Adding file creation date, how?

Orwellian · 11-07-2016, 01:00 AM

Hi All,

I'm a relatively new user and trying to add an extra field to my library, that corresponds to the Windows file creation date (I would like to do this so I can sort by when I originally acquired the eBooks).
I've managed to create a new metadata field, but adding each date manually seems like an unnecessary chore, is there a way I can automate this? Closest I found was this thread but frankly, I can't make any sense of it. Could someone point me to some further documentation as to how I might be able to do this? I'd rather not have to re-add all the books in my library.
Many thanks in advance and great job, Kovid!

Aloha

BetterRed · 11-07-2016, 02:17 AM

@Orwellian - when you add a book to a library, the built in timestamp/Date column is set to the current date & time. So if you add the book to the library on the day you download (create) the file it will be the same as the file system Date created.

But if that doesn't suit, perhaps an option could be added to the GetFileName optional plug-in. Currently it can set a custom column to the file path or file name. If you want to have an extra option for the file's create (modified ?) date, then I suggest you add a post to the GetfileName plugin thread with a direct request for the enhancement.

BR

Orwellian · 11-07-2016, 06:27 AM

Thanks BetterRed, unfortunately a lot of my books were added in one fell swoop, so Calibre can't distinguish between my older and more recent eBooks now (hence my request).

Useful GetFileName tip though! I'll post in that thread and see if the author thinks it's possible.

Appreciate your help

11-07-2016, 01:00 AM	#1
Orwellian Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2016 Device: iPad Air	Adding file creation date, how? Hi All, I'm a relatively new user and trying to add an extra field to my library, that corresponds to the Windows file creation date (I would like to do this so I can sort by when I originally acquired the eBooks). I've managed to create a new metadata field, but adding each date manually seems like an unnecessary chore, is there a way I can automate this? Closest I found was this thread but frankly, I can't make any sense of it. Could someone point me to some further documentation as to how I might be able to do this? I'd rather not have to re-add all the books in my library. Many thanks in advance and great job, Kovid! Aloha

11-07-2016, 02:17 AM	#2
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 21,656 Karma: 29711016 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	@Orwellian - when you add a book to a library, the built in timestamp/Date column is set to the current date & time. So if you add the book to the library on the day you download (create) the file it will be the same as the file system Date created. But if that doesn't suit, perhaps an option could be added to the GetFileName optional plug-in. Currently it can set a custom column to the file path or file name. If you want to have an extra option for the file's create (modified ?) date, then I suggest you add a post to the GetfileName plugin thread with a direct request for the enhancement. BR Last edited by BetterRed; 11-07-2016 at 02:33 AM.

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11-07-2016, 06:27 AM	#3
Orwellian Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2016 Device: iPad Air	Thanks BetterRed, unfortunately a lot of my books were added in one fell swoop, so Calibre can't distinguish between my older and more recent eBooks now (hence my request). Useful GetFileName tip though! I'll post in that thread and see if the author thinks it's possible. Appreciate your help

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