Artwork: Difference between revisions

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{{cleanup}}
{{Artwork_Contents}}
{{mininav|[[Music_library|Music Library]] {{l2|[[Video_library|Video Library]]}} }}


{{editor box|Here's the idea for the future of this page:
<section begin="intro" />The use of artwork will transform your mundane media player into a showpiece to be proud of, especially when teamed up with your favourite skin. Kodi  will allow you to display Movie Posters, Fanart, Album Covers, Actor and Artist images to name a few. Install the Kodi slideshow add-on, and you will have a constant display of video or music fanart to brighten your entertainment room.<section end="intro" />
* The page itself will be a landing page for all topics about artwork:
** Move most of this to a "how to make your own artwork" page.
** A guide for using [[Add-on:Artwork Downloader]], which can be its own page or on the existing add-on page for Artwork downloader.
** A better how to guide on using advancedsettings.xml to change artwork size.
* consolidate and reorganize the following pages along with this page:
** [[Extra fanart]]
** [[FanArt]]
** [[Wide banner icons]]
}}
An impressive feature of XBMC is its ability to display custom '''thumbnails''' (also known as an "icon") on most items displayed. You can assign thumbnails to folders, programs, music, videos, bookmarks, and of course pictures. You can choose to let XBMC automatically download thumbnails for music-albums and video/movies from the internet or you can create your very own custom thumbnails. You can also download custom thumbnails that others have created.


When talking about movies the terms "Cover Art", "Posters" (term used on [http://thetvdb.com/ TheTVDB]) and "Folder Image" are all used to refer to the '''same''' thing we are talking about here. In the XBMC world Thumbnail is the generic term that encompasses all of those things, so don't get confused.
'''{{red|The {{kodi}} scrapers automatically download artwork with little input required by the user. These pages are for those users that want greater control over their artwork by saving artwork locally or creating their own.}}'''


{{Note|Despite what the term Thumbnail implies, thumbnails in XBMC are NOT necessarily small images in terms of resolution or size on disk. A Thumbnail in XBMC can be a 800 x 1200 pixel image with a file size of over 300 Kilobytes for example, but typically thumbnails are restricted to smaller sizes than that due to performance concerns.}}<br />
As the topic covering artwork is comprehensive, it has been broken down into smaller and more manageable pages for ease of reading. Make use of the Table of Contents and the NavBox located at the top right of the page. Information common to all categories is located on this page and the Artwork Type page.  


'''Be aware that artwork is skin dependent. Not all artwork types are used in all skins.'''


== Custom Thumbnails ==
You can easily create your very own user-defined thumbnails on your computer with image tools like Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Paint.NET or even Paint in Windows. <br /> You can alternatively download thumbnails that others have created on the internet.
Then you simply have to rename those thumbnails and transfer/copy them to the right location and XBMC will display them. Use JPG or PNG (with transparency) image-format, and size of the picture to anything from 128x128 to 256x256 in pixel size, (the larger the image is the better it will look on a good display but at the same time large thumbnails loads slower). On a non-HDTV displays a image that is approx 100x140 is recommended for video/movies thumbnails (which is the size that is most common on [http://www.imdb.com/ IMDb]), and approx 75x75 for music-albums (which is the default size on [http://www.allmusic.com allmusic.com]). For 720p/1080i HDTV displays a size of approx 182x256 for video/movies thumbnails, and approx 200x200 for music-albums (such music-albums can be found on [http://www.allmusic.com allmusic.com]).


==== Thumbnail Cache ====
:''see also:'' '''[[ThumbnailCache]]''' for a thorough description of the '''thumbnail cache'''<br />


XBMC will cache all thumbnails to [[userdata]]\Thumbnails\ using the '''CRC''' of the path of the file or folder as a filename. That is the first location XBMC will generally look for a thumbnail for a given item.<br />
= Obtaining Artwork =
Movie, TV Show and Music artwork can be obtained using a variety of methods. The most common method is via the various Kodi scrapers (also known as ''information providers'').


In order for your custom thumbnail to show, you may have to delete the cached thumbnail.


