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{{VideoLibraryCreate}}
{{VideoLibraryCreate}}
{{mininav|[[Video library]]|[[Video management|Management]]|[[Naming video files]]}}
{{mininav| [[Video library]] |[[HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library|Create Video Library]] }}




= Introduction =
= Introduction =
<section begin="intro" />This page will describe the '''{{Kodi}} recommended method''' to name Movie files and create the folder structure to save them in. Your folder structure and files will be placed within your Source folder which was detailed in the previous page of the guide.<section end="intro" />
There are two methods to organise your movies:
{{-}}
# '''Movie Folders'''- Each movie is saved in its own folder within the Source. ''(recommended)''
# '''Flat Folder'''- All movie files are saved in the Source folder


While {{kodi}} can be a little bit flexible, and some users have come up with "unusual" setups for their media files, {{kodi}} will only recommend the Movie Folder method described below.


= Folder & Naming Conventions =
We also recommend that your media is ripped to single files, like .mkv, rather than keeping the needlessly complex structure of Bluray and DVD folders.
[[File:Video-Movie Folder File Structure.png|400px|right]]
Once the Source has been created on your drive, there are are two options on how to store your movies.  






== Movie Folder & Filename ==
= Naming =
[[File:MovieNaming02.jpg|400px|right]]
The naming of your files and folders is '''critical''' to ensure the scrapers can correctly identify the movie, and it is simple to achieve.
This method is the '''{{Kodi}} recommended method''' for storing movie media and is detailed in the images to the right. There is some limited flexibility to correct naming, but not all methods are 100% guaranteed to work. This section deals with Kodi best practice and has been proven to be the most reliable and robust method.


'''''Movie Name (Year)''''' - This is the correct naming format for both the movie files and movie folders.


'''Folder'''
If you are unsure of the name or year, then look it up at '''''[https://www.themoviedb.org/ TheMovieDB website]'''''
*Inside the Source folder, create a folder named with the movie title
*Movie '''Folder''' names must contain the '''Title''' and should contain the '''Year'''. Although not a strict requirement, the year should be in brackets.
*The second image to the right is a screenshot of the ''Blade Runner 2049'' movie entry at TheMovieDatabase site, being the default {{Kodi}} movie scraper. The name of the movie folder should match the name displayed at the scraper site, as shown in the two images.




'''File'''
*Within the new movie folder, save the movie '''file'''
*The setting '''Movies are in separate folders that match the movie title''' which is located in the Set Content settings page of the Source has the following effect:
**If '''Enabled''' {{Kodi}} will use the '''folder''' name to scrape the movie
**If '''Disabled''' {{kodi}} will use the '''filename''' to scrape the movie
*In light of the above, and because many users are unaware or forget this setting, {{Kodi}} recommends naming the movie file the same as the folder name as shown in the example image above
*The '''filename''' can be modified to include '''''[[Media_flags|Media Flags]]'''''


= Movie Folders =
{|
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; background-color:#a1f5e4; text-align:left;"|
! scope="row" ! |
|-
| style="background-color:#c4ffe2;"| [[File:Video-Movie Folder File Structure.png|left|400px|Image 1- Movie Folders]] || style="background-color:#c4ffe2;"|
{{resize|1.3em|This is the '''recommended''' method for organising your movies}}


Placing movies in their own folder allows saving of local artwork and nfo files alongside the movie file.
All files and folders should be simply named with the name of the movie and the year in brackets. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.


Using this method will provide the safest and most accurate scrape of your media collection.  
Each movie file is placed into its own folder which is then added to your Source.
* Placing movies in their own folder allows saving of local artwork and NFO files alongside the movie file.
* You have the choice of using the Short or Long name format for the artwork. See: '''''[[Movie_artwork#Local_Artwork | Local Artwork]] '''''
* Using this method will provide the safest and most accurate scrape of your media collection.  
* Most library related add-ons will only work correctly with this method.
* Some skins use modified file naming to display additional '''''[[Media_flags|Media Flags]]'''''. These apply to the filename, not the folder name.
|-
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; background-color:#a1f5e4; text-align:left;"|
|}


If using VIDEO_TS or BDMV folder structure you must enable '''Recursive''' lookup when adding the source directory. (You will be reminded of this and the above setting in later pages.)




