Is Plex Music non-destructive? Are my files save from any alterations?

Plex Media Server Metadata & Adding Files
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Hi everyone

I’ve been using Plex for Movies and TV Shows for a while. I now want to add my music collection to the mix. My collection is reasonably large and meticulously organized (according to Plex guidlines) and tagged with correct metadata.
I hesitate to dump my whole collection into Plex, since I’m worried about things getting messed up once Plex gets involved.

Could anyone confirm that Plex handles a music library in a non destructive manner? Meaning, can I expect Plex to not make any alterations to the files themselves and their metadata?

The server runs on a Mac Mini and the files are stored on a NAS.

Thank you!

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PLEX doesn’t edit metadata or alter the files. It uses the database to organize the content.

That being said there are a few things I noticed when adding my huge library.

  1. Multidisk albums had a better chance of matching whole if they are in the same folder and not subfolders like disc1, disc2 etc. You need to make sure it’s labeled 1-01, 1-02, 2-01 etc
  2. If you have reissues of albums with additional content, while it may match it only uses the original album title. You can go in and edit the album title to include the additional information like (Original remaster, Deluxe Edition, etc)
  3. I recommend “cleaning bundles” and optimizing the database before you add the large collection
  4. Plex cannot sort by file type (lossless vs lossy). If you wish to have it separated you may wanted to add two (or more) music libraries separated by file type.
  5. If you go with multiple music libraries, smart playlists cannot cross libraries
  6. When adding the music libraries, you can set to use PLEX genres or your own in the advanced tab when adding the location. If you change this after you set up your library, you’ll need to rescan your library again.
  7. Large libraries my take a little time to match, be patient.
  8. Compilations and soundtracks are filed under “Various Artists”

Good luck and have fun.

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Thanks a lot for the detailed answer and the tips, much appreciated. This makes me very optimistic for the transition. I have correctly organised multi disc releases without subfolders.
I think I’ll make a backup, just to be sure, dump the collection into Plex and see how it goes for a few weeks.

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