When thumbnails are cached they may be scaled down from the source image. How much they are scaled down depends on a setting that you can control using the  [[Advancedsettings.xml#.3Cthumbsize.3E|<imageres>]] tag in  [[advancedsettings.xml]].
== Scrapers ==
The defautl sources for information and artwork that are used by the default scrapers are:


If you are running XBMC on a very high resolution display and you have Movie cover art, for example, that is displayed as a very large image onscreen with the skin and layout that you are using, then you may want to adjust the <imageres> tag to increase the display quality of your thumbnails.  
Movies- [https://fanart.tv/ Fanart.tv] and [https://www.themoviedb.org/ The MovieDB]<br />
TV Shows- [https://fanart.tv/ Fanart.tv] and [https://www.themoviedb.org/ The MovieDB]<br />
Music- [https://fanart.tv/ Fanart.tv] and [http://www.theaudiodb.com/ The AudioDB]<br />


Be aware, however, that increasing the size of cached thumbnails obviously carries an implied disk space usage, and possible XBMC performance penalty, with it.
Artwork from these sites can also be downloaded manually by visiting and searching the sites and saving the artwork locally as described on the linked pages.


== Wide banner icons ==
{|
[[File:Wideview_tvshows.png|500px|right|Wide view for TV shows|thumb]]
Some of the most visually appealing forms of thumbnails are [[wide banner icons]]. They are an integral part of the XBMC look and feel and are used for the TV shows [[Video library|library]].<br />
With different adjustments to the [[XBMC Skinning Manual|skin]] [[w:XML|XML]] files, you may disable title names or stack one icon on top of another.<br />
To show wide banner icons switch to Wide or 'Media info 2' view. XBMC will remember what view you have for each folder. Thus you can keep your TV shows in Wide and your Movies in [[FanArt|Fanart]].
:* [[Wide banner icons#Sources for wide banner icons|Sources for wide banner icons]]
|}
{{-}}


== Thumbnails for individual items in a single directory ==
Name the icon file the same as the file you would like it to display for with a -poster.jpg or -poster.png extension ie: ''Transformers.avi, Transformers-poster.jpg''. This is particularly useful for using custom thumbnails for movies.


'''Example:'''
== Media Managers ==
Movies\path\'''moviename.avi'''
There is a range of software that can create nfo files and download artwork and save them to the correct location and correct naming. They perform the same process and function as the Kodi Scraping operation does natively, but they do not add any entries into the Kodi library. Instead they create what is known as '''[[NFO_files|NFO files]]'''. This file holds all the metadata for that particular movie, tv show or music. The software will also download associated artwork from the scraper site. Kodi can then read this file and scrape it into the library along with the artwork.
Movies\path\'''moviename-poster.(jpg/png)'''
Movies\path\'''moviename.jpg'''


== Folder Thumbnails ==
Although these programs are quick and easy to use, they are more suited for use where a movie or tv show is not listed at the scraper site. You are then able to create the metadata from scratch. You would normally use this for, say, home movies, sporting events or other items that are not listed at the scraper site.  
{|
| valign="top" |
If you store each of your media files in separate subfolders to keep things organized, you can also make the folder have a custom thumbnail image. To do this you either need to save your JPG/PNG thumbnail as folder.jpg and place it inside your movie/album folder, or you can save it as <foldername>deprecated and place it at the same level as the folder in the directory tree.
* Remember, XBMC first checks for <foldername>.jpg before checking for folder.jpg.
* Some documentation suggests that folder.jpg can be used. In general folder.jpg is superior as it is detected during a scan, i.e. XBMC will correctly use folder.jpg but not folder.jpg.
* Note that folder.jpg '''must''' be named .jpg, even if it is a .png format image.


<br />
It is always best to use Kodi for the normal mainstream scrapes and the Media Managers for the non-listed movie, tv show and music scrapes.
'''Examples:'''
; {{see also|NFO_files}}
Movies\path\'''foldername'''\
Movies\path\'''foldername.jpg'''
or
Movies\path\moviename\'''folder.jpg'''
Music\path\album\'''folder.jpg'''


Now your media folder will have a lovely custom thumbnail-image.


You can via [[advancedsettings.xml]] change the default filename of the image that XBMC uses for music folders.  See the [[advancedsettings.xml#<musicthumbs>|<musicthumbs>]] tag. for more information.
== Web Search ==
|
Using an online search engine can help you discover individual artworks, or additional sites where artwork is hosted. When downloading, check that the resolution is of an acceptable standard. Also pay respect to any copyright notices that are attached to the artwork.
[[File:Files.myvideos.jpg|right|500px]]
|}


== Program Thumbnails ==
Once downloaded, they must be named and saved correctly for the artwork to be visible to Kodi.
In order to display the image displayed for a game, emulator or application, simply rename the desired image '''default.jpg''' and place it in the folder where the corresponding default.XBE is located.