It is important to be aware that no scraper or folder and naming convention is 100% foolproof. There are just some cases where human intervention is required. A perfect example of this case is movies with the exact same name and year. See the following two movies as an example...
= Flat Folder =
: Split (2016) - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/425636
{|
: Split (2016) - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/409583-split
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; text-align:left;"|
 
! scope="row" ! |
How to overcome problems such as this are explained in '''''[[Incorrect_and_missing_videos|Scraping Problems]]'''''
|-
{{-}}
| [[File:Video-Movie File Structure.png|left|400px|Image 2- Flat Folder]] ||
 
An alternate method of storing your movies is to save all the movie files inside the Source folder and omit the Movie folder. Also known as a '''flat folder''' structure.
 
== Filename Only ==
[[File:Video-Movie File Structure.png|400px|right]]


An alternate method of storing your movies is to save all the movie files inside the Source folder and omit the Movie folder. Also known as a '''flat folder''' structure. See image to right for examples.
This method requires that the movie file is named correctly as Kodi is forced to use the movie '''filename''' to match the entry at the scraper site.


This method requires that the movie file is named correctly as Kodi is forced to use the movie '''filename''' to match the entry at the scraper site. The movie file must be named as follows:
The movie filename must contain the '''Title''' with the '''Year''' in parenthesis. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.
::Movie Filename must contain the '''Title''' and should contain the '''Year'''. Although not a strict requirement, the year should be in brackets. It should match the entry at the scraper site as shown in the above images.




There are disadvantages using this method:
There are disadvantages using this method:
*With larger libraries, this method can become untidy and cumbersome to maintain
* With larger libraries, this method can become untidy and cumbersome to maintain
*If you use nfo files and save local artwork, the folder will become even more cluttered
* If you use nfo files and save local artwork, the Source folder will become even more cluttered
*Some Artwork add-ons will not work with this method as they require a Movie Folder
* Some library related add-ons will not work with this method as they require a Movie Folder
*Saving locally stored Artwork will be problematic and, in some cases, impossible to use.
* Some skins use modified file naming to display additional '''''[[Media_flags|Media Flags]]'''''. In rare instances, there may be a mismatch due to conflict with the modified file name.
*The option '''Movies are in separate folders that match the movie title''' in the Set Content settings page of the Source does not apply to this method.
{{-}}
 
 
== Extra Video Files ==
It is not uncommon to have extra video files that are somehow related to the main movie. Clips such as bloopers, interviews with cast and crew, production methods etc.
 
{{Kodi}} will see all these additional video files saved inside the movie folder and attempt to scrape them, which will cause incorrect and unwanted multiple entries in the library. How {{kodi}} actually treats these will depend upon which settings are enabled and which folder structure and naming convention is in use.
 
To safely store extra video files along with your movie, and have them accessible within {{kodi}}, you will need to install the '''Extras''' add-on. Follow the instructions in the link below to create the correct folder structure. This add-on will only work with Movie Folders.
{{see|Add-on:Extras}}
 
 
 
 
----
'''{{big|{{red|The remainder of this page deals with Special Use cases and can be safely ignored. Most libraries will not require implementing the following additional name extensions.}}}}'''
----
 
 
 
= Media Tags / Flags =
{{main|Media flags}}
 
[[File:480.png|50px]] [[File:1080.png|50px]] [[File:720.png|50px]] [[File:1080 n.png|50px]] [[File:480-1.png|50px]]
[[File:Divx.png|80px]] [[File:Xvid.png|80px]] [[File:H264.png|80px]] [[File:Bluray.png|80px]] [[File:Dvd.png|80px]] [[File:Avc1.png|80px]]
[[File:1.33.png|50px]] [[File:1.66.png|50px]] [[File:2.20.png|50px]] [[File:2.35.png|50px]]
 
 
Media flags are icons in Kodi that displays the meta-information from the media file of a movie, TV show or music title. They are skin specific, and what works in one skin, may not work in another skin. It is always best to check with the skin sub-forum which flags and tags are used.
 
