Images added in "Comments"/Edit Metadata not showing up on ereader

[slammerkin]

I've been trying to figure out the remedy to this for over a year with no luck.

When I upload an ebook into Calibre, and I go to the edit metadata tool/screen, I add text sometimes to the “Comments” section- for example, I like to add the Goodreads synopsis and rating to it, along with any other misc. Info I might want to remember about the book, in case i'm off grid and can't google it. Sometimes it's not a big deal- the star rating image, for ex. Can easily be replaced with “3 stars” in text- but sometimes it's important, like an image of a historical figure or a map or something of the sort, that I need to refer back to.

The comments section allows you to add images to the comments area too- it even has a button for it to add the image or link.

But when I'm done, and I upload the ebook to my ereader, the images never show up, only the text I added to the comments section. The text retains any formatting I added, like color of text, italics, bold, etc.- but the images are missing.

In Calibre itself, the images show up- both in the “edit metadata” section and int the preview of the book on the right-hand side of the screen if I am in the main library screen and click on the book. The images also show up if I “view” the book in Calibre- they just don't show up on the ereader.

I do re-convert after changing or adding metadata, even if it's just epub to epub again, so I know that's not the issue.

The file format of the image (jpeg, png, etc.) doesn't seem to make a difference.

I update Calibre every time there is one, so it's not that either. I've also tried deleting Calibre and re-adding it- this problem persists regardless.

No one ever seems to know why this is, so I've taken to editing the ebook in Sigil to add that content with images, then adding it to Calibre to do the rest, but it's obviously a lot of steps for something so little, and I know if there's a button to add images, then obviously there's a reason for it, and they should be showing up- I just don't know what it is i'm doing wrong.

I've created a couple screen shots to show you what I'm talking about.

I also need to say, I'm fairly inept with tech stuff- I still don't know how to use CSS style sheets despite trying to google them endlessly and figure them out, (I use “book view” in Sigil). I can, however, follow directions- but please bear in mind anything outside laymens' terms are usually lost on me. I've learned how to use this stuff fairly well, but in a sort of homegrown, trial and error way.

I'm using a laptop to run Calibre, which runs Window 7. My ereader is a Pandigital multimedia 7" ereader. I've had three of the same model, with the same issue on each one, so I don't think it's a hink with the ereader- and when I use Sigil to insert images into the ebook and then upload them to the ereader, it shows, so I don't think it's the ereader just not allowing them or something along those lines.

Any advice on how to keep those images so they show up with the text on my ereader would be HUGELY appreciated, and earn my undying affection and virtual hugs and all that good stuff

Thanks so much

[eschwartz]

Are you using Polish Book to insert a metadata jacket?

[slammerkin]

When I first read this, my first thought was "why does he think I'm using Polish ebooks? it's clearly in English..." Hopelessly technologically inept, me.

Fortunately, i googled that before asking you sincerely why you thought i was reading polish ebooks.

No, I was not using it- however, I read about them, and it sounds like using them simply cuts out my need to convert the ebook after I've edited the metadata to make the changes permanent. It's nifty and I definitely will use it now, but I already was re-converting them after I edited the metadata or changed it, and added the new metadata by choosing "insert metadata" as a new page in the beginning of the ebook.

So from what I understand, the Polish book tool just streamlines that process, but it was a process I was already doing the hard way. Unless there is something else with the Polish book tool I'm not using properly with respect to images, which, given my earlier thought process is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

[eschwartz]

It also allows you to embed the metadata as a page in the book.

You are saying, your ereader allows you to view the metadata, and you try viewing it, but the images are missing? Since it is just a link, I am not surprised -- the image is on your computer, so your ereader cannot find it. However, it is possible when you add the metadata jacket, that the image file will be embedded in the book, so that the ebook page can access it.

[theducks]

Moderator Notice
Moved thread. Editor forum is for the BOOK editor, not Metadata editor

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

It also allows you to embed the metadata as a page in the book.

You are saying, your ereader allows you to view the metadata, and you try viewing it, but the images are missing? Since it is just a link, I am not surprised -- the image is on your computer, so your ereader cannot find it. However, it is possible when you add the metadata jacket, that the image file will be embedded in the book, so that the ebook page can access it.

Correct, the image will be embedded in the book jacket - but not in the OPF, the OPF continues to reference the file on the computer.

If the the OPF in the EPUB could be edited in Book Edit to reference the image referenced in the jacket then... I tried it but it didn't work, but I didn't try very hard. Maybe an Book Editor expert could try.

BR

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

If the the OPF in the EPUB could be edited in Book Edit to reference the image referenced in the jacket then... I tried it but it didn't work, but I didn't try very hard. Maybe an Book Editor expert could try.

BR

Perhaps the metadata reader software reading the OPF doesn't have the ebook's context, and cannot reference the internal link? How would you tell it, when reading the OPF to show a metadata preview, to look for images relative to the unpacked ebook root?

Only solution, I think, is to remain connected to the internet and refer to a hosted picture -- or just stick with embedded jacket.

[BetterRed]

/

Originally Posted by eschwartz

Perhaps the metadata reader software reading the OPF doesn't have the ebook's context, and cannot reference the internal link? How would you tell it, when reading the OPF to show a metadata preview, to look for images relative to the unpacked ebook root?

Only solution, I think, is to remain connected to the internet and refer to a hosted picture -- or just stick with embedded jacket.

@eschwartz - Or both - internet not always available and sometimes slow.

I wonder if any ereader-devices or IOS/Android ebook apps have a sidebar selection to view illustrations as pop-ups. I'm reading something at the moment with a set of family trees at the front of the book. Its a tangled web with lots of inter & intra marriage within and between family branches. I printed them on paper so I can reference them as & when - which is often.

BR