Use Jellyfin NFO files as a deliberate metadata authority

The useful distinctions

• Local NFO metadata is read and takes priority over remote providers.
• A movie can use movie.nfo in its media folder.
• The library Nfo saver option writes local metadata files.
• Artwork referenced by NFO can outrank both remote artwork and ordinary local image candidates.

Identify the source of truth

When a title repeatedly returns to an old value, another metadata search may not address the cause. Inspect local metadata alongside the media before assuming a remote provider is wrong. An intentionally maintained NFO is useful for original material because it records editorial decisions near the file. The same persistence becomes confusing when an obsolete sidecar survives unnoticed after a collection is reorganized.

Keep the first file small

The synthetic example sets a title and an original plot description. Those values are easy to compare before and after an item update. Start with a minimal file so every imported field has an obvious origin. Adding a large metadata export at the same time makes it harder to tell whether a visible change came from your edit, a retained field or an image reference you did not mean to keep.

Treat writing as another decision

Reading a local file and asking the server to write NFO files are separate operational choices. Preserve a before copy while evaluating either behavior. If your collection already uses another editor, decide which tool maintains the authoritative copy and review changes before accepting them. This avoids a cycle in which multiple tools overwrite one another while each appears to work correctly in isolation.

A focused way to proceed

1. Back up any existing NFO for one test movie.
2. Create or edit movie.nfo with only the intended supported fields.
3. Scan or refresh that item and compare the displayed values with the file.
4. Decide whether to enable the library Nfo saver after reviewing its write behavior.

Worked example · synthetic

<movie>
  <title>Harbour Lantern</title>
  <plot>An original workshop film about repairing a coastal light.</plot>
</movie>

Read the comparison

A recurring value may be an intentional local override rather than a failed remote refresh.

When to stop or ask for help

If a minimal NFO is not read, check its location, validity and relevant server logs before adding more tags.