Create a small Plex optimisation job with a defined storage policy

The useful distinctions

• Optimize is available from item or library-view actions.
• Jobs can have a title, item limit and unwatched-only policy.
• Optimised versions use a selected quality/profile.
• The chosen storage location contains a Plex Versions directory.

Define why a derivative exists

An optimisation should serve a known viewing requirement rather than generate extra copies simply because the feature is available. Record the intended client context and the reason the original is inconvenient. Keep the master untouched. A one-item pilot reveals the storage and quality consequences before a view-based rule starts creating derivatives across a large part of the library.

Make lifecycle choices explicit

A dynamic unwatched-only job can remove a derivative after its item becomes watched. That may be desirable for a rotating review list and surprising for an archival copy. Decide which lifecycle the task needs. Record the selected storage location and check available capacity before starting. The worked example does not prescribe one universal quality profile because the installed server and intended client determine the useful choice.

Verify the version actually used

After the job finishes, inspect a few points in the derivative and observe what the client selects during playback. A completed conversion is not proof that it is the version used in the subsequent session. Keep the job title descriptive so it can be identified later among other optimisations. Expand the limit only when the pilot meets the intended purpose and its removal policy is understood.

A focused way to proceed

1. Select one representative authorised item and choose Optimize.
2. Give the job a purpose-led title and limit it to one item for the pilot.
3. Choose quality/profile, unwatched policy and storage location.
4. Start the job and inspect conversion progress.
5. Check the derivative and actual client-selected version before expanding the scope.

Worked example · synthetic

Job: workbench review pilot
Selection: one authorised local film
Limit: 1
Unwatched-only: decide from desired retention
Quality and storage: inspect and record actual choices

Read the comparison

An optimisation creates a managed derivative; its retention and selection behavior follow the job and client.

When to stop or ask for help

If it is not used, inspect the session’s selected version and media details before creating more copies.