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__TOC__
__TOC__


= Introduction =
= Introduction =
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* Contrary to advice from 3rd party internet guides, you cannot set season and episode numbering through NFO Files.
* Contrary to advice from 3rd party internet guides, you cannot set season and episode numbering through NFO Files.


{{divbox|yellow|Do not refer to IMDB for episode orders. There is no IMDB Scraper.|
'''Note: Do not refer to IMDB for episode orders.''' There is no IMDB TV Show Scraper. If you are using the default scraper then the site to check is [https://www.themoviedb.org/ TMDB]. If you have changed to [https://www.thetvdb.com/ TVDB] or [https://www.tvmaze.com/ TV Maze], check the appropriate site.
If you are using the default scraper then the site to check is [https://www.themoviedb.org/ TMDB]. If you have changed to [https://www.thetvdb.com/ TVDB] or [https://www.tvmaze.com/ TV Maze], check the appropriate site.}}
 
 


= Single Episode Files =
= Single Episode Files =
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|-
|-
|Where:
|Where:
|'''''S01E01''''' = Season 1, Episode 1 - no spaces || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"| ||Where: ||'''''S01E01''''' = Season 1, Episode 1 - no spaces
|'''''S01E01''''' = Season 1, Episode 1 - no spaces || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"| ||Where: || '''''Angel (1999)''''' = TV Show name
|-
|-
|
|
| || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|  || || '''''Angel (1999)''''' = TV Show name
| || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|  || || '''''S01E01''''' = Season 1, Episode 1 - no spaces
|}
|}


The Pattern '''S01E01''' is the most accurate available. Other Patterns are available in the table below with the most accurate at the top and accuracy decreasing down the list.
The Pattern '''S01E01''' is the most accurate available. Other Patterns are available as shown in the table below with '''Order 1''' being the most accurate and accuracy decreasing with higher numbers.


{|
{|
|-
|-
|
|
{|class="{{{1|prettytable}}}" style="margin: 0.5em 2.0em 0.5em 0em; font-size: 0.80em; {{border-radius|5px}}; float: top; clear: top;" width="500"
{|class="{{{1|prettytable}}}" style="margin: 0.5em 2.0em 0.5em 0em; font-size: 0.80em; {{border-radius|5px}}; float: top; clear: top;" width="700"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#;" | With Season
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#;" | With Season
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! style="background-color:#; width:200px" | Episode Naming
! style="background-color:#; width:200px" | Episode Naming
! style="background-color:#;" | Order
! style="background-color:#;" | Order
! style="background-color:#; width:200px" | Episode Naming
! style="background-color:#; width:250px" | Episode Naming
! style="background-color:#;" | Order
! style="background-color:#;" | Order
! style="background-color:#; width:200px" | Episode Naming
! style="background-color:#; width:200px" | Episode Naming
Line 126: Line 129:
;By date
;By date
:Used for long-running daily shows. Check the scraper site for numbering method used.
:Used for long-running daily shows. Check the scraper site for numbering method used.
;By title (added in v.20 "Nexus")
;By title
:Used for special episodes in case if a data provider does not support "zero season" convention for specials, e.g. TVmaze. It allows to match special episodes by their titles.
:Used exclusively by the TVMaze scraper. Added in v20 "Nexus"
:Allows matching '''special episodes''' by their titles as TVMaze do not not support "Season 0" convention for specials.
|}
|}


= Multi-Episode Files =
= Multi-Episode Files =
If you video files contain two or more episodes, then the following naming is required to scan multiple episodes from a single file.
Starting with Kodi v22 you can now specify episode ranges.
 
