Can all settings/config for one library be copied to another?

jecilop · 09-04-2014, 01:48 AM

In particular, I'm trying to get the custom colors (possibly icons) rules to be the same in two libraries (currently kept separately and not as virtual libraries for a reason).

I tried copying the " metadata_db_prefs_backup.json " file from on to the other and opening Calibre, but it doesn't change anything.

This isn't creating a new library, so copying structure from the current isn't available.

Any ideas other than the long ways around. The rules are numerous, so I'm trying to avoid retyping all of them.

eschwartz · 09-04-2014, 02:32 AM

The json exists for usage by Library Maintenance ==> Restore database. The settings themselves are in the database.

You could also just create a new library.

jecilop · 09-04-2014, 02:41 AM

I was trying to avoid copying that much to a new location which then would re-sync EVERYTHING to the cloud which can take a LONG TIME.

Thanks for the info. At least I know now.

BetterRed · 09-04-2014, 03:07 AM

If you copy the meta...backup.json to the 'other library' and do a library maintenance->restore database then I think the only file that will change is the metadata.db, and a pre restore database will be created. The files in the book folders wont change - ergo they wont need to go the cloud

But its is NOT a procedure I've tested, it may eat your library

BTW dont synch to cloud while calibre is running see 3rd para ==>> Don't put your calibre library on a network*

BR

* Nor your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington (ack Noel Coward)

jecilop · 09-04-2014, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetterRed

But its is NOT a procedure I've tested, it may eat your library

You should put that in RED in case your talking to an overeager and tired user who wants to get it done now :-)

This sounds interesting. I may try it on a test library. Thanks!

Interesting on the cloud syncing part. I've been using Calibre this calendar year and never knew that. I have noticed that it can slow down if I update large quantities of info and usually stop cloud syncing during that.
Perhaps I've just gotten lucky even when it was - WAS - Gdrive that I used at one point. At least, as far as I know

I did have some database issues that I figured out. That may have been the cause at that time!

For me it's a "just in case" backup and not a download sync with multiple file edits possible and thus going a bit wonky as I've seen happen on other things.
I gave up on G.Drive for practical use because it was so slow and constantly crashing on the PC and causing slowing issues when it crashed or was "trying to" crash.... You'd think Google would have it figured out.

chaley · 09-04-2014, 09:37 AM

If you are really brave then you can use a tool like SQLiteSpy to edit the preferences inside the database. The table is preferences, the keys of interest are column_icon_rules, column_color_rules, and cover_grid_icon_rules. You would make copies from a known good source, then edit the cells in the target and paste in the good stuff.

I do suggest that you make a copy of your database before doing something like this.

09-04-2014, 01:48 AM	#1
jecilop Addict Posts: 260 Karma: 139980 Join Date: Mar 2014 Device: Android	Can all settings/config for one library be copied to another? In particular, I'm trying to get the custom colors (possibly icons) rules to be the same in two libraries (currently kept separately and not as virtual libraries for a reason). I tried copying the " metadata_db_prefs_backup.json " file from on to the other and opening Calibre, but it doesn't change anything. This isn't creating a new library, so copying structure from the current isn't available. Any ideas other than the long ways around. The rules are numerous, so I'm trying to avoid retyping all of them. Last edited by jecilop; 09-04-2014 at 01:48 AM. Reason: typos

09-04-2014, 03:07 AM	#4
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 21,646 Karma: 29710510 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	If you copy the meta...backup.json to the 'other library' and do a library maintenance->restore database then I think the only file that will change is the metadata.db, and a pre restore database will be created. The files in the book folders wont change - ergo they wont need to go the cloud But its is NOT a procedure I've tested, it may eat your library BTW dont synch to cloud while calibre is running see 3rd para ==>> Don't put your calibre library on a network* BR * Nor your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington (ack Noel Coward) Last edited by BetterRed; 09-04-2014 at 04:13 AM.

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09-04-2014, 02:32 AM	#2
eschwartz Ex-Helpdesk Junkie Posts: 19,421 Karma: 85400180 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Beaten Path, USA, Roundworld, This Side of Infinity Device: Kindle Touch fw5.3.7 (Wifi only)	The json exists for usage by Library Maintenance ==> Restore database. The settings themselves are in the database. You could also just create a new library.

09-04-2014, 02:41 AM	#3
jecilop Addict Posts: 260 Karma: 139980 Join Date: Mar 2014 Device: Android	I was trying to avoid copying that much to a new location which then would re-sync EVERYTHING to the cloud which can take a LONG TIME. Thanks for the info. At least I know now.

09-04-2014, 09:37 AM	#6
chaley Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,354 Karma: 8012652 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Notts, England Device: Kobo Libra 2	If you are really brave then you can use a tool like SQLiteSpy to edit the preferences inside the database. The table is preferences, the keys of interest are column_icon_rules, column_color_rules, and cover_grid_icon_rules. You would make copies from a known good source, then edit the cells in the target and paste in the good stuff. I do suggest that you make a copy of your database before doing something like this.

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