'''It is important to note that the skin will display these flags even when these extensions are not used.''' The only difference being that without the extensions, the movie must be played first in order for {{kodi}} to read the audio and video codec data.
 
'''The actual audio and video codec data will override any extension used.''' This means that if you set the extension of, say, '''.ATMOS''' but the video file only has a stereo track, then the '''.ATMOS''' flag will be removed.
 
 
Example- note that movie folders are used, and the folder is simply named while the filename has been modified with extensions.
{| class="prettytable"
|-
! scope="row" ! style="width:400px; background-color:#ffffcc; text-align:left;"| ...\Paul (2011)\Paul (2011).4K.HDR.Atmos.mkv
|}
|}
== 3D movies ==
{{Main|3D}}
Some 3D movies might need an additional file name extension to be identified by Kodi as a 3D movie. See '''[[3D]]''' for details on that additional extension, and when it is needed.






= Split Video Files =
= Split Video Files =
Also known as File Stacking, allows you to combine multiple movie files so they appear and play as the one movie. No longer a common requirement, but still available in {{kodi}} should it be needed.
{{warning|File Stacking for ISO files, Bluray and DVD folders is currently broken and cannot be used. See [https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc/issues/16109 Issue report: 16109]}}
 
{|
An example of this use is the Special Extended DVD Edition of ''The Lord of the Rings- The Fellowship of the Ring''. Due to the length of the movie, the movie was split and released on two DVD's requiring a DVD change half way through the movie. This means that when storing this movie, the rip creates two separate movie files. When watching the movie, there will be an interruption when the first part ends and the second part needs to be selected to play.
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; text-align:left;"|
 
! scope="row" ! |
Two options to overcome this issue:
|-
#Combine both movie files into a single movie file.
| [[File:Video-Movie FolderStacking.png|left|400px|Image 3- Split Video Files]] ||
#Leave them as Split Video Files, but allow Kodi to combine them into the one library entry (kodi does not combine the actual movie files)
Also known as ''File Stacking'', allows you to combine multiple movie files so they appear and play as a single movie. No longer a common requirement, but still available in {{kodi}} should it be needed.


To use this function the following steps are required:
To use this function the following steps are required:
#The setting '''Combine split video items''' must be enabled in the Settings menu. '''''See: [[Settings/Media/Videos#Files|Settings>Media>Files]]'''''
# This feature can only be used when '''Movie Folders''' are used.
#Modify the movie file names, as described below, so that Kodi recognises them as Split Video Files
# Modify the video file names, as described in the table below, so that Kodi recognises them as Split Video Files
#Can only be used with the '''Movie Folder & Filename''' method described above
 
The default expressions will NOT stack files which use only a number without the extensions stated below (eg movie1.avi, movie2.avi). This is intentional due to false positives which can occur with sequels, eg Die Hard 1, Die Hard 2, Die Hard 3, etc.
 
 
 
== Movie Files ==
'''These are for multi-part video files in the same Movie folder.''' eg *.mkv, *.mp4, *.avi etc


The following are default stacking extensions that can be added to file names.
[[File:Video-Movie FolderStacking.png|600px|right]]


