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Author Topic: An Introduction to Calibre  (Read 101667 times)

Offline jessadia

An Introduction to Calibre
« on: April 16, 2012, 09:10 AM »
I recently came to a conclusion that maybe the reason members are requesting PDF (or various eBook formats) instead of converting themselves with Calibre is because they might not know how to use Calibre, so I have decided to make a tutorial to all things Calibre. In this post I will teach you, step-by-step, the basics to Calibre- and a few added bonuses. I will not be posting any DRM Removal techniques or tips so if that is what you are looking for, read no further....

You may be asking: What is Calibre?

To answer your question, Calibre is a free downloadable program used to convert eBooks from one format to another. It supports 15 different input/output formats (click spoiler for a full list) and can do a multitude of various other tasks, such as: change font sizes, allow you to upload or change covers, smarten punctuation, remove DRM through plugins (will not be talking about further), upload books direct to eReaders via wifi, and can even be used as an eReader for your PC.

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.

The first thing you want to do if you do not have Calibre is download it. You can download it here You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login- free. Calibre will prompt you automatically when an update is available, if you choose not to update at that time but wish to do so later you can check along the bottom bar- this shows your current version and whether or not an update is available.


How to convert using Calibre:

To convert, simply click the "Add Books" icon on the top left- this will open a "select books" window. Locate the book/books-8406 you wish to upload (you can select more than one by holding CTRL + clicking on each book), then click "open".

Next highlight the book you would like to convert (again, can hold CTRL + click multiple books for quicker converting if you have more than one book you'd like to convert). You can either click the "convert ebooks" icon along the top bar or right click and scroll down- select convert individually, a new window will open for converting. Take a moment to become familiar with this window:

Notice that along the left bar there is a list of icons:
Metadata- this is where the basic information for the ebook is located, such as author name, book title, cover image, publisher info, tags, and description.
Look&Feel- here you can adjust font sizes, remove or add spacing between paragraphs, and smarten punctuation
Heuristic Processing- this is for the more 'advanced' user: here you can look for and fix common patterns in the ebook (such as remove the dreaded: converted by ambertext, etc lines)
Page Setup- with this you can adjust the pages to better suit your specific eReader, along with adjusting margins
Structure Detection- used to remove 'fake' margins, insert page breaks, detect chapters or even add the metadata (tags/description) into the beginning of the book
Table of Contents- here you can set up or delete Table of Contents in your ebook
Search and Replace- again, this is for 'advanced' users: used to search and replace 'regular expressions' throughout the ebook (you could search for expressions like: UN-CORRECTED EPROOF, NOT FOR SALE and replace with blank text)
format Output- used to further adjust your output ebook format: allows you to select no default cover, not split page breaks, etc
debug- advanced users: allows you to place a debug output info into a specified folder

If all you want to do is convert from one format to another, simply select to convert the ebook, choose your output format from the drop down menu on the upper right hand side and, on the Metadata page, click OK. Back on the calibre home screen you will notice a bar in the bottom right hand processing your request, when finished right click the ebook, select save to disk and choose an option then enter a destination (it will once again process and then open a new window where the book is saved). *You can select to save both formats (input & output) or simply the output. If you have your eReader attached to your PC you can also send the converted copy directly there by selecting 'send to' and then your device.


To Add/Change a Book Cover:

Select to convert the book, on the Metadata page you will notice a large box in the middle of the screen (this shows the current cover)- if you like the cover change nothing, if you would like to insert your own cover there is a long white box beneath the picture entitled Change cover image- click the icon at the end, select a cover image and click ok.


To Change Text Size:

Select to convert ebook, click the Look&Feel icon (paint bucket), the third line down will say Font size key- click the icon at the end of the white bar to open the new window. Scroll to near the bottom and under Output Document you will notice a base font size- use the arrows to adjust the font size. PDF is traditionally an 8pt font, when converting to PDF for easier to read font select between 10-12 pt depending on preference (size used by most eReaders) select ok.


Calibre DRM Help:

 If you need help with or have questions about DRM Removal please visit this thread You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

If you have any questions or anything to add, please feel free to post. I do not encourage discussion about DRM Removal and will delete all posts immediately referring to it.





