Question on the output format list order when converting

slayda · 06-29-2013, 04:29 PM

I often convert ebooks to RTF so I can reformat them for easier reading for my eyes. However the listed order of Output formats seems to be fixed (starting with EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, ...) and RTF is way down in the list so I have to scroll down past the formats I don't use to get to RTF. Is there a way the user can change the order of these output formats? If not could this be incorporated in a future version?

theducks · 06-29-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slayda

I often convert ebooks to RTF so I can reformat them for easier reading for my eyes. However the listed order of Output formats seems to be fixed (starting with EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, ...) and RTF is way down in the list so I have to scroll down past the formats I don't use to get to RTF. Is there a way the user can change the order of these output formats? If not could this be incorporated in a future version?

Preferences: Behavior:
Remove/add ticks
Change order (use green arrows)

BetterRed · 06-29-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slayda

Is there a way the user can change the order of these output formats?

Not to my knowledge - Tab to the Output format field and tap 'r' twice on your keyboard.

Also, Calibre now supports DOCX as an Input format, if you use Word 2007/10/13 and you currently retain the RTF's, then you might want to consider retaining a DOCX file and throwing the RTF away. My experience is that a DOCX can be up to 90% (yes ninety percent) smaller than the equivalent RTF, and the resultant EPUB after conversion from DOCX is 'technically' better, it may also be aesthetically better, I don't have too many complex documents.

@theducks see attachment, I believe the list with the ticks is what formats use the calibres reader program, and the green arrows belong to the preferred input order. AFAIK - the list under the Preferred Output Format is fixed in content and order.

BR

theducks · 06-29-2013, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Not to my knowledge - Tab to the Output format field and tap 'r' twice on your keyboard.

Also, Calibre now supports DOCX as an Input format, if you use Word 2007/10/13 and you currently retain the RTF's, then you might want to consider retaining a DOCX file and throwing the RTF away. My experience is that a DOCX can be up to 90% (yes ninety percent) smaller than the equivalent RTF, and the resultant EPUB after conversion from DOCX is 'technically' better, it may also be aesthetically better, I don't have too many complex documents.

@theducks see attachment, I believe the list with the ticks is what formats use the calibres reader program, and the green arrows belong to the preferred input order. AFAIK - the list under the Preferred Output Format is fixed in content and order.

BR

BR Output order is done in the Device OUTPUT Driver (you will see a list similar to the Left)

BetterRed · 06-29-2013, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

BR Output order is done in the Device OUTPUT Driver (you will see a list similar to the Left)

I don't see anything that will show the Device Output driver from Pref->Behaviour, nor can I see that dialogue anywhere else. Probably because I don't use Calibre to transfer files to and from my ebook readers - Mint Netbook and Windows RT.

BR

theducks · 06-29-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetterRed

I don't see anything that will show the Device Output driver from Pref->Behaviour, nor can I see that dialogue anywhere else. Probably because I don't use Calibre to transfer files to and from my ebook readers - Mint Netbook and Windows RT.

BR

I did not say: Preferences: Behavior did I
Each OUTPUT device driver has its own (customizable) order. I show the 'Folder Device'

DoctorOhh · 06-29-2013, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

I did not say: Preferences: Behavior did I

You did say that the output formats for conversion (which is what this thread is about) could be altered via Preferences - Behavior in post two as a direct answer to the OPs question. BR simply replied to what you said initially.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Each OUTPUT device driver has its own (customizable) order. I show the 'Folder Device'

But changing this order does not change the drop down list in the conversion options which is what the OP inquired about.

JSWolf · 06-29-2013, 10:42 PM

You might be better converting to ePub and using Sigil to make then readable to your eyes. That way, you'll have a good source in case you ever get an ePub capable Reader or need a good source to convert from.

BetterRed · 06-29-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

I did not say: Preferences: Behavior did I

Yes "Behavior" is what you said

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Preferences: Behavior:
Remove/add ticks
Change order (use green arrows)

I don't 'connect' Calibre to anything - I just use Save to Disk to copy stuff to my 'devices'

If I connect to a folder and promote 'rtf' to the top of the list it does not change the order of the drop down list presented in the Conversion Output Format drop down, see attachment.

And that's my interpretation of what the OP is looking for - control over that list and AFAIK the order of that list is fixed.

But the solution is very simple - tap the 'r' twice

BR

theducks · 06-29-2013, 11:56 PM

Sorry, I get sometimes get crossed up in which threads I am working with

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetterRed

But the solution is very simple - tap the 'r' twice

BR

That works. I use the First letter speed select a lot.

davidfor · 06-30-2013, 02:39 AM

Hmm, maybe the OP could use the "Preferred output format" option on the behaviour page of preferences. That sort of sounds like what is wanted. And it seems to work.

DoctorOhh · 06-30-2013, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidfor

Hmm, maybe the OP could use the "Preferred output format" option on the behaviour page of preferences. That sort of sounds like what is wanted. And it seems to work.

If he converts to RTF frequently this is most likely the best option.

BetterRed · 06-30-2013, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidfor

Hmm, maybe the OP could use the "Preferred output format" option on the behaviour page of preferences. That sort of sounds like what is wanted. And it seems to work.

The OP converts to RTF (probably from an ebook format) for the purpose of reformatting to make the text easier to read. It's London to Brick On that after reformatting the RTF the OP converts it back to an ebook format - i.e. its a round trip conversion. If the OP changes Preferred output format to RTF then it'll be wrong on the return leg.

Just tap the 'r' key twice (once for RB and twice for RTF) - once you've done it a few times you soon realise it's a darn sight easier than wheeling a mouse around the park, clicking buttons thereon etc - and its a heck of lot quicker.

And on the return leg, tap 'r' once in the Input format, assuming the book doesn't have an RB format file - or 'd' if you take the DOCX route home.

BR

06-29-2013, 04:29 PM	#1
slayda Retired & reading more! Posts: 2,764 Karma: 1884247 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Alabama, USA Device: Kindle 1, iPad Air 2, iPhone 6S+, Kobo Aura One	Question on the output format list order when converting I often convert ebooks to RTF so I can reformat them for easier reading for my eyes. However the listed order of Output formats seems to be fixed (starting with EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, ...) and RTF is way down in the list so I have to scroll down past the formats I don't use to get to RTF. Is there a way the user can change the order of these output formats? If not could this be incorporated in a future version?

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06-29-2013, 10:42 PM	#8
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,970 Karma: 128903378 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	You might be better converting to ePub and using Sigil to make then readable to your eyes. That way, you'll have a good source in case you ever get an ePub capable Reader or need a good source to convert from.

06-30-2013, 02:39 AM	#11
davidfor Grand Sorcerer Posts: 24,907 Karma: 47303748 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Device: Kobo:Touch,Glo, AuraH2O, GloHD,AuraONE, ClaraHD, Libra H2O; tolinoepos	Hmm, maybe the OP could use the "Preferred output format" option on the behaviour page of preferences. That sort of sounds like what is wanted. And it seems to work.