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Getting Started

Three steps from zero to running: install, run the first-time setup, connect a media server.

1. Install

Pick the option that matches your environment. All three install the same Stillwater build.

  • Docker Compose · Recommended

    The canonical self-hosted setup. Auto-restart, easy upgrades, plays nicely with reverse proxies and existing media-server stacks.

    Install with Docker Compose

  • Binary

    Smallest footprint, fewest dependencies. Single self-contained binary for macOS, Linux, and Windows.

    Install the binary

  • Unraid

    Search "Stillwater" in Community Applications, fill the form, Apply. The easiest path on Unraid; no compose file required.

    Install on Unraid

2. Run the first-time setup

When Stillwater starts for the first time it presents a setup wizard. Open http://localhost:1973 in a browser and walk through it: admin user, music library locations, and platform connections.

First-time setup walkthrough

3. Pick a delivery mode

Stillwater can deliver curated metadata two ways. Pick the one that matches your setup -- you can change later under Settings.

  • NFO writeback · Preferred

    Stillwater writes artist.nfo files (and image files) directly into your music library on disk. Highest fidelity -- captures fields like Discography that platform APIs don't expose. Requires Stillwater to have read/write access to the library directory your media server reads from.

    Set up by adding the library during first-time setup (the Music Libraries step) or later under Settings > Libraries.

  • API push to Emby or Jellyfin

    Stillwater connects to Emby or Jellyfin via their HTTP APIs and pushes edits directly. No filesystem access required. Limited to fields each platform's API exposes.

    Connect Emby or Connect Jellyfin.

You can run both at once -- Stillwater supports it -- but it's not generally recommended. Pick the mode that matches your setup; add the other later if needed.

Running Kodi?

Kodi reads NFO files directly from your library. No separate connector is needed; if Stillwater can write to the library, Kodi will pick the changes up on its next refresh.

Stuck? Common installation and connection issues live in Troubleshooting.