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Root folders

Root folders define where Cinephage stores your media. They're the foundation of your library organization.

Understanding Cinephage Libraries​

Cinephage organizes media into two main library types with optional subtypes:

Library TypeContentOrganization
MoviesIndividual filmsFlat or by folder per movie
TV ShowsSeries with episodesSeries > Seasons > Episodes

Media Subtypes (v0.5.0+)​

You can further organize content with subtypes:

SubtypeDescriptionExample Use
StandardRegular movies/TV showsDefault for all content
AnimeJapanese animationSeparate naming conventions and metadata
Anime Subtype

Use the Anime subtype for anime content to ensure proper metadata fetching and naming conventions specific to anime releases.

What Are Root Folders?​

A root folder is a base directory where Cinephage:

  • Stores imported media files
  • Creates subdirectories for organization
  • Monitors for new files
  • Manages file naming and structure

Creating Root Folders​

Step 1: Access Settings​

  1. Go to Settings > Media Management > Root Folders
  2. Click Add Root Folder

Step 2: Configure Folder​

SettingDescriptionExample
NameDisplay name"Movies", "TV Shows"
PathContainer path to folder/media/movies
Media TypeMovies or TV ShowsSelect appropriate type
Default QualityProfile for new additions"Balanced"
Default LanguageLanguage profile"English"

Step 3: Multiple Root Folders​

You can create multiple root folders:

Example Setup:

/media/movies      (Movies root folder)
/media/tv          (TV Shows root folder)
/media/anime       (Anime-specific folder)
/media/kids        (Family content)
Media Type Specific

Each root folder is dedicated to one media type. Don't mix movies and TV in the same root folder.

Root Folder Best Practices​

Path Guidelines​

Docker Installations:

  • Use container paths, not host paths
  • Ensure volume mounts match your paths
  • Example: If you mount /mnt/media:/media, use /media/movies

Native Installations:

  • Use absolute paths
  • Ensure proper permissions
  • Consider dedicated mount points for media

Storage Planning​

Separate Libraries:

# Good structure
/mnt/storage/
  movies/        # SSD or fast storage
  tv/            # Bulk storage OK
  anime/         # Separate organization
  kids/          # Curated collection

Nested Folders:

# Don't nest root folders
 /media/
     movies/      (root folder)
     movies/tv/   (nested - don't do this)

# Instead use separate roots
 /media/movies/   (root folder)
 /media/tv/       (root folder)

Performance Considerations​

  • Fast Storage for Database - Put Cinephage config (database) on SSD
  • Bulk Storage for Media - Media can be on HDD or network storage
  • Avoid Network for Database - SQLite needs local disk for best performance

Managing Root Folders​

View Root Folders​

Settings > Media Management > Root Folders

Shows:

  • Folder name and path
  • Media type
  • Number of items
  • Free space available
  • Default profiles

Edit Root Folder​

  1. Click Edit on root folder
  2. Modify settings
  3. Click Save

What can be changed:

  • Name
  • Default quality profile
  • Default language profile
  • Path (use with caution)

Move Media Between Root Folders (v0.5.0+)​

You can move media between root folders directly in Cinephage:

  1. Go to Library and select the media you want to move
  2. Click Actions > Move to Root Folder
  3. Select the destination root folder
  4. Choose whether to move or copy files
  5. Click Move
Move vs Copy
  • Move: Relocates files to the new root folder (frees space in source)
  • Copy: Duplicates files to the new root folder (keeps original)
Bulk Moves

You can select multiple items in the library to move them all at once. This is useful for reorganizing your library structure.

Remove Root Folder​

Data Loss Warning

Removing a root folder from Cinephage doesn't delete the actual files, but Cinephage will lose track of all items in that folder.

  1. Ensure all items are moved or unmonitored
  2. Click Delete on root folder
  3. Confirm removal

See Also​