Amarok/Manual/ConfiguringAmarok/en: Difference between revisions

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To access the ''Configuration Menu'', go to <menuchoice>Settings -> Configure Amarok...</menuchoice> and see the following dialog:
To access the ''Configuration Menu'', go to <menuchoice>Settings -> Configure Amarok...</menuchoice> and see the following dialog:
{| class="tablecenter" border=1
!    Amarok Configuration dialog
|-


| [[File:Amarok2.4.1ConfigureDialog.png|thumb|right|300px|Amarok 2.4.1 on]]
 
| [[File:New_amarok_configuration_options_general_edit.png|thumb|right|300px|Amarok 2.5 on]]
[[File:Amarok_2.8_ConfigurationDialogGeneral.png|thumb|center|300px|General configuration options]]
|}
 
<span id="General"></span>
=== General ===
=== General ===


In the screenshot above, see some ''General Options'' you can set. Depending on the distribution, the default settings can vary; sometimes the ''Splash Screen'' is disabled for example. When hovering over the options with the mouse pointer, a tooltip will show to explain the individual settings.
In the screenshot above, see some ''General Options'' you can set. Depending on the distribution, the default settings can vary. When hovering over the options with the mouse pointer, a tooltip will show to explain the individual settings.


General options:
General options:
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<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="5"
<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="5"
! Option !! Tooltip
! Option !! Tooltip
|-
| <menuchoice>Show splash-screen on startup</menuchoice> || Check to enable the splash screen on '''Amarok''' startup.
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Show tray icon</menuchoice> || Check to enable the '''Amarok''' system tray icon.
| <menuchoice>Show tray icon</menuchoice> || Check to enable the '''Amarok''' system tray icon.
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When you enable the ''Moodbar'', be aware of the following requirements: the Moodbar will only display if your tracks have been tagged with moods. For more about the Moodbar, refer to: [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/Manual/Various/Moodbar|Moodbar]].
When you enable the ''Moodbar'', be aware of the following requirements: the Moodbar will only display if your tracks have been tagged with moods. For more about the Moodbar, refer to: [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/Manual/Various/Moodbar|Moodbar]].
<span id="Collection"></span>
<span id="Collection"></span>
=== Collection ===
=== Local Collection ===


[[File:Amarok2.4.1ConfigureDialogCollection.png|thumb|350px|center]]
[[File:Amarok_2.8_ConfigurationDialogLocalCollection.png|thumb|300px|center|Local Collection configuration]]


This dialog shows your file system in a tree structure, called ''Collection Folders''. Selecting a folder always includes its subfolders. These folders will be scanned for media to make up your collection. You can right-click on a folder to individually rescan it, if it was previously selected.
This dialog shows your file system in a tree structure, called ''Collection Folders''. Selecting a folder always includes its subfolders. These folders will be scanned for media to make up your collection. You can right-click on a folder to individually rescan it, if it was previously selected.
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| <menuchoice>Watch folders for changes</menuchoice> || If selected, the collection folders will be watched for changes. The watcher will not notice changes behind symbolic links.
| <menuchoice>Watch folders for changes</menuchoice> || If selected, the collection folders will be watched for changes. The watcher will not notice changes behind symbolic links.
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Write statistics to file</menuchoice> || Write play-changing statistics (e.g. score, lastplayed, playcount) as tags back to the file.
 
|-
| <menuchoice>Importing Music: Transcode tracks</menuchoice> || Whether '''Amarok''' should transcode tracks when they are copied or moved to ''Local Collection''.
| <menuchoice>Write covers to file</menuchoice> || Write changed covers back to the file. This will replace existing embedded covers.
|-
| <menuchoice>Enable character set detection in ID3 tags</menuchoice> || If selected, '''Amarok''' will use Mozilla's Character Set Detector to attempt to automatically guess the character set used in ID3 tags.
|}<!--{-->
|}<!--{-->
<span id="Import Statistics"></span>
<span id="Import Statistics"></span>
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It does ''not'' import statistics from an '''Amarok''' 2.x database, so if you want to merge an older 2.x database version, you will need to do this by hand.
It does ''not'' import statistics from an '''Amarok''' 2.x database, so if you want to merge an older 2.x database version, you will need to do this by hand.


