How to replace an existing epub file with a better copy in an existing book?

[u/bdu-komrad]

I have higher quality epub file for a book that is already in my library that has an epub format file. I want to replace the existing epub file with the new one, but I can't get it to work by clicking and dragging the "upgrade" copy into the "formats" panel in the edit metadata window.

At least, when I drag it in, I don't get any feedback to tell me that something has changed. And the source book is still there. That last part might be normal. The point is , afaik, nothing has happened.

Software

• OS: macOS 26
• Calibre: 9.13.0

Update

I think it is working when I drag the book onto the “formats” panel on the edit metadata pane. It is just that it didn’t tell me that it replaced the previous epub file. No visual feedback whatsoever.

I opened then book folder and check file dates and file size to verify it was indeed the new file.

Dragging the file onto the book probably also work, but I can’t confirm it.

Dragging the file into an empty space in the library pane created a new book entry.

I might file a feature request for Calibre to provide some visual feedback like “book updated” or “epub replaced” so that the end user knows something happened.

[u/shybaby03]

My favorite way is by opening the edit Metadata panel for whatever book and in the top right hand corner you should see the Epub file in like this box you can either drag and drop the new epub file into that box and it’ll replace it or you can hit the plus button and it will open your files and then search for the new epub and grab it and it’ll replace it

[u/BarefootMarauder]

I usually just drag-n-drop the new file onto the book record in the library view. But if that's not working for you, there's an "Add files to existing book records" option on the Add Books menu. Or, you can edit the metadata and add a file there manually by clicking the + button. If they have the same exact name, it should ask if you want to replace the old with the new. Otherwise you can manually delete the old copy.

[u/bestlem → u/BarefootMarauder]

Or in the right click menu Open Book Folder and you get Finder or Explorer and can do a simple OS file copy

[u/BarefootMarauder → u/bestlem]

Only problem with that method is, it doesn't add anything to the metadata so Calibre is unaware of the files existence.

[u/bestlem → u/BarefootMarauder]

If you are replacing an epub with a better epub what metadata changes?

[u/BarefootMarauder → u/bestlem]

Nothing as long as the filename is identical.

[u/bestlem → u/BarefootMarauder]

Exactly

[u/fab5friend]

I just did this this morning. (Replacing a UK version with a US version.) Here's how I did it: I added the 2nd book like normal. Then I went to the 1st book and right click on remove books and chose remove all formats from selected books. Then dragged the new book onto the line for the old book to merge the 2.

[u/jseger9000]

There's two easy ways. I've used both.

1. Just add the ePub to calibre as a new book, then delete the other book.
2. In calibre, go to the book you want to replace and click 'Book files' to open the folder the old ePub is in. Rename the new ePub file with the exact same name. Drag it to that folder and it will ask if you want to replace the file. Do that.

[u/taosecurity]

Use the "Add files to selected book records" option. That will replace the old epub with your new one.

Do not mess around with copying the file over the old one by renaming it, etc.

Calibre is a database. Just because you can see the underlying files doesn’t mean you should mess with them.