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Library Scanning

Unmanic is able to run a routine scan of your configured libraries to determine if files need tasks created for processing.

note

The scan will only run against a library if that library has the library scanner enabled.

Options​

The options for the library scanner are configured under the Library section in Unmanic's settings.

Enable periodic library scans​

Select this option if you wish for Unmanic to schedule a library scanner.

Library scan schedule in minutes​

Set the time in minutes between scans of your files in the configured library path.

Run a one off library scan on startup​

If selected, the library scan will be executed when Unmanic starts.

If selected, the library scan will follow symlinks.

Scan controls​

When a library scan has been scheduled or is currently running, the dashboard replaces the Rescan library now action with scan control buttons:

  • Pause library scan pauses the active scan without clearing its current progress.
  • Resume library scan appears while the scan is paused and continues the scan.
  • Cancel library scan stops the scheduled or active scan and clears the current scan request.

These controls are available from the main dashboard pending tasks card and from the expanded pending tasks dialog.

Alternative Methods​

Library scanning is one of several ways to discover files for processing. Depending on your setup, you may find these alternatives more suitable:

  • Event Monitoring: React to file system events in real-time instead of waiting for scheduled scans. Ideal for local file systems when you need immediate processing of new files.
  • API Usage: Submit specific files for processing via scripts or external applications. Useful for large libraries where scanning would be wasteful, or when integrating Unmanic with other tools.