Export Plex library to CSV
Overview
Welcome to the ultimate guide for exporting your Plex movie library to a CSV file. Discover the unmatched value of converting your Plex library into a versatile CSV format, which when loaded into a spreadsheet, allows for seamless comparison between two libraries, enhancing your media management experience. On this comprehensive page, we will delve into the intricacies of what a Plex library is, the step-by-step process for exporting your library to a CSV file, the practical use cases for this method, and an introduction to Sourcetable—a formidable alternative to traditional CSV exports. Additionally, we will address common questions and challenges, such as overcoming XML sign-in errors and navigating the complexities of Tautulli and WebTools. Harness the power of organization and take control of your media collection today.
What is a Plex Library?
A Plex library is a collection of media that serves as the central point where Plex stores and organizes your media files. This collection includes various types of media, such as Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos, and Other Videos. The specific type of library you choose, such as one for movies or music, will dictate the basic type of media that the library will represent.
When setting up a Plex library, the language you select is important, as it influences the information Plex gathers from the internet to enrich your library with relevant metadata. The process of adding folders to your Plex library should be done thoughtfully to ensure your media is organized correctly.
Furthermore, the Plex library offers advanced options that can vary depending on the type of library you are dealing with. For example, the Scanner and Agent settings, which are responsible for analyzing content and searching for metadata, are not available for Premium music libraries. In addition, the Search Include/Exclude setting allows you to manage whether content from the library appears in global searches. Other customizable settings can control features like Cinema Trailers, video preview thumbnails, and searching for extras, further enhancing your Plex experience.
Exporting Your Plex Library to a CSV File
Using Tautulli for CSV Export
Tautulli is a third-party application that can be used to export a list of your Plex library contents to a CSV file. This method is useful for comparing the contents of different libraries. However, it should be noted that the reliability of instructions found on forums such as Reddit is not guaranteed.
Streamline Your Plex Library Management with Sourcetable
Managing your extensive Plex library can be streamlined and enhanced by using Sourcetable. Unlike the traditional method of exporting your library to a CSV file and then importing it into another spreadsheet program, Sourcetable offers a more integrated and dynamic approach. With Sourcetable, you can sync your live data directly from Plex, eliminating the need for cumbersome export and import processes. This seamless integration ensures that your spreadsheet always reflects the most current state of your library, providing real-time insights and updates.
Sourcetable's ability to pull data from multiple sources into one place is not just a convenience; it's a powerful tool for automation and business intelligence. By leveraging this capability, you can effortlessly combine your Plex library data with other relevant data sources, creating a comprehensive overview of your multimedia content. Moreover, Sourcetable offers a familiar spreadsheet interface, making it easy to query and manipulate your data without the steep learning curve often associated with specialized data management tools. Embrace the ease and intelligence Sourcetable brings to managing your Plex library.
Common Use Cases
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Comparing two Plex libraries to identify differencesP
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Finding specific titles that are missing from a libraryP
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Troubleshooting issues with Tautulli when it fails to export librariesP
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Seeking alternative methods when WebTools / ExportTools.Bundle is not supportedP
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Analyzing library metadata for personal data management or archival purposesP
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I export my Plex library to CSV?
It may be possible to export the Plex library to CSV using Tautulli or ExportTools.Bundle, but there is no simple way to do this.
Is there an easy method to export Plex library to CSV?
No, there is no easy way to export a Plex library to a CSV file.
Can I use WebTools or ExportTools.Bundle on Shield TV to export my Plex library?
No, WebTools / ExportTools.Bundle is not supported on Shield TV.
Is Tautulli a simple solution for exporting Plex libraries to CSV?
Exporting the library to CSV with Tautulli is not simple and Tautulli itself is also not easy to use for this purpose.
Are there any supported tools for exporting Plex libraries to CSV on Shield TV?
Currently, tools like WebTools and ExportTools.Bundle that may facilitate exporting Plex libraries to CSV are not supported on Shield TV.
Conclusion
While exporting a Plex library to a CSV file can be a challenging task, with Tautulli it may be possible to accomplish this despite there being no straightforward method. Users should note that WebTools / ExportTools.Bundle will not work on Shield TV, and even with available tools like Tautulli, users have reported difficulties in the process. For those looking for an alternative solution, Sourcetable offers a more direct approach by allowing you to import data into a spreadsheet without the complexities of CSV export. Sign up for Sourcetable today to streamline your Plex library management.