=== Formerly Internet Services before Amarok 2.4.1, now Plugins ===
=== Metadata ===
 
[[File:MetadataDialog.png|thumb|350px|center]]
 
This dialog will allow you to configure the settings for metadata handling. This is a separate page starting with Amarok 2.7
 
Metadata options:
 
<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="5"
! Option !! Tooltip
|-
| <menuchoice>Write statistics to file</menuchoice> || Check to write play-changing statistics as tags back to the audio files.
|-
| <menuchoice>Write covers to file, maximum size...</menuchoice> || Check to write changed covers back to the audio files. This will replace existing embedded covers. Select a value from the drop-down list to set the maximum size of the cover.
|-
| <menuchoice>Enable character set detection in ID3 tags</menuchoice> || If checked, Amarok will use Mozilla's Character Set Detector to attempt to automatically guess the character sets used in ID3 tags. If your tags are correct, it is more safe to leave this option turned off.
|}<!--{-->
 
==== Statistics Synchronization ====
 
This dialog will allow you to [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/Manual/Organization/Collection/StatisticsSynchronization|keep statistics of your collections synchronized]]. Make sure to only check collections between which you want to synchronize metadata.
 
Statistics Synchronization options:
 
<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="5"
! Option !! Tooltip
|-
| <menuchoice>Synchronize Rating</menuchoice> || Check to synchronize ratings between collections.
|-
| <menuchoice>Synchronize First Played</menuchoice> || Check to synchronize first played dates between collections.
|-
| <menuchoice>Synchronize Last Played</menuchoice> || Check to synchronize last played dates between collections.
|-
| <menuchoice>Synchronize Playcount</menuchoice> || Check to synchronize playcounts between collections.
|-
| <menuchoice>Synchronize Labels</menuchoice> || Check to synchronize labels between collections.
|}<!--{-->


See the [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/Manual/ConfiguringAmarok#Plugins_.28formerly_Internet_Services.29|Plugins]] section.
<span id="Playback"></span>
=== Playback ===
=== Playback ===


[[File:Amarok2.4.1ConfigPlayback.png|thumb|250px|center]]
 
[[File:Amarok_2.8_ConfigurationDialogPlayback.png|thumb|300px|center|Playback configuration dialog]]


Configure the playback options, as well as the KDE multimedia framework '''Phonon'''.
Configure the playback options, as well as the KDE multimedia framework '''Phonon'''.
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|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Fadeout on stop</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will slowly fade the volume of the playing track on stop or at the end of the playlist, or stop playback immediately.
| <menuchoice>Fadeout on stop</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will slowly fade the volume of the playing track on stop or at the end of the playlist, or stop playback immediately.
|-
| <menuchoice>Fadeout on pause</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will slowly fade the volume of the playing track on pausing the current track.
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Fadeout duration</menuchoice> || The length of the fadeout, in milliseconds.
| <menuchoice>Fadeout duration</menuchoice> || The length of the fadeout, in milliseconds.
|-
| <menuchoice>Inhibit automatic suspend if playing</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will prevent the computer from being suspended will a track is playing.
|-
| <menuchoice>Pause playback on suspend</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will pause playing of the current track when the computer is about to suspend.
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Resume playback on start</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will resume playback where you left it the last session -- just like a tape-player.
| <menuchoice>Resume playback on start</menuchoice> || If checked, '''Amarok''' will resume playback where you left it the last session -- just like a tape-player.
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==== Configuring Phonon ====
==== Configuring Phonon ====


'''Phonon''' is the multimedia framework used by '''Amarok'''. It was created to allow KDE 4 to be independent of any single multimedia framework such as '''GStreamer''' or '''Xine''' and to provide a stable API for KDE 4's lifetime. As an added bonus, it simplifies development by providing a simple API that works across different platforms such as '''Windows''' and '''OS X'''.
'''Phonon''' is the multimedia framework used by '''Amarok'''. It was created to allow KDE 4 to be independent of any single multimedia framework such as '''GStreamer''' or '''VLC''' and to provide a stable API for KDE 4's lifetime. As an added bonus, it simplifies development by providing a simple API that works across different platforms such as '''Windows''' and '''OS X'''.