{| class="prettytable"
|-
| scope="row" colspan="2" style="text-align:center; background-color:#a1f5e4;" | '''Minimum required episode name:''' || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|  || scope="row" colspan="2" style="text-align:center; background-color:#a1f5e4;" | '''Recommended episode name:'''
|-
! scope="row" colspan="2"  style="width:400px; background-color:#f5f5a1; text-align:center;"|''S01E01-E04.mkv''
! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|
! scope="row" colspan="2"  style="width:400px; background-color:#f5f5a1; text-align:center;"| ''Angel (1999) S01E01-E04.mkv''
|-
|Where:
|'''''S01E01-E04''''' = Season 1, Episode 1, 2, 3 & 4 || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"| ||Where: || '''''Angel (1999)''''' = TV Show name
|-
|
| ''Note that Episodes 2 and 3 are included'' || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|  || || '''''S01E01-E04''''' = Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
|}
 
 
{|
|-
|
{|class="{{{1|prettytable}}}" style="margin: 0.5em 2.0em 0.5em 0em; font-size: 0.80em; {{border-radius|5px}}; float: top; clear: top;" width="800"
|-
! colspan="3" style="background-color:#;" | Allowed Patterns
|+
! style="background-color:#; width:50px" | Order
! style="background-color:#; width:300px" | Example Name
! style="background-color:#; width:450px" | Included Episodes
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:left;"|''name'' '''ep01-ep04'''.ext
|style="text-align:left;"| Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:left;"|''name'' '''s01e01-s01e04'''.ext
|style="text-align:left;"| Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:left;"|''name'' '''s01e01-e04'''.ext
|style="text-align:left;"| Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:left;"|''name'' '''1x01-1x04'''.ext
|style="text-align:left;"| Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:left;"|''name'' '''S01E05-E08S02E01-E04'''.ext
|style="text-align:left;"| Season 1, Episodes 5, 6, 7 & 8 and Season 2, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
|}
 
 
For Kodi v21 and below:
 
If your video files contain two or more episodes, then the following naming is required to scan multiple episodes from a single file.


{| class="prettytable"
{| class="prettytable"
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|-
|-
|Where:
|Where:
|'''''S01E01E02E04''''' = Season 1, Episode 1, 2 & 4 || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"| ||Where: ||'''''S01E01E02E04''''' = Season 1, Episode 1, 2 & 4
|'''''S01E01E02E04''''' = Season 1, Episode 1, 2 & 4 || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"| ||Where: || '''''Angel (1999)''''' = TV Show name
|-
|-
|
|
| ''Note that Episode 3 is not included'' || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|  || || '''''Angel (1999)''''' = TV Show name
| ''Note that Episode 3 is not included'' || ! scope="row" colspan="1"  style="width:10px; background-color:#d3d3d5; text-align:center;"|  || || '''''S01E01E02E04''''' = Season 1, Episodes 1, 2 & 4
|}
|}


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* The patterns are the same as Single Episode numbering, but extended to include multiple episodes.
* The patterns are the same as Single Episode numbering, but extended to include multiple episodes.
* Only the episodes in the file name will be added, e.g. '''''Angel (1999) S01E01E04.mkv''''' will scrape episodes 1 and 4 but not include episodes 2 and 3.
* Only the episodes in the file name will be added, e.g. '''''Angel (1999) S01E01E04.mkv''''' will scrape episodes 1 and 4 but not include episodes 2 and 3.
* When using a single video file for multiple episodes it is possible to tell set episode bookmarks for each episode in the file. See: '''''[[bookmarks|Episode Bookmarks]]'''''
* When using a single video file for multiple episodes it is possible to set episode bookmarks for each episode in the file. See: '''''[[bookmarks|Episode Bookmarks]]'''''


:'''''See also: [[Advancedsettings.xml#tvmultipartmatching|Multi-Episode Matching]]''''' to create additional pattern matches
:'''''See also: [[Advancedsettings.xml#tvmultipartmatching|Multi-Episode Matching]]''''' to create additional pattern matches
|}
|}


