Custom columns in metadata editor

[maddz]

I've got several custom columns, one of which is the calibre book ID. I can get it to display in the column list, but not the metadata editor. The reason I want it there is that I use the calibre book ID as a cross-reference to my LibraryThing account and the only way I can copy it is by manually typing it in...

Also, I'd like to be able to format the ID to 5 digits with a prefix (left-padded with 0). That will allow me to copy and paste as I found a significant number of mistakes when doing my recent mammoth cross-reference.

Any suggestions on how this can be accomplished?

[kovidgoyal]

The calibre id is immutable you cannot edit it

[maddz]

I don't want to edit it; I just want to be able to copy it from within the metadata editor. Trying to copy it from the book list is a pain.

That's why I was asking about setting a custom column.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by maddz

I don't want to edit it; I just want to be able to copy it from within the metadata editor. Trying to copy it from the book list is a pain.

That's why I was asking about setting a custom column.

That books ID can change due to some Calibre activities you do.
If you want an ID for you use, insert it into { identifiers}

MyId: myvalue

That will get embedded (if you convert, Polish or a few other) in the book just like an ISBN and will survive a Copy to Library or even a simple add book (if it was embedded)

[kovidgoyal]

Similarly custom columns that are based on templates are not editable so they wont show up in the metadata editor. calibre ids are internal to calibre, I would not recommend you use them externally.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by maddz

I've got several custom columns, one of which is the calibre book ID. I can get it to display in the column list, but not the metadata editor. The reason I want it there is that I use the calibre book ID as a cross-reference to my LibraryThing account and the only way I can copy it is by manually typing it in...

Also, I'd like to be able to format the ID to 5 digits with a prefix (left-padded with 0). That will allow me to copy and paste as I found a significant number of mistakes when doing my recent mammoth cross-reference.

Any suggestions on how this can be accomplished?

Show your formatted Book number in Book details, double click it there, Ctrl+C - et voila it's in your clipboard.



920

BR

[maddz]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Show your formatted Book number in Book details, double click it there, Ctrl+C - et voila it's in your clipboard.

Attachment 224024

920

BR

I see, but: it means closing the metadata editor and going to the book list and opening the book details. I'm usually adding batches of books and cycling through a list of specific books, and having to do this every time will add significant time to logging my purchases. Also, it would drive me potty.

At the moment, I have the metadata editor positioned so it shows the book ID in the book list, but I still have to manually copy it across.

[Comfy.n]

I missed this feature other times, would be nice to have such an option, IMO. Editing of course disabled/greyed out, but still available for selection on Look and Feel - Edit Metadata - "Select the custom columns (for this library) to display in the edit metadata dialogs and their order".

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by maddz

I see, but: it means closing the metadata editor and going to the book list and opening the book details. I'm usually adding batches of books and cycling through a list of specific books, and having to do this every time will add significant time to logging my purchases. Also, it would drive me potty.

At the moment, I have the metadata editor positioned so it shows the book ID in the book list, but I still have to manually copy it across.

Because I edit metadata in the book list I rarely use the Single Metadata Edit dialogue. I also have Tweak->Control behaviour of the book list->enter_key_behaviour set to 'show_locked_book_detail'.

BR