[Kavita] Display Multiple Files with Same Volume Metadata as Separate Entries

[zeedif]

Idea Description

The Problem

Currently, Kavita groups multiple files into a single entry if they share the same series and volume metadata (calibre:series and calibre:series_index), even if they are distinct files located within the same series folder. This results in only one of the files being visible and accessible at a time on the series detail page.

While Kavita's backend correctly identifies all associated files (visible under Details > Info > Files), the UI hides these alternative versions, making them inaccessible for reading and difficult to manage.

This behavior is particularly problematic for users who collect:

1. Different editions of a book: A user might have multiple editions of a classic like "Alice in Wonderland" from various publishers, each with unique illustrations, formatting, or translations. For example, one version translated by Graciela Montes and another by Rébecca Dautremer.
2. Different translations of the same work: This is very common for manga and light novels, where a user might keep both a fan translation and an official release (e.g., "Goblin Slayer: Side Story II - Dai Katana - V01" from Scalation 1 and Scalation 2).

Furthermore, this behavior unintentionally hides duplicates. If a user has multiple copies of a book, they might not realize it because only one is ever displayed. Having visibility of all files would greatly assist in library cleanup and management.

Proposed Solution

I propose introducing a library-level setting that allows users to control this grouping behavior. This would provide flexibility without breaking the existing functionality that benefits other use cases (like image-based archives).

The setting could be a checkbox in the library settings panel:
[ ] Group files with identical volume metadata into a single entry

• Checked (Current Behavior): This would maintain the existing functionality. It's ideal for formats where multiple files should be treated as one unit (e.g., a folder of images representing a single chapter).
• Unchecked (New Behavior): Kavita would display each file as a separate, readable entry on the series page. In my example, this would show two distinct covers/entries for "Volume 1," allowing the user to easily choose which translation or edition to read.

Use Cases and Benefits

• Enhanced User Experience: Users could directly see and access all their files without needing to dig into the details panel or alter metadata just to make them appear.
• Improved Library Management: It would make it immediately obvious if there are duplicate or alternative versions of a book, aiding in library organization and cleanup.
• Empower Collectors: It accommodates the needs of collectors who value having and comparing different versions of the same work.
• Align UI with Backend Reality: It aligns the UI presentation more closely with what the backend already knows—that multiple, distinct files exist.

A Note on Similar Issues

I am aware of issues #2485 and #2488, which were closed as "not a supported configuration." My proposal is fundamentally different because those issues concerned identical series being in different, parallel folders from the library root.

This idea addresses the scenario where different files for the same conceptual volume are correctly placed within the same series folder, which is a supported and common organization method. The problem is not the folder structure, but rather how Kavita's UI groups these files based solely on metadata.

This feature would significantly improve Kavita's flexibility for managing diverse collections of ebooks and light novels. Thank you for your consideration.

Idea Category

User Experience

Duration of Using Kavita

Since version 0.7.1

Before submitting

• I've already searched for existing ideas before posting.