= Specials =
= Specials =
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* Movies based on TV shows are usually ''not'' added as specials. Instead you [[Linking_movies_to_TV_shows|link a movie]] to a TV show. It will then appear at the bottom of the season list.  
* Movies based on TV shows are usually ''not'' added as specials. Instead you [[Linking_movies_to_TV_shows|link a movie]] to a TV show. It will then appear at the bottom of the season list.  
* Specials are named as season 00 and start at E01, e.g. S'''00'''E01. Which episode number they'll have depends on the website the scraper use. At TMDB you access the specials by going to "View All Seasons">Specials.
* Specials are named as season 00 and start at E01, e.g. S'''00'''E01. Which episode number they'll have depends on the website the scraper use. At TMDB you access the specials by going to "View All Seasons">Specials.
* In Kodi specials will appear under ''Specials'' in the season list.
In Kodi specials will appear under ''Specials'' in the season list.
 
 


= Episode Groups =
= Episode Groups =
Episode Groups or Orders are listings with alternate episode orders. Some TV Shows are broadcast in one order but the DVD/Bluray release may have a different screening order. A well known example is the TV Show ''Firefly'' where the Studio opted to broadcast high action episodes for ratings first, while the Producer wanted a different order to correctly unfold the storyline.
* Episode Groups or Orders are listings with alternate episode orders.
 
* Some TV Shows are broadcast in one order but the DVD/Bluray release may have a different screening order. A well known example is the TV Show ''Firefly'' where the Studio opted to broadcast high action episodes for ratings first, while the Producer wanted a different order to correctly unfold the storyline.
Each Information Provider uses a different method to make alternate orders available. Check which scraper you are using and select the correct method below.
Each Information Provider uses a different method to make alternate orders available. Check which scraper you are using and select the correct method below.


Line 214: Line 277:


Only available when using the python scraper ''TMDB TV Shows.''
Only available when using the python scraper ''TMDB TV Shows.''




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{{top}}
{{top}}
{{updated|19}}
{{updated|22}}


[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:First time user]]

Latest revision as of 18:21, 22 August 2025

Create Video Libraries
1. The Basics
2. Source Folder
3. Movie Setup
4a. TV Show Setup
4b. Seasons Setup
4c. Episodes Setup
5. Music Videos Setup
6. Add Source & Scrape
7. Scraping Problems
  ▶ Video library ▶ Create Video Library ▶ Episodes


Introduction

Be aware of the following:

  • The only item in the episode file name that the Kodi scanner searches for is the Season and Episode numbering (SxxEyy). Everything else is irrelevant.
  • It is this SxxEyy that is used to match and scrape the episode metadata and artwork.
  • To reduce the risk of the scanner becoming confused by complicated naming, ensure your episode filenames are clean and simple as described below.
  • Contrary to advice from 3rd party internet guides, you cannot set season and episode numbering through NFO Files.

Note: Do not refer to IMDB for episode orders. There is no IMDB TV Show Scraper. If you are using the default scraper then the site to check is TMDB. If you have changed to TVDB or TV Maze, check the appropriate site.


Single Episode Files

Note: Episode files are assumed to contain a single episode. If you have files that contain two or more episodes, then read the Multi-Episodes section below.

The following table details the Minimum and Recommended naming for episodes files.

Minimum required episode name: Recommended episode name:
S01E01.mkv Angel (1999) S01E01.mkv
Where: S01E01 = Season 1, Episode 1 - no spaces Where: Angel (1999) = TV Show name
S01E01 = Season 1, Episode 1 - no spaces

The Pattern S01E01 is the most accurate available. Other Patterns are available as shown in the table below with Order 1 being the most accurate and accuracy decreasing with higher numbers.

