MAWi Link Local Folder Playlist – Auto-Updating Content from Hot Folders

How to Use the Local Folder Playlist Feature in MAWi Link (Hot Folder Guide)




Introduction


The new Local Folder Playlist feature in MAWi Link introduces a dynamic and automated way to manage content playback.
This feature allows you to create playlists that automatically pull content from a designated folder — either a local folder on the MAWi Server or a shared network folder accessible to the system.
Whenever you add, remove, or replace files in that folder, the playlist updates automatically — eliminating the need to manually upload or edit files in the MAWi interface.
Supported file types:
  • Images (JPG, PNG, BMP)
  • Videos (MP4, AVI, MOV)
  • PDF files








Step-by-Step Setup Guide


1. Open the MAWi Link Console
  • Log in to your MAWi Management Console.
  • Navigate to the Playlists section and click on the 'Create new Playlist' button.



2. Create a New Playlist
  • Enter a name for your new playlist (e.g., Lobby Display Folder).
  • Turn on the toggle next to set the Android option for MAWi Link. 
  • Click on the + Add new item button.



3. Select Folder Source
  • Select the Local tab.
  • Enter the folder path:
    • Local Folder – A directory on the same machine running the MAWi Server.
      Example for local: C:\MAWiContent\LobbyScreens
    • Shared Folder (Network Path) – A folder on another system or NAS accessible via the network.
      Example for a network path: \\ServerName\SharedContent

            


Tip:
Make sure the MAWi Server service account has read access to the folder (and write access if content updates are expected).

4. Sort Options


You can easily organize your files using one of the following options:

  • Date – Sort by the date files were added or modified.

  • A–Z – Sort files alphabetically from A to Z.

  • Z–A – Sort files alphabetically from Z to A.



5. Time Spent per Item

The Time Spent per Item option allows you to define how long each item in the folder is displayed before moving to the next one in the playlist.
By default, each item is shown for 30 seconds before the system automatically transitions to the next file.


Notes
Notes:
- Videos will always play in full, regardless of this setting. 
- In the Advanced Options, you can also define how long each page within a PDF file is displayed before progressing to the next page.





5. Save and Assign the Playlist
  • Click Save to save the playlist item.
  • Click Finish to save the playlist.
  • Assign the new playlist to one or more screens or groups.

            


6. Auto-Update Behavior
Once configured, the Local Folder Playlist continuously monitors the selected folder.
  • When you add new files → it will automatically cache to the device and play on the screen.
  • When you delete a file → it is automatically removed from the device's cache.
  • When you replace a file → the new version is played instantly.

Best Practices
  • Use a dedicated folder per screen or group to maintain organization.
  • For shared folders, ensure the user who runs on the server has consistent network access credentials.
  • Keep file sizes optimized for smooth playback (especially for video files).


Troubleshooting
  • Files not showing up?
    Check that the folder path is accessible and file extensions are supported.
  • Slow updates?
    Verify network latency if using a shared folder over LAN/WAN.
  • PDF not displaying correctly?
    Confirm the PDF isn’t password-protected or corrupted.


Using Google Drive or OneDrive as a Hot Folder Source


The Local Folder feature can also work with Google Drive or OneDrive, allowing you to update your playlists from anywhere — even when you are not on the same network.
 The key requirement is that these cloud folders must be synced locally on the MAWi Server PC so that MAWi can read the files directly.


Option A — Google Drive

  1. Install Google Drive for Desktop on the MAWi Server PC. Read more here:
    https://support.google.com/drive/answer/10838124

  2. Sign in with the Google account that will manage the content.

  3. Select “Sync files” (not "Backup") to ensure files are stored locally and synced.

  4. Choose or create a folder inside Google Drive.

  5. Note the local folder path, for example: C:\Users\Admin\Google Drive\MAWi_Hot_Folder

  6. Use this local path when creating the Local Folder Playlist Item in MAWi Link.

Now, whenever you or your team place files into that Google Drive folder from any device, they will sync to the server and automatically appear on the screen




Option B — OneDrive

  1. Install OneDrive on the MAWi Server PC and sign in.

  2. Open OneDrive settings and make sure the folder you plan to use is set to:
    “Always keep on this device.”
    This ensures the files are stored locally, not cloud-only.

  3. Create or select a folder in OneDrive.

  4. Note the local path, for example:

    C:\Users\Admin\OneDrive\MAWi_Hot_Folde
  5. Use this path when creating the Local Folder Playlist Item in MAWi Link.

By placing content in this OneDrive folder from any computer or mobile device, the files will sync to the server and show up on screens automatically.



Important Notes
  • The folder must exist locally on the MAWi Server PC — even if it syncs to the cloud.
    

  • If a file shows a cloud icon (meaning “online-only”), MAWi will not be able to play it.
    
Right-click the file and select “Always keep on this device.”
    

  • Cloud sync delay may vary depending on your internet speed.





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