Enhance Emby Media Library With A Folder Category Display Option
Hey guys, I'm super excited to share a suggestion that I think could really enhance the media library experience in Emby! First off, huge props to the Emby team for creating such an awesome platform. It's been a game-changer for managing and enjoying my media collection.
Background and the Current Scenario
So, let's dive right into it. Currently, my media setup involves a main media folder that's organized into various subfolders. These subfolders act as categories, helping me keep different types of content neatly separated. For example, I might have subfolders for Movies, TV Shows, Documentaries, and so on. When I add this main folder to Emby, it does a fantastic job of recognizing all the media files, no matter where they're located within the subfolders. Everything appears in the library, which is great!
However, here's where things get a little cluttered. The names of these subfolders also pop up as individual entries in the media library view. This means that alongside my movies and TV shows, I also see "Movies," "TV Shows," and "Documentaries" listed as if they were media items themselves. While it doesn't break anything, it does make navigating the library a bit less streamlined, especially when you have a lot of subfolders. Finding the specific media I want can sometimes feel like searching through an extra layer of folders that I don't necessarily need to see at the top level.
Think of it like walking into a bookstore where the genre signs are mixed in with the books on the shelves. You can still find what you're looking for, but it would be much more efficient if the signs had their own dedicated section, right? This is the core of the suggestion I want to share.
The Suggestion: A Dedicated "Folder" Category
My suggestion is to introduce a setting option that would allow users to toggle the display of a dedicated "Folder" category. Imagine a switch in the settings that, when flipped, would change how Emby handles subfolder visibility in the media library. With this option enabled, Emby would group all the subfolders into a separate, easily accessible section. This section could be labeled simply as "Folders" or something similar, making it clear that it's a gateway to browsing the media by directory structure.
How It Would Work
Enabling this hypothetical "Folder" category option would create a cleaner and more organized way to navigate content, especially for users like myself who heavily rely on folder hierarchies for categorization. Instead of seeing a mix of individual media entries and subfolder names, there would be a distinct "Folders" section in the library view. Clicking on this section would then reveal a list of all the subfolders, each acting as a navigable item.
This is similar to how file explorers work on our computers. You have your main folders, and then you dive into subfolders to find the specific files you need. Bringing this concept to Emby would create a more intuitive and familiar browsing experience, especially for those who are already accustomed to organizing their media this way.
Benefits of a Dedicated Folder Category
- Improved Organization: This folder category feature will keeps the main media library view uncluttered by separating folder names from media items, providing a cleaner and more organized browsing experience.
- Enhanced Navigation: Navigating your media by directory structure becomes much easier and more intuitive, especially for users who already organize their content into subfolders.
- Flexibility: This feature will give users the option to choose how they want to browse their media, either by folder structure or by the current mixed view, catering to different organizational preferences.
- Familiarity: The folder category concept mirrors the folder-based navigation found in file explorers, making it a familiar and comfortable experience for many users.
Visualizing the Change
To better illustrate what I mean, I've included an image (as seen in the original suggestion) that shows a simplified example. Imagine the current view where subfolder names are mixed in with media entries. Now, picture a dedicated "Folders" section where each subfolder is listed as a navigable item. It's a subtle change, but it makes a world of difference in terms of clarity and ease of use.
Use Cases and Scenarios
Let's explore some specific scenarios where this folder category feature would really shine.
Large Media Collections
For users with extensive media libraries, organization is key. The more content you have, the more important it becomes to have a clear and efficient way to navigate it. With a dedicated "Folders" section, users with large collections can quickly drill down to the specific category they're interested in without having to scroll through a long list of mixed media items and folder names. This is like having a well-organized filing cabinet versus a pile of papers on your desk.
Specialized Content
Many Emby users have specialized content beyond the typical movies and TV shows. This might include home videos, documentaries, educational videos, or even ripped music albums. Organizing these types of content into subfolders is a common practice. A dedicated folder category makes it much easier to access these specialized collections without cluttering the main library view. Imagine having a "Home Videos" subfolder that's easily accessible through the "Folders" section, keeping your precious memories separate from your movie collection.
Collaborative Media Management
In households where multiple people contribute to the media library, consistent organization is essential. A dedicated folder category provides a clear and standardized way for everyone to navigate and find content. This reduces the chances of confusion and ensures that everyone can easily access the media they're looking for. It's like having a shared library with a clear cataloging system.
Technical Considerations
Of course, implementing this suggestion would involve some technical considerations. The Emby team would need to add a new setting option to control the visibility of the "Folders" section. This setting would likely be a simple toggle switch that users can enable or disable based on their preference. Additionally, the Emby interface would need to be updated to display the "Folders" section in the media library view and handle navigation within it.
However, I believe that the benefits of this feature far outweigh the technical challenges. The improvements in organization, navigation, and overall user experience would make Emby even more powerful and user-friendly.
Real-World Analogy: The Online Shopping Experience
Think about how online shopping websites categorize products. They typically have a main navigation menu with categories like "Clothing," "Electronics," and "Home Goods." Clicking on one of these categories then takes you to a sub-menu with more specific subcategories. This hierarchical structure makes it easy to find what you're looking for, even in a massive online store.
My suggestion for Emby is similar to this concept. The "Folders" section would act as the main navigation menu, and the subfolders would be the subcategories. This familiar navigation pattern would make Emby even more intuitive and accessible to a wider range of users.
Conclusion: A Small Change, a Big Impact
In conclusion, I believe that adding an option to display a dedicated "Folder" category in the Emby media library would be a significant improvement. It would provide a cleaner, more organized, and more intuitive way to navigate content, especially for users who rely on folder hierarchies for categorization. While it might seem like a small change, the impact on user experience would be substantial.
I'm eager to hear what others think of this suggestion, and I'm confident that it would be a valuable addition to the Emby platform. Thanks for considering it!