Add Folder Thumbnail/Cover Image Support in Folder View

[CpenGGG]

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

• Yes

The feature

Dear Immich maintainers,
I’d like to propose a small but very handy addition to the recently released “Folder View”:
Feature
Allow each folder to display a user-selectable (or auto-selected) cover/thumbnail image, making visual navigation faster and more pleasant.
Why it matters
Large libraries often contain many folders with cryptic names (e.g. “2023-08-12”). A thumbnail instantly identifies the folder’s content.
e.g:

It brings Immich closer to the look-and-feel of mainstream photo managers (Google Photos, Apple Photos, Synology Moments) and therefore lowers the migration friction for new users.
Users who browse on mobile devices especially benefit from visual cues instead of reading tiny folder names.

Thank you for the amazing work on Immich!
Best regards

Platform

• Server
• Web
• Mobile

[kevnn52]

I'd like to return to this possible feature.
But my idea comes from experience with Synology Photos.

When using Immich with a large already structured external library the best way to browse through it is to use the Folder view (e.g. on an external device like an Apple TV).
It would be a nice feature if users could independently assign an image from this folder as a thumbnail. So, the library in a folder view will look more conscious and beautiful. Using the first or random asset from a folder doesn't often give you an accurate idea of the folder's content.
Other viewing apps will be able to use this user-assigned thumbnail in the Folder view.
This feature is realized in Synology Photos and such feature in Immich will be a good reason to completely switch to it.