== Music Thumbnails ==
Music Thumbnails are assigned as part of a multi-tier process. First, the Tag Reader runs and caches any embedded art using the album name and album artist (or song artist, if that is all that is available). If the album name or artist is unavailable, it is cached using the path name of the song. This assumes, of course, that you have tag reading enabled.<br />
You can also use "Get Thumb" to download the album thumbnail from [http://www.allmusic.com allmusic.com (AMG)] for a specific album/folder or do a scan of all your music files in all shares.<br />
Thumbnails also get downloaded when you rip AudioCD's to your XBMC device (which is described in the [[Ripping CDs]] section).<br />
Recommended is that you store each of your music-albums or artists in a separate subfolder to keep things organized. You can also of course make the folder have a custom thumbnail image.<br />
<br />
{|
|
[[File:mymusic.jpg|right|500px]]
| valign="top" |
:{{Note|Running a scan automatically enables 'tag reading' so everything can be cached. Once a scan is run, all your files and their associated thumbnails are stored in the database.}}
:The Album Information dialog (available from the context menu) will allow you to choose between the cover art available for download from [http://www.allmusic.com allmusic.com] and any user-defined thumbnail you may have.
:Press the "Get Thumb" button to bring up a choice of the local thumbnails you have, the currently assigned thumbnail and the [http://www.allmusic.com allmusic.com] thumbnail.<br />
|}
'''The code which assigns thumbnails to files runs and assigns thumbnails in the following order:'''


;1) Cached Album Thumbnail
== Create Your Own ==
:This is all the embedded album art read by the tag reader and cached using the album name and album artist.
{{main|Artwork/Types}}
;2) Cached filename.jpg
So you are not happy with the artwork the scraper downloaded? And you just can't find that perfect artwork by manually searching the internet. Then, you will just have to create your own. For those who are artistically minded and can easily navigate around image editing software, then you should be able to easily create your very own user-defined artwork on your computer. Only your imagination is the limit, but be mindful that the artwork needs to remain true to the movie or tv show it represents.  
:This includes an embedded thumbnail cached with the fully qualified name.
;3) Remote filename.jpg
:This is a filename.jpg on a remote share/folder which is then cached.
;4) Cached folder.jpg
:This is a folder.jpg which is cached based off the folder path.
;5) Remote folder.jpg
:This is a folder.jpg on a remote share/folder which is then cached.
;6) Remote foldername.jpg
:This is a foldername.jpg on a remote share/folder which is then cached.<br /><br />


'''Examples:'''
If you are unsure where to start, the following links may prove useful. Especially if you plan to share your masterpieces. If this is the case, it is best to stick to the posted guidelines.
*Fanart.TV- The premier repository for all things artwork. They have an in-depth guide for artwork requirements
:;''see : [https://fanart.tv/movie-fanart/<nowiki>Fanart.tv- Image Creation Guide</nowiki>]''
*The MovieDB- The go to movie scraper site for Kodi. In addition to metadata, they also hold a large repository of artwork that are created and uploaded to the site by people just like you. Read their easy to understand artwork creation guide.
:; ''see : [https://www.themoviedb.org/bible/image/59f7583e9251416e7100006e#59f758409251416e7100006f themoviedb- Image Creation Guide]''
*The TVDB- The go to TV Show scraper site for Kodi. In addition to metadata, they also hold a large repository of artwork devoted to TV Shows. Read their easy to understand artwork creation guide.
:; ''see : [http://www.thetvdb.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Images<nowiki>theTVDB- Image Creation Guide</nowiki>]''
*IMDB- A comprehensive listing of ensuring artwork is appropriate and suitable.
:; ''see : [https://contribute.imdb.com/updates/guide/images<nowiki>IMDB- Image Submission Guide</nowiki>]''
*TheAudioDB- The go to scraper site for all things music. They hold metadata on Artists, Albums and Songs with a large collection of music artwork.
:; ''see : [http://theaudiodb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1<nowiki>TheAudioDB- Image Creation Guide</nowiki>]''


In this example audiofilename.mp3 will use audiofilename.jpg as thumbnail:
= What Artwork is Used Automatically =
Music\path\'''audiofilename.mp3'''
Music\path\'''audiofilename.jpg'''


The same goes for playlists, cue-sheets, SHOUTcast, and [[HOW-TO: Play Internet Streams|internet-stream files]], example:
== Local Art Comes First ==
Music\path\'''audioplaylistname.m3u'''
'''Local artwork takes priority, so on update of both music and video libraries {{kodi}} will always use local artwork when it can find some. Only when there is no local artwork found, does {{kodi}} use the artwork that the scrapers can fetch from online sources.'''
Music\path\'''audioplaylistname.jpg'''
Music\path\'''cuelistname.cue'''
Music\path\'''cuelistname.mp3'''
Music\path\'''cuelistname.jpg'''
Music\path\'''shoutcastlinkname.pls'''
Music\path\'''shoutcastlinkname.jpg'''
Music\path\'''audiostreamname.strm'''
Music\path\'''audiostreamname.jpg'''


