First-run setup

Before opening the wizard#

Confirm the server requirements, media mounts and cache path first. The wizard can browse only paths visible to the Finetic service account.

Step 1: create the administrator#

The first account becomes the initial administrator. Use a unique password. The display name appears in the application and playback history; the username is used to sign in.

Finetic does not create a default administrator password. Completing account creation should advance to the remaining setup steps rather than dropping into an incompletely configured interface.

Step 2: optional metadata enrichment#

Finetic works with local NFO files and local artwork without a TMDB key. Adding a valid TMDB API key is recommended when you want richer cast, provider artwork and matching for incomplete local metadata.

The key is optional. You can skip it and configure metadata providers later under Configuration. Provider credentials are stored as secrets and are never returned in full through the interface.

Step 3: add media libraries#

Use the graphical filesystem browser instead of typing paths from memory. It shows reachable mounts and folders from the server's perspective.

For each library:

1. Choose Movies or TV Shows.
2. Give the library a recognisable name.
3. Browse to one or more stable root folders.
4. Review accessibility and mount warnings.
5. Add the library and continue.

Do not select a parent folder containing unrelated private data. Finetic requires only the narrowest roots that contain the intended media.

Step 4: review#

The review screen summarises the administrator, optional provider state and selected libraries. Correct mistakes before starting analysis. Completing setup persists the onboarding state; future sign-ins go directly to Finetic.

What happens in the background#

The first scan is staged:

1. Discover candidate media files.
2. Publish usable catalogue cards promptly.
3. Probe technical stream facts.
4. Parse local NFO and artwork.
5. Schedule optional metadata and artwork enrichment.
6. Run deeper credits or playback preparation at lower priority.

The catalogue can become useful before every optional job finishes. Progress may reflect changing discovered totals, but completed work must not move backwards within the same stable work set.

Verify the result#

Open Admin → Libraries and confirm each root is healthy. Then inspect one movie and one episode. Verify title, year, runtime, artwork, audio tracks and subtitles. Finally start playback on the web client and confirm the selected method in Playback & Transcoding.

If setup cannot continue#

Capture the visible message and safe diagnostic identifier. Do not erase the database repeatedly without first checking service logs and PostgreSQL health. See Diagnostics and support.