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Author Topic: An Introduction to Calibre  (Read 101641 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 boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #41 on: April 14, 2013, 12:23 PM »
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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

Well, that's one way to have incentive to live a long life!!!!!!  Orrrrrr, to have no life at all, chained to your e-reader! :o
 
The following users thanked this post: ninjumper

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #42 on: April 14, 2013, 12:57 PM »
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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!

Collections work as well as long as you have an eInk reader. Collections don't work on touchscreens.  :(
 
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Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #43 on: April 14, 2013, 01:32 PM »
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Collections work as well as long as you have an eInk reader. Collections don't work on touchscreens.  :(

Bummer :'(
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #44 on: April 14, 2013, 03:22 PM »
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Bummer :'(

I still have them on my touchscreen, I just have to upload and add them manually. It's pretty easy really. The Pics are the three I use. Not very original but hey, it works for me.
 

Readalot50

  • Guest
Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #45 on: April 20, 2013, 03:31 PM »
Quote: I read your tutorial on Calibre, but I'm confused on whether this will work converting files from fanfiction.net. I tried to use You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login but with no luck. I also tried You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login and that only downloaded chapter 1. I had no idea I was so technically deficient, but I'd really like to be able to grab a completed fic from time to time without bothering someone else to do it for me. It seems like it should be an easy process.

I don't think you are inept - you're just not using the best tool. Download the fanfiction plugin for Calibre You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login You enter the url into the plugin and it downloads all your chapters.
« Last Edit: April 20, 2013, 03:38 PM by Readalot50 »
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #46 on: April 20, 2013, 04:52 PM »
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Quote: I read your tutorial on Calibre, but I'm confused on whether this will work converting files from fanfiction.net. I tried to use You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login but with no luck. I also tried You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login and that only downloaded chapter 1. I had no idea I was so technically deficient, but I'd really like to be able to grab a completed fic from time to time without bothering someone else to do it for me. It seems like it should be an easy process.

I don't think you are inept - you're just not using the best tool. Download the fanfiction plugin for Calibre You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login You enter the url into the plugin and it downloads all your chapters.

Thank you! Great rec.
 

Offline bookie55

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #47 on: May 11, 2013, 09:06 PM »
Hi, I was wondering what I'm doing wrong.My books won't open in calibre. The mobi files mostly. It goes to adobe reader and says that the file is corrupt. I was wondering if anyone had any problems like this and how to fix it. Thank you very much.
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #48 on: May 11, 2013, 09:17 PM »
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Hi, I was wondering what I'm doing wrong.My books won't open in calibre. The mobi files mostly. It goes to adobe reader and says that the file is corrupt. I was wondering if anyone had any problems like this and how to fix it. Thank you very much.

Is that format set to open in Calibre once you've added it? You'll  need to check your preferences to determine that.

As for a corrupt file, that happens sometimes when you upload. Try uploading again after you delete the book and see if that makes a difference.
 
The following users thanked this post: bookie55

WebUser

  • Guest
Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #49 on: May 12, 2013, 05:05 AM »
The easy way to set a file to open in something is to go to My computer.  Locate a file with that extension ie .mobi  right click.   Choose OPEN WITH.   Select the program you want to open that file.  Make sure you check always open in this.

This works for any file extension you want to open in a certain program.  For example if I want to open paint files in gimp, I use that setting.
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #50 on: May 12, 2013, 03:47 PM »
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The easy way to set a file to open in something is to go to My computer.  Locate a file with that extension ie .mobi  right click.   Choose OPEN WITH.   Select the program you want to open that file.  Make sure you check always open in this.

This works for any file extension you want to open in a certain program.  For example if I want to open paint files in gimp, I use that setting.

Except she was asking why the books wouldn't open in Calibre. That is why I referred her to the preferences page in Calibre.
 
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WebUser

  • Guest
Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #51 on: May 13, 2013, 12:06 PM »
Took me 15 minutes one time to realize I had my association set wrong.  I kept poking at Calibre.  :D
 
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Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #52 on: May 13, 2013, 02:22 PM »
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Took me 15 minutes one time to realize I had my association set wrong.  I kept poking at Calibre.  :D

Back when I was still learning Calibre, I used to read something but since it wasn't what i was looking for at the time I'd file it away in my brain for later. Then sometime in the future I'd decide I'd want to try that & couldn't find it again. Sooo I'd start to bug Jess about it & she'd never know what on earth I was talking about lol. Darn Kovid still moves stuff around like that. Used to be in one spot now in another but I though I was losing my mind!
 

WebUser

  • Guest
Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #53 on: May 13, 2013, 04:25 PM »
I'm ready to use your rolling pin on him and the one who does the plug ins.
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #54 on: May 13, 2013, 05:16 PM »
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I'm ready to use your rolling pin on him and the one who does the plug ins.

 :D :D
 

Offline bookie55

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #55 on: May 13, 2013, 05:54 PM »
Thanks Drypen and Philo for the help. I didn't have it set to open mobi files. :-*
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #56 on: May 13, 2013, 06:33 PM »
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Thanks Drypen and Philo for the help. I didn't have it set to open mobi files. :-*

Happy to help.
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #57 on: May 17, 2013, 06:53 PM »
OK, I have a .doc book that I saved as a .rtf then to .mobi.  My problem is when I open it on my kindle, the tabbing has everything right centered.  How do I fix this?
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #58 on: May 17, 2013, 06:57 PM »
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OK, I have a .doc book that I saved as a .rtf then to .mobi.  My problem is when I open it on my kindle, the tabbing has everything right centered.  How do I fix this?

Put it back in Calibre. Highlight and click convert. Click on Look & Feel (left side). Then Text Justification pick Left align in the drop down box. Click ok.
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #59 on: May 17, 2013, 07:10 PM »
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Put it back in Calibre. Highlight and click convert. Click on Look & Feel (left side). Then Text Justification pick Left align in the drop down box. Click ok.

It didn't work.  ;D
 

Offline boomersusie

Re: An Introduction to Calibre
« Reply #60 on: May 17, 2013, 07:13 PM »
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It didn't work.  ;D


Wait, wait, I forgot to take it out and put it back in Calibre.  Let me re-try!  ^-^
 

 

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