::Music fanart
'''It is important to note that once remote artwork for a movie, tv show, artist or album has been successfully scraped into the library (because there was no local art found when the scraper was run), Kodi will not look for local art to replace it on subsequent library updates.'''
{{see also|FanArt#Music_FanArt_in_XBMC}}


== Video Thumbnails ==
If you have made changes to either local artwork and/or metadata (in the form of a nfo file), you must instruct Kodi to update using one of the following methods...
[[File:Files.videos.thumbnails.WSCR.jpg|right|500px]]
#If the Library has not yet been created, or the source has not yet been added
You can either use your own custom thumbnails or XBMC can retrieve video thumbnails from the internet via [[How To use Scrapers|scrapers]] and cache them locally.
#*Ensure your artwork is named and saved correctly. Add the [[Media sources]] to Kodi and allow to update. Artwork will be cached
#This Movie/TV Show/Album/Artist is new and has not been added to the library yet
#*An Update Library will scrape and cache the artwork, or
#*For Videos, navigate Videos>Files, navigate to the item and call up the Information page. This will start an automatic scrape for that single item
#*For Music, navigate Music>Files, locate and highlight the new artist or album. From the context menu select ''Scan item to library''
#I added new artwork for Movie/TV Show/Album/Artist already in the library
#*For videos follow instructions for ''Kodi- Choose Art'' below
#*For music follow instructions in ''Kodi- Choose Art'' below
#I added new artwork for a lot of Movies/TV Shows/Music already in the library
#*Update each Movie/TV Show/Music manually using instructions in the previous option, or
#*Remove the Source and clean library. Re-add the source and allow the Update Library
:'''''See also: [[Updating_or_removing_videos|Update Video Library]]'''''
:'''''See also: [[Update_Music_Library#Scan_Library|Update Music Library]]'''''




'''XBMC applies thumbnails to video files in the following order:'''
== Available Artwork Found By Scrapers ==
;1) Cached Thumbnail
Scraper results (and NFO files) can include multiple potential images for each single type of artwork. When a type of art has not been found locally then during scraping the first image will be automatically assigned to the media item so skins and other interfaces can access it for display. The full list from the scraper results will be saved for the "Choose art" dialog (even if using local artwork), where you can select a new image for any art type from those available online and of course local files.
Thumbnails are cached to UserData\Thumbnails\Video using the CRC of the path of the file or folder.
<br />
;2) User-Defined Thumbnail<br />
'''For files:'''


XBMC looks for '''<filename>-poster.(jpg/png)''' in the folder containing the media files and uses that as the thumbnail.
'''Note:''' If you use a Media Manager to download local artwork and create [[NFO files]], the full list may not be available to use in "Choose art" as most, if not all, Media Managers strip out the additional artwork links.
Note: <filename>.jpg will supersede '''<filename>-poster.(jpg/png)''' (result of Eden backward compatibility)


The thumbnail is cached the first time it is read.<br />


{{redv|Deprecated:|If movie.jpg is in the same folder it will override any other thumbnail and will be used as the thumbnail for all movie files in that folder.}}


'''For folders:'''
= Choosing Art You Want =
From within Kodi, you have the ability to manually change the artwork at any time by following these directions.


XBMC checks inside the movie folder for the following files in this order:<br />
'''Note: '''The following is based on the Video Library. Music Library follows the same process, but the screenshots will be slightly different for Choose Art- Artists and Choose Art- Albums
* '''<filename>-poster.(jpg/png)'''
* '''poster.(jpg/png)'''
* '''folder.jpg'''
{{redv|Deprecated:|XBMC first checks for <foldername>.jpg in the parent folder of the movie folder being processed.


