guidevault.json
GuideVault’s preferred portable metadata file is guidevault.json stored inside the root of the archive. This lets metadata travel with the CBZ/CBR file.
Metadata
Metadata for the way game print media is actually collected.
GuideVault separates metadata by content type so manuals, strategy guides, and magazines can each track the details that matter.
| Content type | Useful fields | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Manuals | System/platform, region, language, ESRB/rating, associated game details, publisher/developer-style notes | Manuals are usually tied to a game and platform, so system and region are key browsing fields. |
| Strategy Guides | ISBN-10, ISBN-13, ASIN, publisher, publish year, author/writer, associated platforms, preferred platform, guide type, edition type, ESRB | Strategy guides behave more like books and often need publication identifiers and platform coverage. |
| Magazines | Issue number, month/year, volume/number, ISSN, barcode/UPC, region, language, publisher, featured games, featured platforms, cover subject, sections/departments | Magazines need issue tracking and discovery fields for games, platforms, articles, and recurring departments. |
ComicInfo.xml import
GuideVault can use legacy ComicInfo-style metadata where it helps with existing archives, while still supporting GuideVault-specific fields for game print media.
Normalization tools
Library maintenance screens help standardize common values such as language, region, platforms, content type, and metadata fields across many files.
External metadata lookup is review-first.
When metadata lookups are used, GuideVault should let the user compare existing values with lookup results before importing changes. Covers from external book sources should be previewed for visual comparison, not used to replace the archive cover.
Confirm before import
Review external title, author, publisher, publish year, and ISBN fields before applying them.
Field-by-field control
Choose all fields or only the specific metadata values you want to import.
Archive cover stays authoritative
GuideVault should preserve the CBZ/CBR cover as the primary visual source.