GoodReads Sync Plugin mini-tutorial
*Credit to Geckogirl



There is a plugin for calibre( not by calibre) called goodreads sync that allows you to connect your good reads account with your calibre 

I work out of Windows 7 so my instructions are based on that, older versions of Windows are pretty much the same, but some of the locations may be different. for Mac users the instructions are basically the same, just not sure where everything is located.

1. open a web browser page, click internet options ( under the tools tab) choose programs tab, and make sure internet explorer is checked as you default web browser. close all open web pages.

2. Open calibre, in the bottom right it will tell you if there is an update for your calibre. 
If there is, update before continuing.

Close Calibre,  and go to this link

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choose your platform, choose download, choose run

the newest version will install ( this will not harm or change anything in your calibre library)

when finished reboot your pc

2. Open calibre, choose preferences, choose plugins ( green puzzle piece) choose get new plugins ( yellow puzzle piece). choose drop down not installed. choose goodreads sync and install ( there is another plugin called goodreads just ignore it) you will be asked where you want it ( menu bar, menu bar when device is connected etc) I choose secondary menu bar so it shows up whether my ereader is connected or not.

** it might tell you this plugin is a security risk and ask you if you still want to restart it, just click yes, i have run it through my norton and it is virus free, it only says security risk because info is being sent online between your pc and a web page.

3. restart calibre

4. you should see the goodreads icon, click on it and choose customize plugin, it will ask you for a user name, it does not matter what this user name is, i used my goodreads user name. this will bring you to a new window.

5 in the upper right corner choose authorized plugin ( Please make sure you do not have an open web browser) This should bring up a goodreads web page that asks you to allow or deny. choose allow.

Thats it, you can now sync books back and forth. goodreads does have a limit so it is suggested no more than 50 books at a time, and it might still ask you to do less.

***

click a book, click link to goodreads, if it doesnt come up click search goodreads( i've only seen issues with authors whose names are initials. for example C. T. Adams won't come up, goodreads lists it as C.T. adams with no space between. ) you can copy and paste the web addy into the box on calibre and it will sync. click ok to go to next book or be done linking

click goodreads icon, click on add to shelf choose one shelf, or choose multiple shelves by holding down the ctrl key for example own, to read or own, favorite depending on what shelves you have set up on goodreads.



Some helpful links:

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« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 06:10 PM by Frenchtoast97 »
 
The following users thanked this post: Loopy, ereaderuser, ellawareye1, boomersusie, ladyvos, scoleo730, Brenda

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Offline sacharissa

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2013, 05:13 PM »
thank youuuuu... I'll try it later..

 :-* :-* :-*
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #22 on: February 26, 2013, 05:14 PM »
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thank youuuuu... I'll try it later..

 :-* :-* :-*

You're welcome!
 

Offline CJ57 "Chris"

Calibre To Samsung Android Smart Phone Model REPP
« Reply #23 on: April 11, 2013, 09:39 PM »
I have a question.  One that Bozana couldn't answer and usually, she's pretty good what I need help with via teamviewer. My question is, how to I transfer wirelessly from Calibre to my Android Smart Phone?  is there a tutorial or a video tutorial somewhere?  I'm really keen to use this feature, as I'm also getting a samsung galaxy tablet too and my own Mum would go NUTS :laugh: to able to read on her own phone.

If anyone could help me, it would be deeply appreciate it.
I have taught many graphic mediums as well as other things throughout my life. If you're interested in learning, go here and register your interests: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
 
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Offline DarkGuyver

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Re: Calibre To Samsung Android Smart Phone Model REPP
« Reply #24 on: April 12, 2013, 01:39 AM »
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I have a question.  One that Bozana couldn't answer and usually, she's pretty good what I need help with via teamviewer. My question is, how to I transfer wirelessly from Calibre to my Android Smart Phone?  is there a tutorial or a video tutorial somewhere?  I'm really keen to use this feature, as I'm also getting a samsung galaxy tablet too and my own Mum would go NUTS :laugh: to able to read on her own phone.

If anyone could help me, it would be deeply appreciate it.

