Difference between converting vs embedding metadata

[cutter]

I'm adding tags/changing covers & metadata on my epubs and up til now, after modifying the metadata to the way I wanted, I then clicked on "Convert books" and deleted the original ePub file. I was under the impression that this was the only way to embed metadata to an existing epub.

Today, I just came across the "Embed metadata" button, in Preferences -> Toolbars & menus -> Main toolbar.

Are the two methods practically the same thing? If they are, I suppose the second option is much quicker than having to manually convert each book and then delete the original file, like I did all these years!

Can someone please confirm that these are the same though?

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by cutter

I'm adding tags/changing covers & metadata on my epubs and up til now, after modifying the metadata to the way I wanted, I then clicked on "Convert books" and deleted the original ePub file. I was under the impression that this was the only way to embed metadata to an existing epub.

Today, I just came across the "Embed metadata" button, in Preferences -> Toolbars & menus -> Main toolbar.

Are the two methods practically the same thing? If they are, I suppose the second option is much quicker than having to manually convert each book and then delete the original file, like I did all these years!

Can someone please confirm that these are the same though?

They're not the same. Convert will do lots more than Embed Metadata.

But if you're changing the cover as well as metadata, I don't think Embed Metadata will do what you want - I don't think it'll change the cover.

I use the "Polish books" to both update the metadata, and update the cover image in the book.

[cutter]

Aaargh so many options…��

So, assuming that I don’t want to change anything other than metadata and the cover, I understand that "Polish books" would be a better option rather to going through the whole "convert books"and original file deletion?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by cutter

Aaargh so many options…��

So, assuming that I don’t want to change anything other than metadata and the cover, I understand that "Polish books" would be a better option rather to going through the whole "convert books"and original file deletion?

This also avoids any side effects that conversion may help fix along the way.

Note, the book should be Validated before. the old saying: GIGO

FWIW I find using the Editor far simpler than trying to trick 'Conversion' into making the book look my way.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by cutter

Aaargh so many options…��

So, assuming that I don’t want to change anything other than metadata and the cover, I understand that "Polish books" would be a better option rather to going through the whole "convert books"and original file deletion?

Yes, IMO. I run Polish Books with just the cover, metadata and lossless image compression options checked.

Conversion runs the risk of unwanted changes to the formatting of the contents of the book.

[cutter]

I see. Thank you both, @pdurrant , @theducks

[JSWolf]

If you want to embed metadata in ePub, use the Modify ePub plugin. That will make the least amount of changes to your ePub.