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Automap (Scan Library)

If you have an existing comic collection, adding titles to the Pull List one by one is time-consuming. Scan Library automatically inspects the sidecar files already present across your storage directories, resolves each to a verified Metron or ComicVine series, and populates your Pull List in a single batch pass.

How Automap Works

  1. Scans your configured library directories for series.json and cvinfo sidecar files (such as those generated by Mylar3 or earlier CLU passes).
  2. Queries Metron (and ComicVine) to resolve each sidecar to an official series ID.
  3. Groups every scanned directory into one of three classifications:

Scan Library results

Classification Categories

Classification Meaning Action Required
Auto CLU resolved the sidecar to a single, confident series match. None. Mapped automatically upon commit.
Needs review A probable match was found, but requires user confirmation (e.g. multiple candidate volumes or fuzzy naming). Confirm or select the correct volume in the review modal.
Skipped No usable sidecar or matching provider record was found. Review the displayed reason; map manually later if desired.

The Review Workflow

Directories marked Needs review are presented in an interactive review modal. For each item, select the correct series volume (or accept CLU's suggestion) before applying:

Automap review modal

Guided Setup Integration

The Pull List Scan step during Guided Setup runs this exact scan. Review candidate matches promptly, as temporary scan sessions expire after 15 minutes.

When you commit the mappings, CLU executes the following background tasks:

  • Backfills sidecars: Writes updated series.json and cvinfo files so each folder retains permanent series identification.
  • Synchronizes checklists: Queries the provider in the background to retrieve full issue lists, publication dates, and creator credits.
  • Reconciles collection: Scans local files to record which issues you already own versus which are wanted.

Applying mappings

Import Safeguards & Behavior

  • ComicVine fallback: Series that exist exclusively on ComicVine are fully supported and mapped cleanly.
  • Preserves existing metadata: Existing sidecar publisher and status values are preserved rather than overwritten.
  • Mylar folder structures: Standard Mylar volume folder layouts (such as <publisher>/<series>/v<year>/) are parsed accurately without mistaking the v<year> folder for the series title.
  • Intelligent monitoring defaults: Fully collected series with an ended publication status (Cancelled or Completed) default to Not Monitored, preventing unnecessary search queries for finished runs.

Import complete

Scanning a Single Folder

To apply this same identification process to a single directory rather than running a full library sweep, select Add to Pull List from any series folder's action menu in the File Manager or Collection view.

Single-folder mapping runs the identical resolution pipeline: sidecars are created, checklists are synced, and owned counts are tallied. If a sidecar is missing or unreadable, a Metron search picker opens directly so you can select the correct title.

See Additional Features for detailed outcome codes.

  • Pull List — Managing your subscribed series and collection health.
  • Import from Mylar3 — Migrating a Mylar3 watchlist from database and config files.
  • Series Page — Managing individual series checklists and mapping paths.