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Quick Start

This guide covers the essential features to get you started with Media Viewer in five minutes.

Media Viewer basics

First-Time Setup

On first run, you'll need to create a password:

  1. Navigate to your Media Viewer URL (e.g., http://localhost:8080)
  2. You'll be redirected to the setup page
  3. Enter a secure password (minimum 6 characters)
  4. Click Create Password
  5. You'll be automatically logged in

Logging In

For subsequent visits:

  1. Navigate to your Media Viewer URL
  2. Enter your password
  3. Click Login or press ++enter++

Browsing Your Library

After logging in, you'll see the main gallery view displaying your media files and folders.

  • Click a folder to open it
  • Use the breadcrumb at the top to navigate back to parent folders
  • Click the home icon to return to the root directory

Sorting and Filtering

Use the controls at the top of the gallery:

  • Sort by: Name, Date, Size, or Type
  • Sort order: Click the arrow icon to toggle ascending/descending
  • Filter: Show All, Images only, Videos only, or Playlists only

Viewing Media

Images

Click any image thumbnail to open it in the lightbox viewer. From the lightbox:

  • Use arrow keys or swipe to navigate between images
  • Press ++escape++ to close
  • Click the star icon to add to favorites
  • Click the tag icon to manage tags

Videos

Click a video thumbnail to open it in the lightbox. Video controls appear on hover.

Using Favorites

Favorites provide quick access to frequently viewed items.

Adding Favorites

  • Double-tap (mobile) or double-click (desktop) any item
  • Or click the star icon on the item thumbnail
  • Or open the item and click the star icon in the lightbox

Viewing Favorites

Favorites appear in a horizontal strip at the top of the gallery when you have items marked as favorites.

Basic Tagging

Tags help organize your media into categories.

Adding Tags

  1. Click the tag icon on any item thumbnail
  2. Type a tag name in the input field
  3. Press ++enter++ or click Add
  4. Repeat for additional tags

Searching by Tag

  • Click any tag to search for all items with that tag
  • Or type tag:tagname in the search box

Use the search box at the top to find media:

  • By name: Type any part of the filename
  • By tag: Click any tag chip or use the search box
  • By type: Use the filter dropdown

The search provides suggestions as you type. Press ++enter++ to see full search results.

Mobile Usage

Media Viewer is fully responsive and works on mobile devices.

Installing as an App

On supported devices, you can install Media Viewer as a Progressive Web App:

Android (Chrome, Edge, Samsung Internet):

  1. Open Media Viewer in your mobile browser
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)
  3. Tap "Add to Home Screen" or "Install App"
  4. Launch from your home screen for a full-screen experience

iOS (Safari):

  1. Open Media Viewer in Safari
  2. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
  3. Tap "Add to Home Screen"
  4. Launch from your home screen for a full-screen experience

Touch Gestures

  • Tap: Open item or folder
  • Double-tap: Toggle favorite
  • Long-press: Enter selection mode (bulk operations)
  • Swipe: Navigate in lightbox

Next Steps