The setting '''[[Settings/Media/Videos#Files|Combine split video items]]''' has no effect on how this feature works. This setting simply combines the split titles when viewing the entry in Videos>Files.
{| class="prettytable"  
{| class="prettytable"  
|-
|-
! colspan="7" style="background-color:#ffffcc;" | # = 1 thru 9 OR A thru D. No space.
! colspan="1" style="background-color:#ffffcc; text-align:left;" | Type
! colspan="7" style="background-color:#ffffcc;" | Stacking Flags
|-
|-
! scope="row" ! style="width:100px; text-align:left;"| Default Stacking Extensions
| scope="row" ! style="width:250px; text-align:left;"| Split single files- ''mkv, mp4 etc''
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|cd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|dvd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disc#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disk#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|part#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|part#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|cd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|dvd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|pt#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|pt#
|style="width:90px; text-align:left;"|A, B, C, D <sup>1</sup>
|-
| scope="row" ! style="width:250px; text-align:left;"| DVD & Bluray folders & ISO files
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|cd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|dvd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disc#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disk#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disk#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disc#
|-
! colspan="7" style="background-color:#ffffcc;" | # = A thru D. No space.
|-
! scope="row" ! style="width:100px; text-align:left;"| Default Stacking Extensions
| colspan="7" |moviename'''#'''.ext<br />
eg.<br />
e:\Movies 1\Lucy (2014)A.mkv<br />
e:\Movies 1\Lucy (2014)B.mkv
|}
|}
File stacking can be fine-tuned by the user to match obscure cases using the '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#moviestacking|<moviestacking>]]''' and '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#folderstacking|<folderstacking>]]''' advancedsettings.xml settings.
<sup>1</sup> Example of A, B, C, D flags (no space):
::''The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)A.mkv''
::''The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)B.mkv''
|}




= Other =
; [[3D]]
: {{#lst:3D|intro}}


== DVD & BluRay Folders ==
; [[Extras]]
If you have preserved the DVD or Bluray folder structure, then use this method for folder stacking.
: Use one of the Extras add-ons to save related videos such as bloopers, interviews with cast and crew, production methods, behind the scenes, so they are accessible within {{kodi}}


{| class="prettytable"
; [[Internet_video_and_audio_streams|Internet Streams]]
|-
: {{#lst:Internet_video_and_audio_streams|intro}}
! colspan="5" style="background-color:#ffffcc;" | # = 1 thru 9. No space.
 
|-
; [[Media_flags|Media Flags]]
! scope="row" ! style="width:100px; text-align:left;"| Default Stacking Extensions
: Where supported by the skin, allows displaying of extra video file information through the use of modified file naming
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|cd#
 
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|dvd#
; [[Media_stubs|Stub Files]]
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disk#
: {{#lst:Media_stubs|intro}}
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disc#
|}


; [[Trailers]]
: {{#lst:Trailers|intro}}




== Advanced Stacking Options ==
File stacking can be fine-tuned by the user to match obscure cases using the '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#moviestacking|<moviestacking>]]''' and '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#folderstacking|<folderstacking>]]''' advancedsettings.xml settings.




<center>
{| style="border: 1px solid black;"
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style=" text-align:center;" | [[File:Mergefrom.gif|60px|link=Source_folder]]
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''Previous step'''
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''Next step'''
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style=" text-align:center;" | [[File:Merge-arrow.gif|60px|link=Naming_video_files/TV_shows]]
|-
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''[[Source folder]]'''
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''[[Naming_video_files/TV_shows|TV Show Setup]]'''
|}</center>




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


<div style="{{linear-gradient|left|#a1f5e4, #f5f5a1}}">{{next|[[Naming_video_files/TV_shows|'''Naming TV Shows''']]}} </div>
{{updated|17}}
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Index]]
[[Category:How-to]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:General topics]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:Quick Start Guide]]

Revision as of 03:17, 30 January 2021

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
Home icon grey.png   ▶ Video library ▶ Create Video Library ▶ Movies


Introduction

There are two methods to organise your movies:

  1. Movie Folders- Each movie is saved in its own folder within the Source. (recommended)
  2. Flat Folder- All movie files are saved in the Source folder

While Kodi can be a little bit flexible, and some users have come up with "unusual" setups for their media files, Kodi will only recommend the Movie Folder method described below.

We also recommend that your media is ripped to single files, like .mkv, rather than keeping the needlessly complex structure of Bluray and DVD folders.


Naming

The naming of your files and folders is critical to ensure the scrapers can correctly identify the movie, and it is simple to achieve.

