Showing "Has data files" as a column

mstickler · 01-16-2026, 10:18 PM

First off, there not many software titles I've been using for more than 15 years. Amazing piece of software and amazing work keeping it updated.

Second, I recently replaced my home computer and have been installing software as needed making sure I get updates when possible. This includes calibre. As I'm moving libraries over and adding stray files I discovered the "Data Files" feature. I have to say it's a godsend. As a gamer and an IT guy I have hundreds of titles with related files. Previously I was zipping these files and adding it to the book as another format. The data files directory is much cleaner but the zipped file as a book format was plainly visible in the Formats column.

What I am wondering is can a column be added that is either a yes/no if there are data files present or better yet is a link to the data files folder similar to what is displayed in the book details pane?

Karellen · 01-16-2026, 10:29 PM

Not exactly answering your question, but you can create a template search to find entries that have data files.

See this post... https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...03#post4318603

I haven't noticed if anyone has created a column for data files, though.

kovidgoyal · 01-16-2026, 11:02 PM

Create a column built from other columns with the has_extra_files template function. https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/gen...as-extra-files

BetterRed · Yesterday, 05:02 PM

Rather than adding a column I attach an icon to am existing custom column.

Click image for larger version

Name: data folder show.jpg
Views: 14
Size: 62.5 KB
ID: 220369

The template for the icon rule is:

Click image for larger version

Name: data folder icon.jpg
Views: 12
Size: 119.3 KB
ID: 220370

The custom column is a composite:

Click image for larger version

Name: book # col.jpg
Views: 9
Size: 84.7 KB
ID: 220371

Why do I have a Book # column:

If I copy a calibre URL from "Make War" to "Make Peace" I need to edit the the calibre URL in "Make Peace" - calibre URLs make use of the 'id' column values e.g.

Code:

<p><a href="calibre://book-details/_hex_-54657374/159"><span style="color: #6cb4ee">Book Details</span></a></p></

The Book # column also provides a convenient place to hang icons such as this, the 'page' icon indicates a book has Comments.

BR

01-16-2026, 10:18 PM	#1
mstickler Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2026 Device: android phone	Showing "Has data files" as a column First off, there not many software titles I've been using for more than 15 years. Amazing piece of software and amazing work keeping it updated. Second, I recently replaced my home computer and have been installing software as needed making sure I get updates when possible. This includes calibre. As I'm moving libraries over and adding stray files I discovered the "Data Files" feature. I have to say it's a godsend. As a gamer and an IT guy I have hundreds of titles with related files. Previously I was zipping these files and adding it to the book as another format. The data files directory is much cleaner but the zipped file as a book format was plainly visible in the Formats column. What I am wondering is can a column be added that is either a yes/no if there are data files present or better yet is a link to the data files folder similar to what is displayed in the book details pane?

Yesterday, 05:02 PM	#4
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 22,167 Karma: 30317706 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	Rather than adding a column I attach an icon to am existing custom column. The template for the icon rule is: The custom column is a composite: Why do I have a Book # column: If I copy a calibre URL from "Make War" to "Make Peace" I need to edit the the calibre URL in "Make Peace" - calibre URLs make use of the 'id' column values e.g. Code: <p><a href="calibre://book-details/_hex_-54657374/159"><span style="color: #6cb4ee">Book Details</span></a></p></ The Book # column also provides a convenient place to hang icons such as this, the 'page' icon indicates a book has Comments. BR

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01-16-2026, 10:29 PM	#2
Karellen Wizard Posts: 1,749 Karma: 9501034 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2	Not exactly answering your question, but you can create a template search to find entries that have data files. See this post... https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...03#post4318603 I haven't noticed if anyone has created a column for data files, though.

01-16-2026, 11:02 PM	#3
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,877 Karma: 29151636 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	Create a column built from other columns with the has_extra_files template function. https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/gen...as-extra-files

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