[Feature] Option to disable video transcoding for external libraries

[thegabriele97]

I have searched the existing feature requests, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate request.

• Yes

The feature

Feature Request

Currently, Immich automatically transcodes videos based on global settings, including those located in external libraries (e.g., mounted storage or shared folders).

It would be very useful to have an option to disable video transcoding selectively per library, especially for external libraries.

Use Case

• When external libraries are used for archival or readonly media collections, transcoding is unnecessary and consumes CPU/storage.
• Users may want to preserve original file formats in external libraries, relying on client-side playback instead.
• Reduces redundant processing when the source media is already in a compatible format.

Expected Behavior

• In the library settings (Admin > External Libraries), allow per-library control of transcoding behavior:

  Example:

• Disabling this option should skip transcoding for new videos added via that external library.

Benefits

• More efficient resource usage.
• Greater control over how media is processed.
• Useful for power users managing large or heterogeneous collections.

Platform

• Server
• Web
• Mobile

[bo0tzz]

#8845