The result of all this for you, the user, is that you can choose the multimedia framework that works best for you. This is usually pre-configured by your distribution.
The result of all this for you, the user, is that you can choose the multimedia framework that works best for you. This is usually pre-configured by your distribution.
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===== Device Preference tab =====
===== Device Preference tab =====


[[File:Amarok2.4.1PhononDevices.png|thumb|250px|center]]
[[File:AmarokConfigurationDialog2.7PhononDevice.png|thumb|300px|center]]


Depending on your OS and distribution, you may need to use '''ALSA''', '''OSS''', '''PulseAudio''', or something else as your default playback device. Find one that works for you with the <menuchoice>Test</menuchoice> button and apply to all types of output. If you would like different types of output to go with different devices, this is possible as well.
Depending on your OS and distribution, you may need to use '''ALSA''', '''OSS''', '''PulseAudio''', or something else as your default playback device. Find one that works for you with the <menuchoice>Test</menuchoice> button and apply to all types of output. If you would like different types of output to go with different devices, this is possible as well.
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===== Speaker Setup tab =====
===== Speaker Setup tab =====


[[File:Amarok2.4.1configSpeakerSetup.png|thumb|250px|center]]
[[File:AmarokConfigurationDialog2.7PhononHardware.png|thumb|300px|center]]


Should you wish to change the standard speaker setup, here is the place to do it.
Should you wish to change the standard speaker setup, here is the place to do it.
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===== Backend tab =====
===== Backend tab =====


[[File:Amarok2.4.1PhononBackends.png|thumb|250px|center]]
[[File:AmarokConfigurationDialog2.7PhononBackend.png|thumb|250px|center]]


Depending on your operating system you may see options such as ''Xine'', ''Gstreamer'', ''VLC'', or ''DS9'' (Windows) here. The recommended phonon-backend for Linux users is ''VLC'' or ''Gstreamer''.
Depending on your operating system you may see options such as ''Gstreamer'', ''VLC'', or ''DS9'' (Windows) here. The recommended phonon-backend for Linux users is ''VLC'' or ''Gstreamer''.


If you don't see ''VLC'' or ''Gstreamer'', install the package for it. For most distributions the package for ''VLC'', for example, would be '''phonon-backend-vlc'''.
If you don't see ''VLC'' or ''Gstreamer'', install the package for it. For most distributions the package for ''VLC'', for example, would be '''phonon-backend-vlc'''.
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Each backend comes with its own codecs, so depending on the backend you choose you will need to also download the codecs, as most distributions don't ship them for legal reasons.  
Each backend comes with its own codecs, so depending on the backend you choose you will need to also download the codecs, as most distributions don't ship them for legal reasons.  


For information on codecs and playing mp3s see the [http://amarok.kde.org/wiki/MP3 mp3 information] page.
<span id="Notifications"></span>
<span id="Notifications"></span>
=== Notifications ===
=== Notifications ===
{| class="tablecenter" border=1
!    Amarok Notifications Configuration dialog
|-
| [[File:Amarok2.4.1Notifications.png|thumb|right|300px|Amarok 2.4.1 on]]
| [[File:New_amarok_configuration_options_notifications_edit.png|thumb|right|300px|Amarok 2.5 on]]
|}




[[File:Amarok_2.8_ConfigurationDialogNotifications.png|thumb|center|300px|Notifications configuration dialog]]
<br />,<br />
<!--}-->{| border="1"  
<!--}-->{| border="1"  
! Option !! Tooltip
! Option !! Tooltip
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=== Database ===
=== Database ===


[[File:Amarok2.4.1DatabaseConfig.png|thumb|300px|center]]
 
[[File:Amarok_2.8_ConfigurationDialogDatabase.png|thumb|300px|center|External Database configuration dialog]]