If no <foldername>.jpg exists in the parent folder XBMC then checks inside the movie folder for folder.jpg (by default) or any other thumbnail source file names you've specified in the <dvdthumbs> tag in [[AdvancedSettings.xml]].}}
#Highlight the media item whose artwork you want to change.  
#Call up the ''Information'' dialog, (Image 1)
#* For seasons and movie sets the "Choose Art" option is in the [[Context menu]].
#Select ''Choose Art''. (Image 1)
#From within this page, you will be given the option to select which type of artwork you would like to change. (Image 2)
#* If the type of artwork you would like to change is not listed, use the '''Add art type''' button to add it. An onscreen keyboard will be displayed. Enter the new type of artwork and select '''Ok'''.
#* Examples of artwork type are those listed in the following pages- eg clearlogo, clearart, banner etc...
#Once selected, you will then be provided with a list of available artwork at the scraper site, or you can navigate to a local or network location. (Image 3)
#Once you select the desired image, it will replace the existing image. You will be returned to the screen displayed in Image 2
#If you do not intend to change any other artwork types, simply Esc or Back out of the screen


'''For TV series specifically:'''
<gallery widths=350px heights=200px>
File:Artwork-ChooseArt03.jpg|Image 1- Choose Art on the Information dialog
File:Artwork-ChooseArt01.jpg|Image 2- Select which type of artwork to change
File:Artwork-ChooseArt02.jpg|Image 3- List of available remote artworks from the scraped sites, as well as the ability to ''Browse'' local and network sources
File:Artwork-ChooseArt04.jpg|Image 4- Using the Refresh Method
</gallery>
An alternative method for Music and Video library:
#Choose ''Refresh'' as seen in Image 1.
#You will then be asked ''Locally stored information found. Ignore and refresh from Internet?'' (Image 4)
#*To scrape local metadata - Select '''No'''
#**If no local nfo file is available, Kodi will scrape metadata from the online scraper site
#**Local artwork still has priority. If no local artwork is found, {{Kodi}} will search the NFO file for valid links to artwork and download artwork if links are valid
#*To scrape online metadata (and ignore nfo file, if any) - Select '''Yes'''
#**Local artwork still has priority. If no local artwork is found, the scraper results are used to fetch artwork


{{redv|Deprecated:|The thumbnail image can be either a Poster type image OR a Banner type image. A Poster is longer than it is wide in aspect and a Banner is much wider than it is long in aspect.


The same rules apply regarding file naming conventions and by default XBMC will look for folder.jpg for BOTH Posters AND Banners despite the fact that the naming convention might seem
counter intuitive in the case of Banners.


Note: Deprecated as of Frodo <dvdthumbs> is no longer part of advancedsettings.xml - Again, you can use the <dvdthumbs> element in advancedsettings.xml to override the default thumbnail file name that XBMC looks for to make things more meaningful for TV series. If, for example, you
= Add-ons to display artwork =
prefer to use Banners you would probably want to set the <dvdthumbs> element in advancedsettings.xml to remove folder.jpg from the search filter and add banner.jpg to the search filter as follows:
The following add-ons allow you to display your movie, TV show and music artwork.


  <dvdthumbs>
    <remove>folder.jpg|Folder.jpg|folder.JPG|Folder.JPG</remove>
    <add>banner.jpg|Banner.jpg|banner.JPG|Banner.JPG|cover.jpg|Cover.jpg|cover.JPG|Cover.JPG</add>
  </dvdthumbs>


The above example will make XBMC ignore all variants of folder.jpg when searching for thumbnails but recognise multiple variants of banner.jpg and cover.jpg and import those instead.
== Screensavers ==
}}
Want to do more with all that wonderful fanart? Install this Kodi screensaver. Just like a screensaver on computers from yesteryear, the Kodi screensaver will produce a slideshow of your Movie and TV Show fanart, or set it to display your Music Fanart. Don't like either of those? Then setup a directory with your own pictures and it can produce a screensaver from your selection of photos.
{{note|<code>TV series:</code>}}
; {{see also|Add-on:Picture Slideshow Screensaver}}


There is a special case with TV Series where, if you choose to use Banners as your primary thumbnails, you also need Posters in some areas of the UI depending on which skin you are using.


The Aeon Nox skin, which is extremely popular, has a very nice View mode called BannerPlex for example. If you are using that View as your TV Series View, your primary thumbnails for your TV series will
be Banners BUT there are still places where you need to supply a Poster, like the "TV show information" screen that is accessible from the context menu for a Series. In that screen you need a Poster image for the big area on the left that takes up a third of the screen. By default the Banner thumbnail that XBMC imported will be stretched vertically to fill that area and it looks horrible.


As of Frodo, XBMC will import Banners and Posters.  
= Managing Artwork =
There are a number of ways to maintain and improve Kodi's handling of the artwork.  


{{redv|Deprecated:|Fortunately there is a special exception to this rule for TV Series where XBMC will also recognise and import a file called poster.jpg over and above the default thumbnail image.


