NAS Architecture10 min read•Updated on October 2026

How to Automate Media Library Organization on Synology & QNAP NAS

Build a rock-solid NAS media server. Solve Docker permission errors (PUID/PGID), choose the right network protocol (NFS vs SMB), and configure automated watched folders.

SD
Simon DerocheAuthor & CineRename Creator

Table of Contents

1

NAS Storage Architecture & Shared Folders

A high-performance media server on Synology DSM or QNAP requires separating configuration data from heavy media files across storage pools.

Recommended Shared Folder Structure: - `/volume1/docker/` : High-speed NVMe or SSD storage for container config databases (Plex metadata, Jellyfin cache, CineRename settings). - `/volume1/media/` : High-capacity HDD array formatted in Btrfs or ZFS for video libraries.

Inside `/volume1/media`, maintain strict subdirectories: `movies`, `tv`, `anime`, `downloads_incoming`, and `completed`.

Optimal NAS Directory Layout
/volume1/
├── docker/
│   ├── cinerename/config/
│   ├── plex/config/
│   └── jellyfin/config/
└── media/
    ├── movies/
    ├── tv/
    ├── anime/
    └── incoming/ (Watched by CineRename)
2

Solving Docker & Synology Permission Denied (PUID / PGID)

The #1 issue when running media servers in Docker on Synology or QNAP is permissions. By default, containers run as a restricted user that cannot write to DSM shared folders.

To fix this: 1. Connect via SSH to your NAS and run `id your-username` to retrieve your UID and GID (typically 1026 or 1000). 2. In Synology DSM: Go to Control Panel > Shared Folder > Edit 'media' > Permissions > System internal user > Grant Read/Write access. 3. Pass `PUID` and `PGID` in your Docker Compose or Container Manager configuration.

Docker Compose for CineRename Headless Server
services:
  cinerename:
    image: cinerename/cinerename:latest
    container_name: cinerename
    environment:
      - PUID=1000
      - PGID=1000
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:
      - /volume1/docker/cinerename/config:/config
      - /volume1/media:/media
    ports:
      - 8787:8787
    command: web --allowed-root /media
    restart: unless-stopped
Synology DSM Kernel Compatibility

Older Synology models running DSM 6 or 7 kernels do not support Linux Landlock sandboxing. CineRename automatically detects kernel capabilities and gracefully degrades without crashing.

3

Network Mounts: NFS vs CIFS/SMB on NAS

If your media player or Docker host runs on a separate machine (e.g., Mini PC, Intel NUC) and connects to your Synology via the network, protocol choice is critical:

Why NFS is Better for Linux & Docker Hosts: NFS handles file locking, user ID mapping, and symlinks natively without translation overhead.

If You Must Use SMB/CIFS: You must explicitly mount with `uid=1000,gid=1000,file_mode=0777,dir_mode=0777` in `/etc/fstab` to avoid permission errors when media servers attempt to write subtitles or rename files.

High-Performance NFS Mount in /etc/fstab
192.168.1.50:/volume1/media /mnt/nas-media nfs auto,_netdev,nofail,noatime,nolock,tcp,actimeo=1800 0 0
4

Zero-Click Automation: Real-Time Watched Folders

Instead of manually opening an app every time new episodes arrive, configure CineRename's Watched Folders.

How it works: 1. Set an incoming folder (e.g., `/volume1/media/incoming`). 2. CineRename monitors the directory in real time with intelligent file stability debouncing (waiting until file copying completes before renaming). 3. Media is identified against TMDb/TVDB, subtitles are fetched, and files are automatically moved to `/volume1/media/movies` or `/volume1/media/tv`.

Clean Storage Hygiene

CineRename's built-in cleanup scans for leftover .nfo, .url, .exe, sample clips, and duplicate video versions, reclaiming dozens of gigabytes of NAS storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! CineRename provides an official lightweight Docker image built for x86_64 and ARM64. It includes a modern web interface accessible from any browser on port 8787.
Stop manual renaming

Apply these conventions in 1 click with CineRename

CineRename natively integrates these exact folder structures, resolves multi-episode files, downloads subtitles, and watches your incoming folders 24/7.

Download CineRename FreeExplore Pro Features
← Previous guidePlex & Jellyfin NamingNext guide →Anime Naming Guide