The default database is already set to use embedded '''MySQL'''. For most users there is no need to configure an external database, as there is no change in performance. If you want to share your database or use it remotely, you can configure an external '''MySQL''' database.
The default database is already set to use embedded '''MySQL'''. For most users there is no need to configure an external database, as there is no change in performance. If you want to share your database or use it remotely, you can configure an external '''MySQL''' database.
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| <menuchoice>Use external MySQL Database</menuchoice> || Check to enable the use of an external database.
| <menuchoice>Use external MySQL Database</menuchoice> || Check to enable the use of an external database.
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Server</menuchoice> || Enter the name of the existing '''MySQL''' server
| <menuchoice>Server</menuchoice> || Enter the name of the existing '''MySQL''' server.
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Port</menuchoice> || Enter the port number to access the server. Default is port 3306.
| <menuchoice>Port</menuchoice> || Enter the port number to access the server. Default is port 3306.
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You can find more information about the External Database [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/Manual/Organization/Collection/ExternalDatabase|here]].
You can find more information about the External Database [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/Manual/Organization/Collection/ExternalDatabase|here]].
<span id="Plugins (formerly Internet Services)"></span>
<span id="Plugins (formerly Internet Services)"></span>
=== Plugins (formerly Internet Services) ===
=== Plugins ===


{| class="tablecenter" border=1
[[File:Amarok_2.8_ConfigurationDialogPlugins.png|thumb|center|300px|Plugins configuration dialog]]
!    Amarok Plugins Configuration dialog
|-
| [[File:Settings-Internet-amarok.png|thumb|250px|left|Internet Services before Amarok 2.4.1]][[File:Mediasources4.png|thumb|300px|Internet Services now (Click to enlarge)]]
|}


Plugins configuration now controls <menuchoice>Collections</menuchoice>, <menuchoice>Devices</menuchoice>, and <menuchoice>Internet Services</menuchoice>.
Plugins configuration controls <menuchoice>Collections</menuchoice>, <menuchoice>Internet Services</menuchoice>, and <menuchoice>Local Collection Backends</menuchoice>.


==== Collections ====
==== Collections ====
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| <menuchoice>DAAP Collection</menuchoice> || DAAP collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
| <menuchoice>DAAP Collection</menuchoice> || DAAP collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Ipod Collection</menuchoice> || iPod collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
| <menuchoice>iPod, iPad & iPhone Collection</menuchoice> || Plugin to use iPod-like devices as collections in '''Amarok'''
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>MTP Collection</menuchoice> || MTP collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
| <menuchoice>MTP Collection</menuchoice> || MTP collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
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|-
|-
| <menuchoice>UPnP Collection</menuchoice> || UPnP collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
| <menuchoice>UPnP Collection</menuchoice> || UPnP collection plugin for '''Amarok'''
|}<!--{-->
==== Devices ====
'''Amarok''' offers you access to the following Devices, if they are available:
<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="5"
! Devices !! Description
|-
| <menuchoice>Mass Storage Device</menuchoice> || Device Plugin for '''Amarok''' generic mass storage
|-
| <menuchoice>NFS Device</menuchoice> || Device Plugin for '''Amarok''' which supports NFS (Network File System)
|-
| <menuchoice>SMB Device</menuchoice> || Device Plugin for '''Amarok''' which supports SMBFS (Samba File System)
|}<!--{-->
|}<!--{-->


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<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="4"
<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="4"
! Service !! Description !! Needs configuration{{Configure}}
! Service !! Description !! Needs configuration {{Configure}}
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Ampache</menuchoice> || Use an external music server  || Yes, '''Ampache''' server needed
| <menuchoice>Ampache</menuchoice> || Use an external music server  || Yes, '''Ampache''' server needed
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|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Last.fm</menuchoice> || A popular internet radio service, streaming only for subscribers. See also [http://www.last.fm/about Last.fm] || Yes, personal information to [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/QuickStartGuide/Glossary#Scrobble|scrobble]]
| <menuchoice>Last.fm</menuchoice> || A popular internet radio service, streaming only for subscribers. See also [http://www.last.fm/about Last.fm] || Yes, personal information to [[Special:myLanguage/Amarok/QuickStartGuide/Glossary#Scrobble|scrobble]]
|-
| <menuchoice>mp3tunes</menuchoice> || A personal mp3 locker. See also [http://www.mp3tunes.com/cb/about/ mp3tunes.com] || Yes
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Magnatune Store</menuchoice> || Preview and buy music from a non-evil record label. See also [http://magnatune.com/info/whynotevil Magnatunes.com] || Only for downloads
| <menuchoice>Magnatune Store</menuchoice> || Preview and buy music from a non-evil record label. See also [http://magnatune.com/info/whynotevil Magnatunes.com] || Only for downloads
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>MP3 Music Store</menuchoice> || Access the Amazon MP3 Store directly from Amarok || Yes
| <menuchoice>MP3 Music Store</menuchoice> || Access the Amazon MP3 Store directly from Amarok || Yes
|-
| <menuchoice>mp3tunes</menuchoice> || A personal mp3 locker. See also [http://www.mp3tunes.com/cb/about/ mp3tunes.com] || Yes
|-
|-
| <menuchoice>Podcast Directory</menuchoice> || Browse and subscribe to a huge choice of podcasts || No
| <menuchoice>Podcast Directory</menuchoice> || Browse and subscribe to a huge choice of podcasts || No
|}<!--{-->
|}<!--{-->
<br />