For this reason you should NEVER name your primary thumbnail images poster.jpg and you should NEVER modify the <dvdthumbs> element in advancedsettings.xml to make it search for variants of poster.jpg.
== Cache ==
{{#lst:Artwork/Cache|intro}}
; {{see also|Artwork/Cache}}


Effectively, you should consider the file name poster.jpg to be a reserved file name in XBMC that is used specifically to solve the Banner / Poster combo issue as described further below.}}


Certain skins, like Aeon Nox, typically provide an option in the settings for the View itself that allows you to explicitly stipulate that a poster file should be used for those areas where a Poster type image is applicable.
== Recovering Disk Space ==
After years of use, it is expected that your system will gather some clutter- that being either orphaned artwork files or corrupted artwork which will not display.  
; {{see also|HOW-TO:Reduce disk space usage}}
; {{see also|Artwork/Cache}}




In Aeon Nox, the setting is on the slide out menu on the left of the screen when you are viewing your series. If you have the BannerPlex view activated and you slide out that menu, then go to
=== Texture Cache Maintenance ===
"Viewtype settings", then look under "GENERAL OPTIONS", you will find an option labelled "Use 'poster.jpg' for poster style viewtypes". If you turn that on, then any poster.jpg that you have in your folders
{{#lst:Texture_Cache_Maintenance_utility|intro}}
when you import your media from disk will be used where a poster type image is appropriate.
; {{see also|Texture Cache Maintenance utility}}


{{note|However, that regardless of any settings, poster.jpg will NOT be used as the All Seasons image. For that you MUST provide a season-all.(jpg/png) file. A quick workaround to this problem is to copy an existing poster.jpg file and rename it to season-all.(jpg/png). That will actually work and import fine.}}


== Picture thumbnails ==
== Import/Export ==
Kodi will generate thumbnails for pictures and folders in the '''[[pictures]]''' area using the following methods:


;Images
Kodi has the facility to export and import the library databases and in particular the artwork. The resolution of the artwork when exported is that used internally by Kodi, and may be lower than the original artwork. Export is the way to capture art that has been downloaded from a remote site as a local file.  
:EXIF thumbnail in JPEG images are then read. If no EXIF thumbnail is available, XBMC will load the image and generate a thumbnail from the image. These are then cached.
; {{see also|Import-export library}}


;Folders
= Accessing with skins and JSON-RPC =
:<MyHolidayPictures>\folder.jpg is checked first. If that file doesn't exist, XBMC will generate a thumbnail from up to 4 random images inside that folder.
{{#lst:Artwork/Accessing with skins and JSON-RPC|intro}}
; {{see also|Artwork/Accessing with skins and JSON-RPC}}


== Thumbnails for file sources ==
You can change the thumbnail displayed for a file source by bringing up the context menu ({{button|menu}} or {{keypress|C}}) and selecting '''"Choose thumbnail"'''.




{{Gotham updated}}
= Troubleshooting =
There are certain scenarios where attempting to replace existing artwork with new artwork, '''you may experience {{kodi}} refusing to load the new artwork'''. This occurs when replacing one artwork with another artwork having the same name. eg replacing ''poster.jpg'' with a new ''poster.jpg''.


[[Category:Thumbnails|*]]
Rest assured that the new image has been accepted, but due to the same filename, {{kodi}} may take upto 24 hrs to check the image hash, realise the image is different and clear out the cached image and replace it with the new one. This is intended behaviour. Further reading available in the following link
 
; {{see also|Artwork/Cache}}
 
 
 
= See Also =
*[[HOW-TO:Create Music Library]]<br>
*[[HOW-TO:Create Video Library]]<br><br>
*[[Add-on:The Movie Database]]<br>
*[[Add-on:Universal Album Scraper]]<br>
*[[Add-on:Universal Artist Scraper]]
 
 
 
 
{{Top}}
 
{{updated|18}}
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Index]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Music library]]
[[Category:Music library]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Advanced topics]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:Quick Start Guide]]

Revision as of 07:39, 26 May 2019

Artwork contents

Artwork Main Page



See also:


Return to:

Home icon grey.png   ▶ Music Library
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▶ Artwork

The use of artwork will transform your mundane media player into a showpiece to be proud of, especially when teamed up with your favourite skin. Kodi will allow you to display Movie Posters, Fanart, Album Covers, Actor and Artist images to name a few. Install the Kodi slideshow add-on, and you will have a constant display of video or music fanart to brighten your entertainment room.

The Kodi scrapers automatically download artwork with little input required by the user. These pages are for those users that want greater control over their artwork by saving artwork locally or creating their own.