Movie Name (Year) - This is the correct naming format for both the movie files and movie folders.

If you are unsure of the name or year, then look it up at TheMovieDB website


Movie Folders

Image 1- Movie Folders

This is the recommended method for organising your movies

All files and folders should be simply named with the name of the movie and the year in brackets. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.

Each movie file is placed into its own folder which is then added to your Source.

  • Placing movies in their own folder allows saving of local artwork and NFO files alongside the movie file.
  • You have the choice of using the Short or Long name format for the artwork. See: Local Artwork
  • Using this method will provide the safest and most accurate scrape of your media collection.
  • Most library related add-ons will only work correctly with this method.
  • Some skins use modified file naming to display additional Media Flags. These apply to the filename, not the folder name.


Flat Folder

Image 2- Flat Folder

An alternate method of storing your movies is to save all the movie files inside the Source folder and omit the Movie folder. Also known as a flat folder structure.

This method requires that the movie file is named correctly as Kodi is forced to use the movie filename to match the entry at the scraper site.

The movie filename must contain the Title with the Year in parenthesis. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.


There are disadvantages using this method:

  • With larger libraries, this method can become untidy and cumbersome to maintain
  • If you use nfo files and save local artwork, the Source folder will become even more cluttered
  • Some library related add-ons will not work with this method as they require a Movie Folder
  • Some skins use modified file naming to display additional Media Flags. In rare instances, there may be a mismatch due to conflict with the modified file name.


Split Video Files

Stop hand.png File Stacking for ISO files, Bluray and DVD folders is currently broken and cannot be used. See Issue report: 16109
Image 3- Split Video Files

Also known as File Stacking, allows you to combine multiple movie files so they appear and play as a single movie. No longer a common requirement, but still available in Kodi should it be needed.

To use this function the following steps are required:

  1. This feature can only be used when Movie Folders are used.
  2. Modify the video file names, as described in the table below, so that Kodi recognises them as Split Video Files


The setting Combine split video items has no effect on how this feature works. This setting simply combines the split titles when viewing the entry in Videos>Files.

Type Stacking Flags
Split single files- mkv, mp4 etc cd# dvd# disc# disk# part# pt# A, B, C, D 1
DVD & Bluray folders & ISO files cd# dvd# disc# disk#

File stacking can be fine-tuned by the user to match obscure cases using the <moviestacking> and <folderstacking> advancedsettings.xml settings.

1 Example of A, B, C, D flags (no space):

The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)A.mkv
The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)B.mkv


Other

3D
Starting in v13, Kodi supports a number of passive 3D video formats such as SBS, TAB, anaglyph or interlaced. This support extends to the Kodi GUI including subtitles and on-screen-controls.
Extras
Use one of the Extras add-ons to save related videos such as bloopers, interviews with cast and crew, production methods, behind the scenes, so they are accessible within Kodi
Internet Streams
Various internet video and audio streams can be played back in Kodi as if they were locally stored on your media center by using STRM files. As long as the format and streaming-method (network-protocol) is supported by Kodi, stream can be added. These are basic text files that look like <name>.strm and contain a URL to the internet stream. STRM files can also be added to the video library and can have cover art, summaries, etc.

Some internet sites may have an add-on available that can also access these media streams, rather than having to manually create STRM files. See Add-ons for more information on how to find and install add-ons.

Media Flags
Where supported by the skin, allows displaying of extra video file information through the use of modified file naming
Stub Files
  • If you have a collection of DVD's and Bluray disks but do not want to rip them to a hard drive, then a Media Stub File allows you to add the collection of disks to the Kodi Video Library.
  • It is a simple text based file that is added to your Source in exactly the same way as any other Movie or TV Show, which is then scanned or scraped into the library.
Trailers
Trailers can be scanned or scraped into the library along with the movie metadata and artwork. Watch the trailers independently or specialised add-ons can be used to re-create the cinema experience by playing trailers before viewing a movie.



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Source folder TV Show Setup


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