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{{mininav|[[General topics]]|[[First time user]]}}
{{mininav|[[First time user]]}}
Congratulations, new user, in your choice of [[w:media center|media center]] software: [[Kodi|{{Kodi}}]]!




= Introduction =
Hello and welcome to {{Kodi}}!!


<section begin="intro" />This guide is designed to get you up and running with {{Kodi}} in the shortest time possible, and was written with the most typical use cases in mind.<section end="intro" />
{{Kodi}} is an open source media centre '''software''' that can play a wide variety of Music and Video formats in addition to viewing '''[[PVR|Live TV]]''' and using add-ons (plugins) to further enhance your {{kodi}}. The software can be installed on a variety of platforms as detailed on the '''''[[First time user]]''''' wiki page.
For more in depth information please refer to the [[Main Page|{{Kodi}} online wiki manual]]


The {{Kodi}} interface is designed with the '[[w:Home cinema|Home Theater]]' in mind.  This means it is best viewed on a large-screen TV while you sit on your couch [[10-foot user interface|10-feet away from that TV]], rather than on a small monitor while you sit at your desk.
{{Kodi}} is designed with the '''''[[w:Home cinema|Home Theater]]''''' in mind using a '''''[[w:10-foot_user_interface|10-foot user interface]]''''' rather than on a small monitor while you sit at your desk. Because everything is designed with the home theater experience in mind, the best way to interact with {{Kodi}} is with a remote control or keyboard, rather than with a mouse.  If it helps, think of {{Kodi}} as the ultimate DVD-player/set-top-box. Be aware that mouse functionality is limited.
Because everything is designed with the home theater experience in mind, the best way to interact with {{Kodi}} is with a remote control, rather than a computer mouse.  If it helps, think of {{Kodi}} as the ultimate DVD-player/set-top-box.


== Installing {{Kodi}} ==
{{main|Installing}}
{{#lst:Installing|intro}}


If you haven't already done so, download {{Kodi}} from '''http://kodi.tv/download/''' or see the installation guides here:
<section begin="intro" />This guide is designed to point you to the correct information that will assist in correctly setting up your {{kodi}}. We strongly recommend you follow the guides to ensure the correct setup.<section end="intro" />
{{#lst:Installing|OS}}
See the '''[[Installing]]''' page for additional guides.


== Adding files ==
''{{red|We strongly urge you to not follow the numerous YouTube video guides as nearly all those guides have been written with the single minded purpose of Piracy and Copyright Infringement. THERE IS NO SUPPORT FOR THAT HERE at {{kodi}}.}}''
{{See also|File sharing|Media sources}}
While you can just use {{Kodi}} with plain file views, adding/scanning files to the library will add rich features such as cover art, summaries, thumbnails, trailers, and more.  


To just quickly add files see [[Adding videos to the library/Adding media sources]].
=== Adding videos to the library ===
{{main|Adding videos to the library|Video library}}
{{#lst:Video library/Adding media sources|adding video}}


=== Adding music to the library ===
If you have not already downloaded and installed the {{kodi}} software, return to '''''[[First time user]]''''' and follow the installation instructions for your chosen operating system.
:''See also: '''[[Adding music to the library]]''' and '''[[Music library]]'''''
In order to be able to include information on your music collection in the library, {{Kodi}} needs your music to be tagged. When your collection is scanned, {{Kodi}} stores all the tagging information (artist, album, year, genre, etc) in the database which allows you to efficiently search and manage your music collection.
Today most media applications and players (e.g. iTunes / iPod) organize music by this ID tag information.


{{note|Your audio files ''must'' have a valid ID tag for them to work properly in the {{Kodi}} music library.}}
''{{red|{{Kodi}} does not sell hardware, nor are we affiliated or promote any of the so called "{{kodi}} boxes" that are advertised for sale. We strongly urge you not to purchase these devices as they are normally pre-installed with add-ons used for piracy and copyright infringement, and some have been known to contain malware. The [https://forum.kodi.tv/ {{kodi}} forum] does not provide support for these types of devices.}}''
{{#lst:Adding music to the library|First Time Music Setup}}
 
 
 
= Basic Controls =
Read this page to familiarise yourself with the menu system and other screens in {{kodi}}.
{{see|Basic controls}}
 
 
 
= Library Mode =
;Why do I need a library?
One of the features that makes {{kodi}} so great is the ability to display all types of artwork and metadata (plots, directors, actors etc) in a visually stunning format.
 