As the topic covering artwork is comprehensive, it has been broken down into smaller and more manageable pages for ease of reading. Make use of the Table of Contents and the NavBox located at the top right of the page. Information common to all categories is located on this page and the Artwork Type page.

Be aware that artwork is skin dependent. Not all artwork types are used in all skins.


Obtaining Artwork

Movie, TV Show and Music artwork can be obtained using a variety of methods. The most common method is via the various Kodi scrapers (also known as information providers).


Scrapers

The defautl sources for information and artwork that are used by the default scrapers are:

Movies- Fanart.tv and The MovieDB
TV Shows- Fanart.tv and The MovieDB
Music- Fanart.tv and The AudioDB

Artwork from these sites can also be downloaded manually by visiting and searching the sites and saving the artwork locally as described on the linked pages.


Media Managers

There is a range of software that can create nfo files and download artwork and save them to the correct location and correct naming. They perform the same process and function as the Kodi Scraping operation does natively, but they do not add any entries into the Kodi library. Instead they create what is known as NFO files. This file holds all the metadata for that particular movie, tv show or music. The software will also download associated artwork from the scraper site. Kodi can then read this file and scrape it into the library along with the artwork.

Although these programs are quick and easy to use, they are more suited for use where a movie or tv show is not listed at the scraper site. You are then able to create the metadata from scratch. You would normally use this for, say, home movies, sporting events or other items that are not listed at the scraper site.

It is always best to use Kodi for the normal mainstream scrapes and the Media Managers for the non-listed movie, tv show and music scrapes.


Web Search

Using an online search engine can help you discover individual artworks, or additional sites where artwork is hosted. When downloading, check that the resolution is of an acceptable standard. Also pay respect to any copyright notices that are attached to the artwork.

Once downloaded, they must be named and saved correctly for the artwork to be visible to Kodi.


Create Your Own

So you are not happy with the artwork the scraper downloaded? And you just can't find that perfect artwork by manually searching the internet. Then, you will just have to create your own. For those who are artistically minded and can easily navigate around image editing software, then you should be able to easily create your very own user-defined artwork on your computer. Only your imagination is the limit, but be mindful that the artwork needs to remain true to the movie or tv show it represents.

If you are unsure where to start, the following links may prove useful. Especially if you plan to share your masterpieces. If this is the case, it is best to stick to the posted guidelines.

  • Fanart.TV- The premier repository for all things artwork. They have an in-depth guide for artwork requirements
see : Fanart.tv- Image Creation Guide
  • The MovieDB- The go to movie scraper site for Kodi. In addition to metadata, they also hold a large repository of artwork that are created and uploaded to the site by people just like you. Read their easy to understand artwork creation guide.
see : themoviedb- Image Creation Guide
  • The TVDB- The go to TV Show scraper site for Kodi. In addition to metadata, they also hold a large repository of artwork devoted to TV Shows. Read their easy to understand artwork creation guide.
see : theTVDB- Image Creation Guide
  • IMDB- A comprehensive listing of ensuring artwork is appropriate and suitable.
see : IMDB- Image Submission Guide
  • TheAudioDB- The go to scraper site for all things music. They hold metadata on Artists, Albums and Songs with a large collection of music artwork.
see : TheAudioDB- Image Creation Guide

What Artwork is Used Automatically

Local Art Comes First

Local artwork takes priority, so on update of both music and video libraries Kodi will always use local artwork when it can find some. Only when there is no local artwork found, does Kodi use the artwork that the scrapers can fetch from online sources.

It is important to note that once remote artwork for a movie, tv show, artist or album has been successfully scraped into the library (because there was no local art found when the scraper was run), Kodi will not look for local art to replace it on subsequent library updates.

If you have made changes to either local artwork and/or metadata (in the form of a nfo file), you must instruct Kodi to update using one of the following methods...

  1. If the Library has not yet been created, or the source has not yet been added
    • Ensure your artwork is named and saved correctly. Add the Media sources to Kodi and allow to update. Artwork will be cached
  2. This Movie/TV Show/Album/Artist is new and has not been added to the library yet
    • An Update Library will scrape and cache the artwork, or
    • For Videos, navigate Videos>Files, navigate to the item and call up the Information page. This will start an automatic scrape for that single item
    • For Music, navigate Music>Files, locate and highlight the new artist or album. From the context menu select Scan item to library
  3. I added new artwork for Movie/TV Show/Album/Artist already in the library
    • For videos follow instructions for Kodi- Choose Art below
    • For music follow instructions in Kodi- Choose Art below
  4. I added new artwork for a lot of Movies/TV Shows/Music already in the library
    • Update each Movie/TV Show/Music manually using instructions in the previous option, or
    • Remove the Source and clean library. Re-add the source and allow the Update Library
See also: Update Video Library
See also: Update Music Library


Available Artwork Found By Scrapers

Scraper results (and NFO files) can include multiple potential images for each single type of artwork. When a type of art has not been found locally then during scraping the first image will be automatically assigned to the media item so skins and other interfaces can access it for display. The full list from the scraper results will be saved for the "Choose art" dialog (even if using local artwork), where you can select a new image for any art type from those available online and of course local files.