The best way to transfer books to an android device is to copy and paste them to the device itself or a microSD Card.  It's allot faster than transfering them to android device using Calibre.
 
The following users thanked this post: Gus

Offline ninjumper

Re: Calibre To Samsung Android Smart Phone Model REPP
« Reply #25 on: April 12, 2013, 04:01 AM »
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I have a question.  One that Bozana couldn't answer and usually, she's pretty good what I need help with via teamviewer. My question is, how to I transfer wirelessly from Calibre to my Android Smart Phone?  is there a tutorial or a video tutorial somewhere?  I'm really keen to use this feature, as I'm also getting a samsung galaxy tablet too and my own Mum would go NUTS :laugh: to able to read on her own phone.

If anyone could help me, it would be deeply appreciate it.
I guess. For That Both Your Android smartphone and Calibre should be connected to same wifi network.
and in calibre connect/share tab start content server or start wireless device connection.
I have never tried it.
Here is Faq in the official website
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« Last Edit: April 12, 2013, 04:11 AM by ninjumper »
 

Offline CJ57 "Chris"

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #26 on: April 12, 2013, 06:31 AM »
Thanks ya'll   still learning the Phone and all the stuff it does
CJ
I have taught many graphic mediums as well as other things throughout my life. If you're interested in learning, go here and register your interests: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
 
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Offline boomersusie

How do I get Calibre to transfer the book descriptions to my Kindle?
« Reply #27 on: April 13, 2013, 12:47 PM »
I've been using Calibre for a couple of years, but just strictly for conversions to .mobi so I could read them.  I don't really understand the other options.  I thought, if I didn't purchase the book directly fro the source, there would be no description(or other perks).
 

Offline GG drypen!

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I've been using Calibre for a couple of years, but just strictly for conversions to .mobi so I could read them.  I don't really understand the other options.  I thought, if I didn't purchase the book directly fro the source, there would be no description(or other perks).

That's part of the meta data and it depends on what the author/publisher adds. You can add the metadata to the beginning of the book if you want but then you have to convert for it to actually show up even if it's mobi to mobi.

To set that up to convert that way automatically go into preferences, common options, structure detection and check the box marked insert meta data as page at start of book.
 
The following users thanked this post: boomersusie, Chilibabe

Offline boomersusie

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That's part of the meta data and it depends on what the author/publisher adds. You can add the metadata to the beginning of the book if you want but then you have to convert for it to actually show up even if it's mobi to mobi.

To set that up to convert that way automatically go into preferences, common options, structure detection and check the box marked insert meta data as page at start of book.

Thanks!  I'll give that a try as see how it works!
 

Offline boomersusie

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That's part of the meta data and it depends on what the author/publisher adds. You can add the metadata to the beginning of the book if you want but then you have to convert for it to actually show up even if it's mobi to mobi.

To set that up to convert that way automatically go into preferences, common options, structure detection and check the box marked insert meta data as page at start of book.

So, if the author does not put a description in, how can you get one?  Can you copy and paste the description into calibre somehow?
 

Offline GG drypen!

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So, if the author does not put a description in, how can you get one?  Can you copy and paste the description into calibre somehow?

First thing you should do is go into your plug in screen page in Calibre and "get new plug ins". Get all the meta data ones you can, I think I have 7 or 8? Then when you load a book go into the edit meta data screen, make sure the book cover and author is populated and click download meta data. It usually gives you some options, I usually pick Amazon, so pick the one that's right for you. Hint: the book icon gives you cover in that screen the info button gives you meta data already attached to the book.

Then click next to get book cover. If you like the pre-loaded one just click ok. If the next book needs done click next if not click OK.

Edit: There is a list of all the plugins here: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
« Last Edit: April 13, 2013, 05:49 PM by drypen »
 

Offline boomersusie

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First thing you should do is go into your plug in screen page in Calibre and "get new plug ins". Get all the meta data ones you can, I think I have 7 or 8? Then when you load a book go into the edit meta data screen, make sure the book cover and author is populated and click download meta data. It usually gives you some options, I usually pick Amazon, so pick the one that's right for you. Hint: the book icon gives you cover in that screen the info button gives you meta data already attached to the book.