Other service are available through scripts.
Other service are available through scripts.
==== Local Collection Backends ====
'''Amarok''' offers you access to the following Local Collection Backends, if they are available:
<!--}-->{| border="1" cellpadding="5"
! Devices !! Description
|-
| <menuchoice>Local Files & USB Mass Storage Backend</menuchoice> || Local Collection folders on local and pluggable disks
|-
| <menuchoice>NFS Share Backend</menuchoice> || Local Collection folders on remote NFS shares (Network File System)
|-
| <menuchoice>SMB (Windows) Share Backend</menuchoice> || Local Collection folders on remote Samba (Windows) shares
|}<!--{-->


==== Ampache configuration ====
==== Ampache configuration ====
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While streaming is free with Last.fm's own online player for residents of the US, the UK and Germany, it only works in '''Amarok''' for paid subscribers. Scrobbling is free, however, provided you enter your Last.fm username and password by clicking {{Configure}}. '''Amarok''' allows you to store the password in the secure '''KDE Wallet'''. If you decline the use of '''Kwallet''', your password will be stored in clear text instead.
While streaming is free with Last.fm's own online player for residents of the US, the UK and Germany, it only works in '''Amarok''' for paid subscribers. Scrobbling is free, however, provided you enter your Last.fm username and password by clicking {{Configure}}. '''Amarok''' allows you to store the password in the secure '''KDE Wallet'''. If you decline the use of '''Kwallet''', your password will be stored in clear text instead.
==== mp3tunes configuration ====
If you have a personal mp3tunes locker, click {{Configure}} and enter your username and password. You will then be able to access your online locker.


==== Magnatune Store configuration ====
==== Magnatune Store configuration ====
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NOTE: Changing the country invalidates your shopping cart. If your country is not in the list, you cannot use the Amazon MP3 Store because it is not supported by Amazon.
NOTE: Changing the country invalidates your shopping cart. If your country is not in the list, you cannot use the Amazon MP3 Store because it is not supported by Amazon.
==== mp3tunes configuration ====
If you have a personal mp3tunes locker, click {{Configure}} and enter your username and password. You will then be able to access your online locker.
<span id="Scripts"></span>
<span id="Scripts"></span>
=== Scripts ===
=== Scripts ===


[[File:Amarok2.4.1ConfigScripts.png|center|thumb|300px|Script configuration dialog in Amarok 2.4.1 (click to enlarge)]]
[[File:Amarok2.7ScriptsConfigMenu.png|center|thumb|300px|Scripts configuration dialog (click to enlarge)]]


Script Configuration in '''Amarok''' covers <menuchoice>Generic</menuchoice>, <menuchoice>Lyrics</menuchoice>, and <menuchoice>Scriptable Service</menuchoice> scripts. Scripts are added in the <menuchoice>Manage Scripts</menuchoice> dialog.
Script Configuration in '''Amarok''' covers <menuchoice>Generic</menuchoice>, <menuchoice>Lyrics</menuchoice>, and <menuchoice>Scriptable Service</menuchoice> scripts. Scripts are added in the <menuchoice>Manage Scripts</menuchoice> dialog.
Line 315: Line 338:


*<menuchoice>Manage Scripts</menuchoice> button
*<menuchoice>Manage Scripts</menuchoice> button
: Browse, install and uninstall user-supplied scripts; also search, sort and rate the scripts in the ''Amarok Add-on Installer''. Before '''Amarok''' 2.4.1, called ''Get More Scripts''.
: Browse, install and uninstall user-supplied scripts; also search, sort and rate the scripts in the ''Amarok Add-on Installer''.