Note: If you use a Media Manager to download local artwork and create NFO files, the full list may not be available to use in "Choose art" as most, if not all, Media Managers strip out the additional artwork links.


Choosing Art You Want

From within Kodi, you have the ability to manually change the artwork at any time by following these directions.

Note: The following is based on the Video Library. Music Library follows the same process, but the screenshots will be slightly different for Choose Art- Artists and Choose Art- Albums

  1. Highlight the media item whose artwork you want to change.
  2. Call up the Information dialog, (Image 1)
    • For seasons and movie sets the "Choose Art" option is in the Context menu.
  3. Select Choose Art. (Image 1)
  4. From within this page, you will be given the option to select which type of artwork you would like to change. (Image 2)
    • If the type of artwork you would like to change is not listed, use the Add art type button to add it. An onscreen keyboard will be displayed. Enter the new type of artwork and select Ok.
    • Examples of artwork type are those listed in the following pages- eg clearlogo, clearart, banner etc...
  5. Once selected, you will then be provided with a list of available artwork at the scraper site, or you can navigate to a local or network location. (Image 3)
  6. Once you select the desired image, it will replace the existing image. You will be returned to the screen displayed in Image 2
  7. If you do not intend to change any other artwork types, simply Esc or Back out of the screen

An alternative method for Music and Video library:

  1. Choose Refresh as seen in Image 1.
  2. You will then be asked Locally stored information found. Ignore and refresh from Internet? (Image 4)
    • To scrape local metadata - Select No
      • If no local nfo file is available, Kodi will scrape metadata from the online scraper site
      • Local artwork still has priority. If no local artwork is found, Kodi will search the NFO file for valid links to artwork and download artwork if links are valid
    • To scrape online metadata (and ignore nfo file, if any) - Select Yes
      • Local artwork still has priority. If no local artwork is found, the scraper results are used to fetch artwork


Add-ons to display artwork

The following add-ons allow you to display your movie, TV show and music artwork.


Screensavers

Want to do more with all that wonderful fanart? Install this Kodi screensaver. Just like a screensaver on computers from yesteryear, the Kodi screensaver will produce a slideshow of your Movie and TV Show fanart, or set it to display your Music Fanart. Don't like either of those? Then setup a directory with your own pictures and it can produce a screensaver from your selection of photos.


Managing Artwork

There are a number of ways to maintain and improve Kodi's handling of the artwork.


Cache

Kodi maintains a texture cache on local device storage for all artwork displayed in the GUI, whether from an online source or the local file system. These textures are optimized and stored locally for faster loading.

When media is added to the library, Kodi initially only has a URL or path to the artwork. The artwork itself is downloaded (if from an online source) and then cached.


Recovering Disk Space

After years of use, it is expected that your system will gather some clutter- that being either orphaned artwork files or corrupted artwork which will not display.


Texture Cache Maintenance

Texture Cache Maintenance utility is a python script created by MillhouseVH, that can do a number of artwork related maintenance on the Kodi library. The script can be used to pre-generate thumbnails, clean up old thumbnail files, find corrupted files, and much more. The script can work on any OS that can run Python 2.6 or higher.


Import/Export

Kodi has the facility to export and import the library databases and in particular the artwork. The resolution of the artwork when exported is that used internally by Kodi, and may be lower than the original artwork. Export is the way to capture art that has been downloaded from a remote site as a local file.

Accessing with skins and JSON-RPC

The primary usage of artwork is to be displayed, and to that end, they can be accessed by name in skins and over JSON-RPC.


Troubleshooting

There are certain scenarios where attempting to replace existing artwork with new artwork, you may experience Kodi refusing to load the new artwork. This occurs when replacing one artwork with another artwork having the same name. eg replacing poster.jpg with a new poster.jpg.

Rest assured that the new image has been accepted, but due to the same filename, Kodi may take upto 24 hrs to check the image hash, realise the image is different and clear out the cached image and replace it with the new one. This is intended behaviour. Further reading available in the following link


See Also



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