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{{Video setup quick links}}
{{VideoLibraryCreate}}
{{mininav|[[Video library]]|[[Video management|Management]]|[[Naming video files]]}}
{{mininav| [[Video library]] |[[HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library|Create Video Library]] }}
{{#lst:Naming video files|naming files}}
__TOC__
== Naming conventions ==
In order to be scanned correctly, '''movie''' folder names should only have the title and the '''year (optional)'''.
'''[[Media flags#Media source|Media source flags]]''' can also be added via file names to indicate source/quality of the movie (see link for more info).


'''To improve''' matching add the '''year''' within parenthesis to the end of the foldername, or filename - depending on your scanning method and folder structure (before the extension, if filename), this naming standard seems to yield the best results.


;Movies stored in individual folders
= Introduction =
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


\Movies\The Man With the Golden Gun\goldengun.avi
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.


\Movies\Avatar (2009)\somefilename.mkv
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.
\Movies\The Usual Suspects (1995)\somefilename.avi


\Movies\The Usual Suspects (1995)\somefilename-cd1.avi
\Movies\The Usual Suspects (1995)\somefilename-cd2.avi
\Movies\Avatar (2009)\Avatar (2009)-cd1.mkv
\Movies\Avatar (2009)\Avatar (2009)-cd2.mkv


{{note|If the wrong movie is picked up even if foldername or filename is correct, the movie can have an earlier original title. This often happens to movies made in 1950's and after.}}


= 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.


;Movies based on file name alone
'''''Movie Name (Year)''''' - This is the correct naming format for both the movie files and movie folders.


\Movies\The Man With The Golden Gun.avi
{{divbox|yellow||If you are unsure of the name or year, then look it up at '''''[https://www.themoviedb.org/ TheMovieDB website]'''''}}
\Movies\Pulp Fiction (1994).avi
\Movies\Reservoir Dogs (1992).avi
\Movies\The Usual Suspects (1995).avi


  \Movies\Avatar (2009)-cd1.mkv
= Movie Folders =
\Movies\Avatar (2009)-cd2.mkv
{|
! 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}}


And for DVD-Video movies stored in file-mode on the harddrive or [[SMB]] [[NFS]]:
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.
\Movies\Alien (1979)\VIDEO_TS.IFO
\Movies\Léon (1994)\VIDEO_TS.IFO
\Movies\Scarface (1983)\VIDEO_TS.IFO
Alternatively:
  \Movies\Alien (1979)\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO
  \Movies\Léon (1994)\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO
  \Movies\Scarface (1983)\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO
{{note|If using VIDEO_TS folder structure you must enable "recursive" lookup when adding the source directory.}}


== 3D movies ==
Each movie file is placed into its own folder which is then added to your Source.
{{Main|3D}}
* Placing movies in their own folder allows saving of local artwork and NFO files alongside the movie file.
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.
* 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;"|
|}


== Media source tags ==
{{main|Media flags#Media source}}
Depending on the interface [[skin]] you are using, you can add additional media source information to a movie entry in Kodi. For example, in the default skin "Confluence" you can label when a file was ripped from a bluray disc by including BLURAY, BRRIP, BD25, or BD50 in the file name after the title. The exact options are different for each interface skin, but a list for the default Confluence skin can be seen on [[Media flags#Media source]].


;Example
:<code>Back to the Future (1985).bluray.mkv</code>


== Split video files (file stacking) ==
= Flat Folder =
By using the following naming extensions and enabling {{highlight|bordered=yes|[[Settings/Videos#File lists|Settings -> Media Settings -> Videos -> Combined split video items]]}}, you can enable "file stacking" for split video files. File stacking allows multiple video files to appear and play as if it were one movie file.
{|
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; text-align:left;"|
! scope="row" ! |
|-
| [[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.


=== Name extensions for stacking ===
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.
'''For single files:'''


The following are default stacking extensions that can be added to file names These are for video file names that are in the same folder.
The movie filename must contain the '''Title''' with the '''Year''' in parenthesis. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.


'''#''' can be '''1''' through '''9''' or '''A''' through '''D'''. No spaces between the extension and number.
* {{code|part#}}
* {{code|cd#}}
* {{code|dvd#}}
* {{code|pt#}}
* {{code|disk#}}
* {{code|disc#}}


You can also use:
There are disadvantages using this method:
* moviename'''#'''.ext
* With larger libraries, this method can become untidy and cumbersome to maintain
where '''#''' can be '''A''' through '''D'''.
* 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|Media Flags]]'''''. In rare instances, there may be a mismatch due to conflict with the modified file name.
|}


{{divbox|blue|Example:|
* <code>Avatar part1.mkv</code>
* <code>Avatar part2.mkv</code>
in the same folder will appear as a single "Avatar" entry in both library and file views.
}}


'''For video files in folders:'''


Such as VIDEO_TS folders (DVD rips that are not in ISO format), you can stack them using the folder name that contains the movie name.
= Split Video Files =
{{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]}}
{|
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; text-align:left;"|
! scope="row" ! |
|-
| [[File:Video-Movie FolderStacking.png|left|400px|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.


'''#''' can be '''1''' through '''9'''. No spaces between the extension and number.
To use this function the following steps are required:
* {{code|cd#}}
# This feature can only be used when '''Movie Folders''' are used.
* {{code|dvd#}}
# Modify the video file names, as described in the table below, so that Kodi recognises them as Split Video Files
* {{code|disc#}}
* {{code|disk#}}


{{divbox|blue|Example:|
*<code>The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring DVD1/VIDEO_TS/etc...</code>
*<code>The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring DVD2/VIDEO_TS/etc...</code>
will appear as a single "The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring" entry in both library and file views.
}}


{{note|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"
|-
! colspan="1" style="background-color:#ffffcc; text-align:left;" | Type
! colspan="7" style="background-color:#ffffcc;" | Stacking Flags
|-
| 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;"|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#
|}


;Notes
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.
* The default expressions will NOT stack files which use only a number as the volume token (eg movie1.avi, movie2.avi). This is intentional due to false positives which can occur with sequels in a flat directory layout. Some solutions to this problem (in order of best to worst) follow...
*# Use a dir-per-movie directory layout, see the '''append''' example of the [[Advancedsettings.xml#.3Cmoviestacking.3E|moviestacking]] advanced setting.
*# Rename offending files to match one of the more specific volume tokens (ie. cd1, part1, etc).
*# Create special-case regular expressions for those files that fail to stack (see [[#Advanced stacking options]]).


<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''
|}


=== NFO files for stacking ===
= Other =
{{main|NFO files/Movies}}
; [[3D]]
{{#lst:NFO files/Movies|stacking note}}
: {{#lst:3D|intro}}


=== Advanced stacking options ===
; [[Extras]]
File stacking can be tuned by the user to match obscure cases using the '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#moviestacking|<moviestacking>]]''' and '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#folderstacking|<folderstacking>]]''' advancedsettings.xml settings.
: 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_video_and_audio_streams|Internet Streams]]
: {{#lst:Internet_video_and_audio_streams|intro}}


{{Isengard updated}}
; [[Media_flags|Media Flags]]
: Where supported by the skin, allows displaying of extra video file information through the use of modified file naming


; [[Media_stubs|Stub Files]]
: {{#lst:Media_stubs|intro}}
; [[Trailers]]
: {{#lst:Trailers|intro}}
<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}}
{{updated|19}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:First time user]]

Revision as of 01:21, 10 December 2022

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.

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


Note: 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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