Download metadata and covers

[PhaniKakarla]

I am new to using calibre and also using this forum - so could be replicating an earlier query, but could not find it despite searching.

When I "Download metadata and Covers" for multiple books. Once the download task is complete, i apply the metadata and covers, calibre chooses the 1st selection for each book and updates. I would like to be able to choose the option for each book.

Can someone help me with this?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by PhaniKakarla

I am new to using calibre and also using this forum - so could be replicating an earlier query, but could not find it despite searching.

When I "Download metadata and Covers" for multiple books. Once the download task is complete, i apply the metadata and covers, calibre chooses the 1st selection for each book and updates. I would like to be able to choose the option for each book.

Can someone help me with this?

Start in the Metadata editor (you can use Next/Previous to move thru a list)
Use the Download Metadata (will step thru both) or just use the Download covers button

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by PhaniKakarla

I would like to be able to choose the option for each book.

Can someone help me with this?

Update the metadata on one book at a time.

[PhaniKakarla]

but then i have to download book by book..

i could actually download in multiple quantities but choose and update individually..

[theducks]

Originally Posted by PhaniKakarla

but then i have to download book by book..

i could actually download in multiple quantities but choose and update individually..

You have 2 choices:
1) Do it your (old) way and get the results you have been seeing.
2) Do it the Per book way and get fine control.

FWIW Metadata sources are a (Data uniformity) mess. 6 books in a series and the series name come in 3 different ways. Heck, The publishers own metadata (in the book) isn't even uniform.

[MisterBuggie]

OMG I was just about to ask the same question. I've been tearing my hair out trying to get this working. It wasn't making too many mistakes, then suddenly messed up an entire series (replacing one book with another, replacing some books by their omnibus edition or even a multiple book special offer...).
I wasn't always doing them in bulk either. Right click on a book, edit metadata, download... Seems like the logical place to do it from. Spent ages trying to find a nonexistant option so it would let me choose. Didn't occur to me that it might work differently if I opened up the individual metadata window.
I honestly think that could do to be changed, at least put a message in the confirmation window that the metadata and covers downloaded can be selected individually in the metadata editor window. Otherwise people just won't know to go through there.

[BetterRed]

Don't forget you can configure what get's downloaded and from where its sourced, via the Configure Download Data on the Edit Metadata window

I would be nice if one could select each item (Title, Comments, Publisher etc) a bit like one can select covers - I've noticed that B&N comments are often the best format, but then again they are sometimes for another book entirely.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Don't forget you can configure what get's downloaded and from where its sourced, via the Configure Download Data on the Edit Metadata window

I would be nice if one could select each item (Title, Comments, Publisher etc) a bit like one can select covers - I've noticed that B&N comments are often the best format, but then again they are sometimes for another book entirely.

You CAN
There is a second layer (configure by selected source) see the button near the bottom?

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by theducks

You CAN
There is a second layer (configure by selected source) see the button near the bottom?

What I mean is to see the different fields from each source, and make a selection - as is provided for covers - not sure how practical it would be - as I said a 'nice to have'

BR

[theducks]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

What I mean is to see the different fields from each source, and make a selection - as is provided for covers - not sure how practical it would be - as I said a 'nice to have'

BR

You want to see the results from each source and tick off each field choice?

Here is a trick I use for Comments:

I look at the comments returned from each source, I use the mouse to select and 'copy' what I want, then I choose the source for the rest and continue (or Cancel).
I then 'Paste' (clipboard) into Comments and Save

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by theducks

You want to see the results from each source and tick off each field choice?

Here is a trick I use for Comments:

I look at the comments returned from each source, I use the mouse to select and 'copy' what I want, then I choose the source for the rest and continue (or Cancel).
I then 'Paste' (clipboard) into Comments and Save

Yep, me too

If I already have comments then I clip them before I do the download, just in case I make a mistake or change my mind

BR