Then click next to get book cover. If you like the pre-loaded one just click ok. If the next book needs done click next if not click OK.

Edit: There is a list of all the plugins here: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login


Awesome!  Thanks!!!!!!
 

WebUser

  • Guest
Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #33 on: April 14, 2013, 07:07 AM »
Drypen?  IF you blow up my Calibre because of me adding those metadata, I'm not going to be very happy.
I'll be as mad as a bear with a sore paw.

Calibre has a fanfiction download plug in now?
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #34 on: April 14, 2013, 11:35 AM »
I've been sitting at my laptop with Calibre updating the summaries for all 1500 books on my Kindle(OCD, much???) for hours and hours and hours!  Question, when I close Calibre, do the books that are on it stay there when I open it again later?  I know it's a stupid question, but once I've converted a book and put it on my Kindle, I've always just deleted them and closed Calire down.
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #35 on: April 14, 2013, 11:39 AM »
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I've been sitting at my laptop with Calibre updating the summaries for all 1500 books on my Kindle(OCD, much???) for hours and hours and hours!  Question, when I close Calibre, do the books that are on it stay there when I open it again later?  I know it's a stupid question, but once I've converted a book and put it on my Kindle, I've always just deleted them and closed Calire down.

Another question, is there a way to get these revised books back on my Kindle, replacing the old versions, that do not have the summary, in one fell swoop through Calibre?  I really don't relish redoing my collections again.  Otherwise, I'd just wipe my Kindle clean and reload it with the new versions.  However the collections are just by author, so can I do that through Calibre to my Kindle, too?  I know, I have had Calibre for several years, but never used it to it's full potential!
« Last Edit: April 14, 2013, 11:41 AM by boomersusie »
 

WebUser

  • Guest
Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #36 on: April 14, 2013, 11:40 AM »
If you are asking if the books stay in Calibre if you don't delete them, yes, they do.  Once you change and move on to the next book, calibre auto saves the info of the other book.

Drypen is going to have to answer the one about replacing the Kindle.  Don't have a Kindle.

I will trade you tho... I'm working on fixing up 35000 books right now.  I'll figure out how to do your Kindle if you do my 35000 books.  ;)
« Last Edit: April 14, 2013, 11:42 AM by philo »
 
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Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #37 on: April 14, 2013, 11:45 AM »
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Another question, is there a way to get these revised books back on my Kindle, replacing the old versions, that do not have the summary, in one fell swoop through Calibre?  I really don't relish redoing my collections again.  Otherwise, I'd just wipe my Kindle clean and reload it with the new versions.

Sure there are a couple of ways.

You can make a new library for books you want to go to kindle. Find and copy the books that you want to transfer to Kindle to the new library.

If you don't have a ton of books, like I do, you can always hold down the ctrl button and click on the books you want to transfer to your kindle vs making a new library.

Then all you have to do is connect via usb, highlight the ones you want to send to Kindle and click "send to device".
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #38 on: April 14, 2013, 11:54 AM »
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If you are asking if the books stay in Calibre if you don't delete them, yes, they do.  Once you change and move on to the next book, calibre auto saves the info of the other book.

Drypen is going to have to answer the one about replacing the Kindle.  Don't have a Kindle.

I will trade you tho... I'm working on fixing up 35000 books right now.  I'll figure out how to do your Kindle if you do my 35000 books.  ;)

35,000?!?!?!!? Holy Crapola!  Shutting up now~ ;)
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #39 on: April 14, 2013, 11:58 AM »
Drypen, What about making collections in Calibre and transferring them to the Kindle?  Would be SO much easier to do, if it's possible, than on the Kindle, itself.  Also, is there a way to save different libraries on Calibre?

Thanks for all your help, btw!
« Last Edit: April 14, 2013, 11:59 AM by boomersusie »
 

WebUser

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Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #40 on: April 14, 2013, 12:00 PM »
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35,000?!?!?!!? Holy Crapola!  Shutting up now~ ;)

Coward. :D

Do you want me to count the ones on my DVD that is full also?  That's 4.7 Gigs more.... [not to speak of a couple CDs floating around that have about 750 MBs]
And I actually intend on reading all them before I die.

 :o
 

 

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