===== Add-on Installer =====
===== Add-on Installer =====
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Learn more about a script using the {{Icon|dialog-information}} button.
Learn more about a script using the {{Icon|dialog-information}} button.


[[File:Amarok_script_info.png|300px|large|center|Amarok Script Info]]
A script can also be executed directly in the Amarok Script Console. This is activated by selecting the Script Console and confirm the selection by hitting either the <menuchoice>OK</menuchoice> or the <menuchoice>Apply</menuchoice> button. To deactivate the Script Console deselect it and confirm again.
[[File:AmarokConfigurationDialog2.7ScriptConsole.png|300px|large|center]]


{{Prevnext2
{{Prevnext2
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}}
}}


[[Category:Amarok]]
[[Category:Amarok2.8]]
[[Category:Multimedia]]
[[Category:Multimedia]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Latest revision as of 14:32, 20 July 2013

Other languages:

Configuring Amarok

On first start, some basic configuration is done; see also Quick Start Guide: Getting Started. But there is more under the hood.

To access the Configuration Menu, go to Settings -> Configure Amarok... and see the following dialog:


General configuration options

General

In the screenshot above, see some General Options you can set. Depending on the distribution, the default settings can vary. When hovering over the options with the mouse pointer, a tooltip will show to explain the individual settings.

General options:

Option Tooltip
Show tray icon Check to enable the Amarok system tray icon.
Automatically retrieve cover art Check to enable the automatic retrieval of cover art from the internet.
Enable context applets collapse animations Check to enable animations when context applets collapse.
Automatically scroll playlist to current track Check to make the playlist scroll so the current track is always visible.
Show Moodbar in progress slider The Moodbar makes it possible to navigate in your music visually. Please note that this feature requires the external Moodbar Generator tool, or a script.
Moodbar style Choose the mood display style.

When you enable the Moodbar, be aware of the following requirements: the Moodbar will only display if your tracks have been tagged with moods. For more about the Moodbar, refer to: Moodbar.

Local Collection

Local Collection configuration

This dialog shows your file system in a tree structure, called Collection Folders. Selecting a folder always includes its subfolders. These folders will be scanned for media to make up your collection. You can right-click on a folder to individually rescan it, if it was previously selected.

Collection options:

Option Tooltip
Fully Rescan Entire Collection Rescan your entire collection. This will not delete any statistics.
Import Imports ratings and/or statistics from older Amarok versions, the batch scanner, or media players.
Scan folders recursively (requires full rescan if newly checked) If selected, Amarok will read all subfolders.
Watch folders for changes If selected, the collection folders will be watched for changes. The watcher will not notice changes behind symbolic links.
Importing Music: Transcode tracks Whether Amarok should transcode tracks when they are copied or moved to Local Collection.

Import Statistics

This option allows you to import statistics, e.g. ratings and scores from either

  • an older Amarok 1.4.x version (from SQLite, MySQL or PostgreSQL databases)
  • from iTunes

It does not import statistics from an Amarok 2.x database, so if you want to merge an older 2.x database version, you will need to do this by hand.

Metadata

This dialog will allow you to configure the settings for metadata handling. This is a separate page starting with Amarok 2.7

Metadata options:

Option Tooltip
Write statistics to file Check to write play-changing statistics as tags back to the audio files.
Write covers to file, maximum size... Check to write changed covers back to the audio files. This will replace existing embedded covers. Select a value from the drop-down list to set the maximum size of the cover.
Enable character set detection in ID3 tags If checked, Amarok will use Mozilla's Character Set Detector to attempt to automatically guess the character sets used in ID3 tags. If your tags are correct, it is more safe to leave this option turned off.

Statistics Synchronization

This dialog will allow you to keep statistics of your collections synchronized. Make sure to only check collections between which you want to synchronize metadata.

Statistics Synchronization options:

Option Tooltip
Synchronize Rating Check to synchronize ratings between collections.
Synchronize First Played Check to synchronize first played dates between collections.
Synchronize Last Played Check to synchronize last played dates between collections.
Synchronize Playcount Check to synchronize playcounts between collections.
Synchronize Labels Check to synchronize labels between collections.

