Where Is Your Calibre Library Stored?
Calibre library folder with metadata.db on Windows, macOS and Linux, versus the config folder.
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A Calibre library is a normal folder with author subfolders plus a metadata.db index at its root. The default sits in your home folder as Calibre Library.
Keep the library and the config folder apart in your head. The library holds books; the config folder holds plugins and preferences. Back up the library for books, the config for setup.
Where Calibre stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\Calibre Library
metadata.db sits at the root. Config lives separately under %APPDATA%\calibre. Move libraries from inside Calibre (library icon, Move library) rather than in Explorer.
~/Calibre Library
Same metadata.db layout. Config reachable from Preferences, Advanced, Miscellaneous, Open calibre configuration folder.
~/Calibre Library
Default matches other OSes unless changed at first run. Config under ~/.config/calibre (or CALIBRE_CONFIG_DIRECTORY when set).
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my Calibre library on a network drive?
It works but risks database locks. Point CALIBRE_OVERRIDE_DATABASE_PATH at a local metadata.db copy if the library itself must stay remote.
What exactly should I back up?
The whole library folder, metadata.db included. That single folder restores books, covers and metadata together.
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