Expert Guide: Organize Your Plex Library with Collections

If your media library feels overwhelming, Plex collections can transform chaos into order. These powerful tools streamline organization and enhance visuals with custom artwork and metadata.

With years of managing extensive Plex setups, I've relied on collections to keep everything accessible and polished. Here's how to enable, create, browse, and customize them effectively.

Table of Contents

• How to Enable Plex Collections
• How to Create a New Collection
• How to Add More Videos to a Collection
• How to Browse Plex Collections
• How to Customize a Plex Collection
• Collections vs. Libraries
• Learn More About Using Plex

How to Enable Plex Collections

To start organizing, enable collections for each library on your Plex server. Use the Plex Media Server web app (not client apps):

1. Open the Plex Media Server app.
2. Locate your libraries in the left sidebar.
3. Hover over the target library and click the three dots.
4. Select Manage Library > Edit.
5. Go to Advanced.
6. Scroll to Collections.
7. Choose Hide items that are in collections (collections only, no duplicates) or Show collections and their objects (both visible).
8. Click Save Changes.

The first hides individual items in the main view; the second shows everything for easy access.

How to Create a New Collection

With collections enabled, create one from any movie, TV series, or episode:

1. On the item's pre-play screen, click Edit.
2. Select Keywords, then scroll to Collections.
3. Type your collection name and click Add [name].
4. Save changes.

Note: Collections are library-specific; you can't mix content from different libraries.

How to Add More Videos to a Collection

Add items individually or in bulk. Bulk is faster for large libraries:

1. Select multiple items.
2. Click Edit (top right).
3. Go to Tags > Collections, type the name (auto-completes).
4. Add to multiple collections if needed.

How to Browse Plex Collections

Enabled libraries show collections automatically. Otherwise, use the top dropdown: Library > Collections. Click any to view contents.

How to Customize a Plex Collection

Edit like individual items: Open preview, click Edit. Focus on:

• General: Sort title and summary.
• Poster: Custom artwork for cohesive look (defaults to first item).
• Context: Background for pre-play/buffering.
• Advanced: Visibility and sort order overrides.

Share collections individually, even if the library isn't shared.

Collections vs. Libraries

Use libraries for broad categories (e.g., Movies vs. TV). Collections for subsets (e.g., Brad Pitt films). For kids' content, use ratings restrictions via Edit > General > Content Rating.

Learn More About Plex

Unlock Plex's full potential: Stream free live TV, host Watch Together parties, and explore hidden settings for advanced customization.