Playback

Playback configuration dialog

Configure the playback options, as well as the KDE multimedia framework Phonon.

Option Tooltip
Fadeout on stop If checked, Amarok will slowly fade the volume of the playing track on stop or at the end of the playlist, or stop playback immediately.
Fadeout on pause If checked, Amarok will slowly fade the volume of the playing track on pausing the current track.
Fadeout duration The length of the fadeout, in milliseconds.
Inhibit automatic suspend if playing If checked, Amarok will prevent the computer from being suspended will a track is playing.
Pause playback on suspend If checked, Amarok will pause playing of the current track when the computer is about to suspend.
Resume playback on start If checked, Amarok will resume playback where you left it the last session -- just like a tape-player.

Configuring Phonon

Phonon is the multimedia framework used by Amarok. It was created to allow KDE 4 to be independent of any single multimedia framework such as GStreamer or VLC and to provide a stable API for KDE 4's lifetime. As an added bonus, it simplifies development by providing a simple API that works across different platforms such as Windows and OS X.

The result of all this for you, the user, is that you can choose the multimedia framework that works best for you. This is usually pre-configured by your distribution.

Playback problems in Amarok are typically not Amarok issues, but rather Phonon issues, as Amarok doesn't handle sound directly anymore.

Device Preference tab

Depending on your OS and distribution, you may need to use ALSA, OSS, PulseAudio, or something else as your default playback device. Find one that works for you with the Test button and apply to all types of output. If you would like different types of output to go with different devices, this is possible as well.

Speaker Setup tab

Should you wish to change the standard speaker setup, here is the place to do it.

Backend tab

Depending on your operating system you may see options such as Gstreamer, VLC, or DS9 (Windows) here. The recommended phonon-backend for Linux users is VLC or Gstreamer.

If you don't see VLC or Gstreamer, install the package for it. For most distributions the package for VLC, for example, would be phonon-backend-vlc.

Each backend comes with its own codecs, so depending on the backend you choose you will need to also download the codecs, as most distributions don't ship them for legal reasons.

Notifications

Notifications configuration dialog


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Option Tooltip
Use On-Screen Display Check to enable the On-Screen Display. The OSD briefly displays track data when a new track is played. Once checked, the OSD will be visible on your screen and you can drag it to the location you prefer.
Duration The time in milliseconds for which to show the OSD. The value must be between 500 ms and 10000 ms.
Screen Allows you to choose the screen that should display the OSD if you have a multiscreen setup. Default is 0.
Translucent Check to enable translucency if supported by your desktop system.
Font scale (choose the size of the font in the OSD)
Don't show when a fullscreen application is active Do not show On-Screen Display if another application is focused and running in fullscreen mode.
Use custom colors Check to enable custom colors for the On-Screen Display text.
Text color Click to select the color of the OSD text.
Use system notifications Check to use the system notification. This can vary depending on your desktop system and/or distribution.

Database

External Database configuration dialog

The default database is already set to use embedded MySQL. For most users there is no need to configure an external database, as there is no change in performance. If you want to share your database or use it remotely, you can configure an external MySQL database.

Amarok expects the external database and user account to already exist. The user also requires full access to the database. You MUST restart Amarok after changing these settings.

If your database is not already set up, you can use the SQL commands in the field at the bottom to do so, after replacing the password with the correct one.

Option Tooltip
Use external MySQL Database Check to enable the use of an external database.
Server Enter the name of the existing MySQL server.
Port Enter the port number to access the server. Default is port 3306.
Username Enter the username to access the database with full access privileges.
Password Enter the password for the default user.
Database Enter the name of the database. Default preset is amarokdb.

You can find more information about the External Database here.

Plugins

Plugins configuration dialog

Plugins configuration controls Collections, Internet Services, and Local Collection Backends.

