Note If the device driver indicates support (a tick), the format passes without (the offer of) auto-conversion.

There is also a tweak to LIMIT the output format list choices. (eg EPUB,AZW3)

I see. So if I have EPUB+PDF and my device supports AZW3+PDF, then it will automatically choose PDF and not EPUB->AZW3. I guess my only option is to pre-convert the EPUB to AZW3 so the AZW3 takes priority over the PDF.

theducks · 04-01-2015, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbob001

I see. So if I have EPUB+PDF and my device supports AZW3+PDF, then it will automatically choose PDF and not EPUB->AZW3. I guess my only option is to pre-convert the EPUB to AZW3 so the AZW3 takes priority over the PDF.

Correct on both

eschwartz · 04-02-2015, 08:04 PM

Or untick PDF to tell calibre to never send PDF.

badbob001 · 04-02-2015, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eschwartz

Or untick PDF to tell calibre to never send PDF.

Unless the only format I have for something is PDF. No, it's easier to just sort by EPUB,PDF and just convert those.

eschwartz · 04-02-2015, 09:46 PM

I don't want to read PDF anyways.

If the only available format is PDF, that is my red flag saying "better convert this, probably by hand".

theducks · 04-02-2015, 09:57 PM

PDF gets read on my Tablet, where I can scroll without making the image into an unreadable postage stamp (relative to original size).

odamizu · 04-03-2015, 10:38 PM

Is there a way to set the preferred output format order when no device is connected? I don't always have a device connected when I'm working with Calibre.

itimpi · 04-04-2015, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odamizu

Is there a way to set the preferred output format order when no device is connected? I don't always have a device connected when I'm working with Calibre.

The question does not really make sense! What were you actually trying to do? Perhaps with a bit more context the question might seem more relevant.

There is the concept of the preferred format which is what conversions default to that is set under Preferences->Interface->Behaviour and there it is a single format - not a list. Other than there the only time an order makes sense is when you have some idea of the target and its capabilities.

theducks · 04-04-2015, 12:11 PM

You can set the Output Order in the device Driver (the name that appeared in the lower left when it was connected)

Preferences:Plugins

evice Output: <device family>: Customize Plugin (the button): <make your changes>: OK :Apply

Device driver changes permanently affect the 'Family' (K3,K4...) but not other 'Families' (Hanlin V5)

Preferences: Behavior: Preferred is only a bias, you can always pulldown the conversion Output format list

In addition there is a tweak: restrict_output_formats that can be used to shorten that list to ALL those YOU want to see

odamizu · 04-04-2015, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

... there is a tweak: restrict_output_formats that can be used to shorten that list to ALL those YOU want to see

Perfect! Thank you theducks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by itimpi

... What were you actually trying to do?

I use Calibre primarily for conversion, not for library management. My usual workflow is to import epub into Calibre, convert to azw3, then Save to Disk > Dropbox folder. When I want a book on any of my devices, I download from Dropbox.

Since I don't connect devices to my computer, customizing output format preferences in the device plug-ins doesn't help me.

PeterT · 04-04-2015, 02:20 PM

If you're not doing any other processing in calibre (ie metadata,) why not just do everything via command line?

See http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/gene...k-convert.html

ebook-convert some.epub some.mobi

theducks · 04-04-2015, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

If you're not doing any other processing in calibre (ie metadata,) why not just do everything via command line?

See http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/gene...k-convert.html

ebook-convert some.epub some.mobi

Save yourself a step (or 2)

odamizu · 04-04-2015, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

If you're not doing any other processing in calibre (ie metadata,) why not just do everything via command line?

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Save yourself a step (or 2)

Ooh! Did not realize that was an option. If I convert via command line will it pick up existing conversion preferences (e.g., Look & Feel, Extra CSS, Page Setup) or will I need to specify that in the command line?

Though I do rely on the Quality Check plug-in to Fix ASIN.

04-01-2015, 12:26 PM	#1
badbob001 Fanatic Posts: 556 Karma: 1102020 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: Kindle Keyboard (rip), Kindle Voyage, Fire Tablet 10 '17, iPad '19	Preferred output format order? If a book has several formats, how do I specify the preferred output format order? I'm using a Kindle Voyage. In the Behavior section, the 'Preferred input format order' list has the following formats at top: EPUB AZW3 MOBI PDF The single 'Preferred output format' is set to AZW3. When I have a book that has both PDF and EPUB formats, I was expecting the EPUB to be converted to AZW3 and sent to the device. Instead, I got the PDF. Does there need to be a 'Preferred output format' list as well?

04-04-2015, 12:11 PM	#11
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 31,048 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	You can set the Output Order in the device Driver (the name that appeared in the lower left when it was connected) Preferences:Pluginsevice Output: <device family>: Customize Plugin (the button): <make your changes>: OK :Apply Device driver changes permanently affect the 'Family' (K3,K4...) but not other 'Families' (Hanlin V5) Preferences: Behavior: Preferred is only a bias, you can always pulldown the conversion Output format list In addition there is a tweak: restrict_output_formats that can be used to shorten that list to ALL those YOU want to see

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04-02-2015, 08:04 PM	#5
eschwartz Ex-Helpdesk Junkie Posts: 19,421 Karma: 85400180 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Beaten Path, USA, Roundworld, This Side of Infinity Device: Kindle Touch fw5.3.7 (Wifi only)	Or untick PDF to tell calibre to never send PDF.

04-02-2015, 09:46 PM	#7
eschwartz Ex-Helpdesk Junkie Posts: 19,421 Karma: 85400180 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Beaten Path, USA, Roundworld, This Side of Infinity Device: Kindle Touch fw5.3.7 (Wifi only)	I don't want to read PDF anyways. If the only available format is PDF, that is my red flag saying "better convert this, probably by hand".

04-02-2015, 09:57 PM	#8
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 31,048 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	PDF gets read on my Tablet, where I can scroll without making the image into an unreadable postage stamp (relative to original size).

04-03-2015, 10:38 PM	#9
odamizu just an egg Posts: 1,827 Karma: 7943430 Join Date: Mar 2015 Device: Kindle, iOS	Is there a way to set the preferred output format order when no device is connected? I don't always have a device connected when I'm working with Calibre.

04-04-2015, 02:20 PM	#13
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,511 Karma: 78910202 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Libra H2O, Libra Colour	If you're not doing any other processing in calibre (ie metadata,) why not just do everything via command line? See http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/gene...k-convert.html ebook-convert some.epub some.mobi