Import
Importing files has two main advantages: it provides a highly customizable database of all your files for easy access and viewing, and you can easily edit, rename, and organize the files. Say goodbye to opening folders and more folders to find a photo or music file. You can import any of the Supported File Types.
Here are some of the things you can do with imported files:
- View them sorted by any number of fields, including artist, album, genre, size, length, and even your own custom fields.
- Edit their ID3 tags (to save information with the file itself).
- Add custom fields and cover art.
- Add them to Playlists and include them in Smartlists.
- Easily find any file quickly.
Importing Files
There are a few ways you can import your files into Media Center:
- Automatically when opened with an empty Library
- Via Drag and Drop
- Via the Shell Integration features (Windows only)
- Via Tools > Import (also available at File > Library > Import) and choosing Import a single folder from the Import dialog.
- Via Auto-Import on an ongoing basis
First Use Scan
When you open Media Center for the first time, or with a blank Library, it will automatically scan your hard drive in common locations for media. This happens in the Action Window area of MC. You can cancel this if you prefer to adjust the watched directories used by Auto-Import, or import manually, if you prefer.
When you open MC with a blank Library, it will wait for 45 seconds before running this automatic scan:
Drag and Drop and Shell Integration
You can drag and drop files from Windows Explorer onto the MC window to import the files. This method will import the files "cleanly" and does not obey any Tagging rules you have defined in Auto-Import (see below for details).
To import from Windows Explorer via shell integration, right click on a file, or a folder full of files, and choose Media Center > Import.
Configuring Auto-Import
JRiver Media Center can automatically watch certain folders. To configure this, choose Tools > Import > Auto Import. Here you can add or remove directories to watch or to exclude. If you click the small triangle next to Audio, for example, you can edit each one to configure the file types you want imported.
Importing from Explorer
You can import from Windows Explorer by right clicking on a directory or file, and choosing Media Center > Import. If you don't see this option, go to Tools > Options > General and check the box for "Enable Shell Integration". A reboot may be required.