The Libraries are accessed from the Main Menu using...
*Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos for the Video Library
*Music for the Music Library.
 
To use the numerous features that are only possible with a correctly setup library, then your video and/or music collections need to be added to the library to correctly function.  
 
{{Kodi}} consists of two libraries - Music and Video. The following guides have been created to guide you through the setup process of both.
 
{{Index two column
| link name 1 = Guide to Create and Modify your Video Library
| link 1 = HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library
| image 1 = Video.png
| link name 2 = Guide to Create and Modify your Music Library
| link 2 = :HOW-TO:Create_Music_Library
| image 2 = Nuvola apps kscd.png
}}
 
 
 
= File Mode =
If you do not want to create the libraries and take advantage of these features, then you can '''''[[Add-on:Estuary/Settings#Main_Menu_Items|hide Menu items]]''''' and access your media through the inbuilt file browser accessed from the main menu by selecting '''Videos''' then '''Files'''.
 
Be aware that using this mode, {{kodi}} becomes a simple media player with limited functionality. There will be no extended artwork and no movie information amongst many other missing features which all require a library to function. In effect, {{kodi}} is a simple file browser similar to Windows Explorer, and will simply allow you to browse your folders and files as set up on your hard drives.
 
 
= Live TV and Radio =
{{main|PVR}}
With a pre-installed backend PVR Tuner, {{Kodi}} can be used as the front end interface to view and record live TV and radio, similar to a TiVO setup.
 
 
 
= Adding Games =
{{main|Games}}
Note! Games support are not available before Kodi v18 Leia! The Games option allows you to add stand-alone games and games running in emulators which can be launched from Kodi.
 
Games does not yet use any library functions and is simply a file browser. New in Kodi v18 Leia is also many an input manager with many game controller settings for configuring gamepads, joysticks, keyboards, and mouses, for use inside those games/emulators that are running natively inside Kodi's runtime.


=== Adding pictures ===
Adding sources for your [[pictures]] follows the same method as adding other media sources.  From the Home Page navigate to Pictures, select Add Source and browse to the location of your picture files.


== Using a remote control ==
{{main|Remote controls}}
{{#lst:Remote controls|intro}}


== {{Kodi}} add-ons ==
= {{Kodi}} add-ons =
{{Main|Add-ons|Add-on manager}}
{{Main|Add-ons|Add-on manager}}
{{#lst:Add-ons|intro}}
{{#lst:Add-ons|intro}}


{{#lst:Add-on manager|HOW-TO install}}


== Changing the look and feel of {{Kodi}} ==
{{Kodi}} is unlike many contemporary media and gaming centers, in that it can be easily customized to look completely different using ''[[skins]]'' while still remaining equally as useable and providing access to all your videos, music, and more.


To get new skins, go to: {{highlight|Settings → Interface settings → Skin → Skin - Estuary|bordered=yes}}
= Adding Pictures =
{{main|Pictures}}
The Pictures option allows you to add your home photo collection to {{kodi}} which you can then easily display on your large, high definition TV screen.
 
Pictures does not yet use any library functions and is simply a file browser. If you set up either the video or music library, you will be familiar with setting up a source for pictures.


You will be provided a list of currently installed skins and an option to "Get More..." where you can download additional skins.


'''<big>To change skins, see: [[HOW-TO:Change_skins|How To: Change Skins]]</big>'''


<gallery caption="The same home screen using different skins" widths=200px heights=113px>
= Using a remote control =
File:Estuary_home_movies.png| Estuary - default skin, Kodi 17 & above
{{main|Remote controls}}
File:Confluence_ss.png|Confluence -  default skin, Kodi 16 & below
{{#lst:Remote controls|intro}}
File:Aeon Nox - glass home.jpg|Aeon Nox
File:Immersive.jpg|Immersive
File:Titan.jpg|Titan
File:Welo.jpg|Welo
File:Transparency.jpg|Transparency
</gallery>


== Important note about the Context Menu ==
{{main|Context menu}}
As you read this wiki and experiment on your own, you will quickly learn about the value of the '''''[[context menu]]'''''.


To use it, while highlighting an item, press the {{keypress|'''C'''}} key on the keyboard.  If you are using a mouse, you can right click while hovering over an item.  With remote controls, this is normally the {{button|guide}} button.


== Alternative guides ==
{{main|Video management#Alternative guides}}
{{#lst:Video management|Alternative guides}}


{{Helix updated}}


==See also==
{{top}}
* [[First time user]]
{{updated|19}}


[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Quick Start Guide]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:Music library]]

Revision as of 03:08, 20 July 2021

Home icon grey.png   ▶ First time user ▶ Quick start guide


Introduction

Hello and welcome to Kodi!!