Collections

Amarok offers you access to the following Collections, if they are available:

Collection Description
AudioCD Collection AudioCD collection plugin for Amarok
DAAP Collection DAAP collection plugin for Amarok
iPod, iPad & iPhone Collection Plugin to use iPod-like devices as collections in Amarok
MTP Collection MTP collection plugin for Amarok
Universal Mass Storage Collection UMS/USB collection plugin for Amarok
UPnP Collection UPnP collection plugin for Amarok

Internet Services

Amarok offers by default the following Internet services:

Service Description Needs configuration
Ampache Use an external music server Yes, Ampache server needed
gpodder.net Podcast service. See also gpodder.net No
Jamendo Listen to free music published under Creative Common licenses. See also Jamendo.com No
Last.fm A popular internet radio service, streaming only for subscribers. See also Last.fm Yes, personal information to scrobble
Magnatune Store Preview and buy music from a non-evil record label. See also Magnatunes.com Only for downloads
MP3 Music Store Access the Amazon MP3 Store directly from Amarok Yes
mp3tunes A personal mp3 locker. See also mp3tunes.com Yes
Podcast Directory Browse and subscribe to a huge choice of podcasts No


Other service are available through scripts.

Local Collection Backends

Amarok offers you access to the following Local Collection Backends, if they are available:

Devices Description
Local Files & USB Mass Storage Backend Local Collection folders on local and pluggable disks
NFS Share Backend Local Collection folders on remote NFS shares (Network File System)
SMB (Windows) Share Backend Local Collection folders on remote Samba (Windows) shares

Ampache configuration

If you have access to a remote Ampache music server, click and enter the necessary information. You can configure access to more than one Ampache server. For more information see the Ampache section in what follows.

Last.fm configuration

While streaming is free with Last.fm's own online player for residents of the US, the UK and Germany, it only works in Amarok for paid subscribers. Scrobbling is free, however, provided you enter your Last.fm username and password by clicking . Amarok allows you to store the password in the secure KDE Wallet. If you decline the use of Kwallet, your password will be stored in clear text instead.

Magnatune Store configuration

Listen to the music offered by Magnatune for free and buy it directly through Amarok. Click to add your membership credentials if you are a member and/or add your email address to re-download music you previously have downloaded from Magnatune.

To download, you then go to the Media Sources pane, select the Internet section and click on the Magnatune Store. It will then download the catalog where you can search and select the music you want to buy.

MP3 Store configuration

Access the Amazon MP3 Store directly from Amarok.

The Amazon MP3 Store needs to know what country you are located in because it offers different items depending on your location. The following countries are allowed:

  • France
  • Austria, Germany, Switzerland
  • Japan
  • United Kingdom
  • United States (default)

NOTE: Changing the country invalidates your shopping cart. If your country is not in the list, you cannot use the Amazon MP3 Store because it is not supported by Amazon.

mp3tunes configuration

If you have a personal mp3tunes locker, click and enter your username and password. You will then be able to access your online locker.

Scripts

Scripts configuration dialog (click to enlarge)

Script Configuration in Amarok covers Generic, Lyrics, and Scriptable Service scripts. Scripts are added in the Manage Scripts dialog.

Generic scripts

Generic scripts add functionality to Amarok. The Amarok Script Console is available by default; other scripts which add CD burning, cover image storage, games, and many other choices are available. If installed, these scripts will show up in the Tools menu.

Lyrics scripts

A variety of lyrics scripts are available; Ultimate Lyrics is provided by default. Your chosen lyrics scripts will provide the lyrics shown in the Lyrics applet in the Context pane.

Scriptable Services scripts

Scriptable services, if enabled, will show up in the Internet Services in the Collections pane. Many collections of streams are available, in many languages, and from many sources.

Manage Scripts

At bottom of the configuration dialog are two options:

  • Automatically update built-in scripts
Automatically download and install updates for the built-in scripts from the Amarok website if available. Enable if you usually have a working Internet connections, and want your scripts automatically updated. This will not update user-supplied scripts from KDE-apps.org.
  • Manage Scripts button
Browse, install and uninstall user-supplied scripts; also search, sort and rate the scripts in the Amarok Add-on Installer.
Add-on Installer
Amarok Script Manager

Using the Add-on Installer, one can install the latest user-contributed Amarok scripts. There are also options to search, sort and rate the scripts.

The Install Scripts and Uninstall buttons can be used to manage scripts. One can install script packages of type amarokscript.tar, amarokscript.tar.bz2, amarokscript.tar.gz

Script Information

Learn more about a script using the button.

A script can also be executed directly in the Amarok Script Console. This is activated by selecting the Script Console and confirm the selection by hitting either the OK or the Apply button. To deactivate the Script Console deselect it and confirm again.

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