Do I need this metadata file?

[CyberPotato]

I created a blank Calibre library in a new location. When I did, a metadata file was created in the same directory as the Calibre folder. Since it is not within the Calibre directory tree, I wonder what it is for, and if I need it, or if it was just needed for the creation of the library?

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by CyberPotato

I created a blank Calibre library in a new location. When I did, a metadata file was created in the same directory as the Calibre folder. Since it is not within the Calibre directory tree, I wonder what it is for, and if I need it, or if it was just needed for the creation of the library?

In answer to your title question, Yes. That is the heart and soul of the new library you just created. It is in the root of your new library within the directory tree of that library. All books added and metadata added will be tracked in this single file.

[DiapDealer]

So that's a "yes," then?

[itimpi]

Originally Posted by CyberPotato

I created a blank Calibre library in a new location. When I did, a metadata file was created in the same directory as the Calibre folder. Since it is not within the Calibre directory tree, I wonder what it is for, and if I need it, or if it was just needed for the creation of the library?

Do you mean that it was created at the same level as the Calibre folder, or at that point it was the only file INSIDE the Calibre folder? There should ALWAYS be such a file inside the Calibre library folder at the top level.

As others have mentioned this is the database file used to track all books and their associated metadata within a Calibre library.

[CyberPotato]

Originally Posted by itimpi

Do you mean that it was created at the same level as the Calibre folder, or at that point it was the only file INSIDE the Calibre folder? There should ALWAYS be such a file inside the Calibre library folder at the top level.

As others have mentioned this is the database file used to track all books and their associated metadata within a Calibre library.

Yes, it is at the same level as the Calibre folder, not inside it. e.g. C:/User/Documents/Calibre exists at the same level as C:/User/Documents/metadata.db. There is, of course, the one inside Calibre, e.g. C:/User/Documents/Calibre/metadata.db, but that is not the one I'm to which I am referring.

Thanks.

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by CyberPotato

Yes, it is at the same level as the Calibre folder, not inside it. e.g. C:/User/Documents/Calibre exists at the same level as C:/User/Documents/metadata.db. There is, of course, the one inside Calibre, e.g. C:/User/Documents/Calibre/metadata.db, but that is not the one I'm to which I am referring.

I'm not sure where that one came from. Keep and eye on it if it is never updated feel free to move it and if moving it has no effect then feel free to delete it. Bottom line is we don't have the knowledge of everything you're not telling us or don't recall, so how it got there is a mystery to me.

[kovidgoyal]

Files outside your library folder are meaningless to calibre. I suggest you send the file to the recycle bin and then run calibre. If there are no problems, delete it permanently.

[CyberPotato]

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Files outside your library folder are meaningless to calibre. I suggest you send the file to the recycle bin and then run calibre. If there are no problems, delete it permanently.

Thanks, I'll do that.