Kodi is an open source media centre software that can play a wide variety of Music and Video formats in addition to viewing Live TV and using add-ons (plugins) to further enhance your Kodi. The software can be installed on a variety of platforms as detailed on the First time user wiki page.

Kodi is designed with the Home Theater in mind using a 10-foot user interface rather than on a small monitor while you sit at your desk. Because everything is designed with the home theater experience in mind, the best way to interact with Kodi is with a remote control or keyboard, rather than with a mouse. If it helps, think of Kodi as the ultimate DVD-player/set-top-box. Be aware that mouse functionality is limited.


This guide is designed to point you to the correct information that will assist in correctly setting up your Kodi. We strongly recommend you follow the guides to ensure the correct setup.

We strongly urge you to not follow the numerous YouTube video guides as nearly all those guides have been written with the single minded purpose of Piracy and Copyright Infringement. THERE IS NO SUPPORT FOR THAT HERE at Kodi.


If you have not already downloaded and installed the Kodi software, return to First time user and follow the installation instructions for your chosen operating system.

Kodi does not sell hardware, nor are we affiliated or promote any of the so called "Kodi boxes" that are advertised for sale. We strongly urge you not to purchase these devices as they are normally pre-installed with add-ons used for piracy and copyright infringement, and some have been known to contain malware. The Kodi forum does not provide support for these types of devices.


Basic Controls

Read this page to familiarise yourself with the menu system and other screens in Kodi.

See: Basic controls


Library Mode

Why do I need a library?

One of the features that makes Kodi so great is the ability to display all types of artwork and metadata (plots, directors, actors etc) in a visually stunning format.

The Libraries are accessed from the Main Menu using...

  • Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos for the Video Library
  • Music for the Music Library.

To use the numerous features that are only possible with a correctly setup library, then your video and/or music collections need to be added to the library to correctly function.

Kodi consists of two libraries - Music and Video. The following guides have been created to guide you through the setup process of both.

icon Guide to Create and Modify your Video Library
Kodi has the ability to create separate Movie, TV Show and Music Video libraries that can display your collections in an Artwork and information rich display. Follow these pages to step through the creation of your libraries.
icon Guide to Create and Modify your Music Library
The aim of these modules is to provide the required information to enable you to correctly set up, modify, and reinstate your Music library as required. As this guide is created for the new user, most pages have been created with minimal jargon and short explanations in an effort to reduce information overload and confusion. Where extra information is provided, note is made to what can be safely ignored.


File Mode

If you do not want to create the libraries and take advantage of these features, then you can hide Menu items and access your media through the inbuilt file browser accessed from the main menu by selecting Videos then Files.

Be aware that using this mode, Kodi becomes a simple media player with limited functionality. There will be no extended artwork and no movie information amongst many other missing features which all require a library to function. In effect, Kodi is a simple file browser similar to Windows Explorer, and will simply allow you to browse your folders and files as set up on your hard drives.


Live TV and Radio

With a pre-installed backend PVR Tuner, Kodi can be used as the front end interface to view and record live TV and radio, similar to a TiVO setup.


Adding Games

Note! Games support are not available before Kodi v18 Leia! The Games option allows you to add stand-alone games and games running in emulators which can be launched from Kodi.

Games does not yet use any library functions and is simply a file browser. New in Kodi v18 Leia is also many an input manager with many game controller settings for configuring gamepads, joysticks, keyboards, and mouses, for use inside those games/emulators that are running natively inside Kodi's runtime.


Kodi add-ons

An Add-on is another piece of software that can be added to a program to further expand and enhance the features of that program. Imagine a smart phone and all the additional Apps that can be installed to enhance its functionality. Kodi has the same ability and these apps are referred to as Add-ons. Kodi has a growing list of community driven add-ons which can be installed from a common official repository, while still enabling third-party developers to also host their own unofficial repositories for add-ons that any user can choose to add themselves.


Adding Pictures

The Pictures option allows you to add your home photo collection to Kodi which you can then easily display on your large, high definition TV screen.

Pictures does not yet use any library functions and is simply a file browser. If you set up either the video or music library, you will be familiar with setting up a source for pictures.


Using a remote control

Kodi is primarily designed for the home theatre using the 10-foot user interface principles controlled with a remote control. Alternatively a (wireless) keyboard can be used.



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