Question about re-adding books (+metadata/covers)

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by seannymurrs

I can't remember exactly how many books I had in my library before, so I can't say for sure I have every one back, but I don't see anything noticeably missing.

That's why you should always keep a backup copy (or several) of your library.

[Dal Bhat]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

That's why you should always keep a backup copy (or several) of your library.

Does Calibre have that function?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Dal Bhat

Does Calibre have that function?

Yes...But...
It is a FULL Export . It should really be (re)done any time you do a structural change (add or remove columns). This would be the first part of a Full restore)

After that, a speedier (more efficient use of resources) is an INCREMENTAL backup. That only updates things that have changed.

Some of us use Freefilesync in MIRROR MODE (Never do a 2 way on a calibre Library or let other than Calibre make changes.).
This backs up Books and the main metadata store (metadata.db)
Google drive is known to damage the Library (modifies the file structure), so never use that for a library backup.

[Dal Bhat]

Ok, I found it. (Still familiarizing myself with this program.)

Ran it and I have part-0001.calibre-data in a dedicated folder. I hope that that is expected behavior.

If I click "export" again, do I get an option for Incremental, or is it always full?

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Dal Bhat

Ok, I found it. (Still familiarizing myself with this program.)

Ran it and I have part-0001.calibre-data in a dedicated folder. I hope that that is expected behavior.

If I click "export" again, do I get an option for Incremental, or is it always full?

No you won't.

Calibre's export/import feature was implemented to facilitate moving calibre data between computers ==>> How do I move my calibre data from one computer to another?

See also ==>> How do I backup calibre?

BR

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Dal Bhat

Does Calibre have that function?

You would be better off using FreeFileSync to make a backup of your preferences and libraries. That way you wll only have to copy what's been changed since the first time you've done the backup.

When you use FreeFileSync, after you've done it the first time, you only have to copy anything that has changed or been added.

FreeFileSync is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

https://freefilesync.org