With Season No Season By Date By Title
Order Episode Naming Order Episode Naming Order Episode Naming Order Episode Naming
1 Name S01E02.ext 2 Name ep02.ext 3 Name yyyy.mm.dd.ext 7 Name.special.ext
1 Name S1E2.ext 2 Name ep_02.ext 3 Name yyyy-mm-dd.ext
1 Name S01.E02.ext 7 Name part.II.ext 4 Name dd.mm.yyyy.ext
1 Name S01_E02.ext 7 Name pt.II.ext
1 Name S01xE02.ext 7 Name pt_II.ext
5 Name 1x02.ext
6 Name 102.ext
With Season
The most commonly used for nearly all TV Shows.
No Season
Normally used for Anime or single season TV Shows. Not commonly used.
By date
Used for long-running daily shows. Check the scraper site for numbering method used.
By title
Used exclusively by the TVMaze scraper. Added in v20 "Nexus"
Allows matching special episodes by their titles as TVMaze do not not support "Season 0" convention for specials.


Multi-Episode Files

Starting with Kodi v22 you can now specify episode ranges.

Minimum required episode name: Recommended episode name:
S01E01-E04.mkv Angel (1999) S01E01-E04.mkv
Where: S01E01-E04 = Season 1, Episode 1, 2, 3 & 4 Where: Angel (1999) = TV Show name
Note that Episodes 2 and 3 are included S01E01-E04 = Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4


Allowed Patterns
Order Example Name Included Episodes
1 name ep01-ep04.ext Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
1 name s01e01-s01e04.ext Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
1 name s01e01-e04.ext Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
1 name 1x01-1x04.ext Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4
1 name S01E05-E08S02E01-E04.ext Season 1, Episodes 5, 6, 7 & 8 and Season 2, Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4


For Kodi v21 and below:

If your video files contain two or more episodes, then the following naming is required to scan multiple episodes from a single file.

Minimum required episode name: Recommended episode name:
S01E01E02E04.mkv Angel (1999) S01E01E02E04.mkv
Where: S01E01E02E04 = Season 1, Episode 1, 2 & 4 Where: Angel (1999) = TV Show name
Note that Episode 3 is not included S01E01E02E04 = Season 1, Episodes 1, 2 & 4
Complex Pattern Short Pattern
Order Example Name Order Example Name
1 name s01e01-s01e02.ext 1 name s01e01e02.ext
1 name s01e01-episode1.title-s01e02-episode2.title.ext 1 name s01e01-02-03.ext
1 name s01e01-s01e02-s01e03.ext 5 name 1x01x02.ext
5 name 1x01-1x02.ext 2 name ep01-02.ext
2 name ep01-ep02.ext

Note: It is recommended that multi-episode files be split into Single Episode files.

In cases where the video file contains more than one episode, you must nominate each episode in the filename.

  • The patterns are the same as Single Episode numbering, but extended to include multiple episodes.
  • Only the episodes in the file name will be added, e.g. Angel (1999) S01E01E04.mkv will scrape episodes 1 and 4 but not include episodes 2 and 3.
  • When using a single video file for multiple episodes it is possible to set episode bookmarks for each episode in the file. See: Episode Bookmarks
See also: Multi-Episode Matching to create additional pattern matches


Specials

  • Specials are extras or episodes that don't belong to a season.
  • Movies based on TV shows are usually not added as specials. Instead you link a movie to a TV show. It will then appear at the bottom of the season list.
  • Specials are named as season 00 and start at E01, e.g. S00E01. Which episode number they'll have depends on the website the scraper use. At TMDB you access the specials by going to "View All Seasons">Specials.

In Kodi specials will appear under Specials in the season list.


Episode Groups

  • Episode Groups or Orders are listings with alternate episode orders.
  • Some TV Shows are broadcast in one order but the DVD/Bluray release may have a different screening order. A well known example is the TV Show Firefly where the Studio opted to broadcast high action episodes for ratings first, while the Producer wanted a different order to correctly unfold the storyline.

Each Information Provider uses a different method to make alternate orders available. Check which scraper you are using and select the correct method below.


TheMovieDB-TV Shows

See... TheMovieDB Episode Groups

Only available when using the python scraper TMDB TV Shows.


The TVDB

See... TheTVDB Flexible Orders

Only available when using TheTVDB v4 python scraper by TVDB Team.


TVmaze

See... TVmaze Episode Orders


References



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