Option to disable automatic downloading of artist images

[fiso64]

Even if `Tags (2) > auto-retrieve missing artwork for the playing track` is unchecked musicbee still attempts to download artist images (e.g in the music explorer view).
Unfortunately it rarely retrieves correct pictures for me, so I'd like an option to disable it.

[scorpion]

In Tags (2):  Auto-tagging / Artwork uncheck auto-retrieve missing artwork for the playing tracks. Then click on the 3 dots (right) and uncheck Artwork providers (Fanart, iTunes Store, Deezer, Bing). On the end this field will be empty.

[frankz]

Why do people keep giving this same incorrect answer? That has nothing to do with the artist pictures.  That is album artwork.

Here's the actual answer:
If you do not want to see artist pictures, do not use a view that displays artist pictures.

If you do not want to download artist pictures at all, it appears you are out of luck:

Even when the artist picture/ retrieve pictures setting is unticked, MB will still retrieve one picture if you have none locally for the artist in question. I dont plan to change that

[fiso64]

Why do people keep giving this same incorrect answer? That has nothing to do with the artist pictures.  That is album artwork.

Here's the actual answer:
If you do not want to see artist pictures, do not use a view that displays artist pictures.

If you do not want to download artist pictures at all, it appears you are out of luck:

Even when the artist picture/ retrieve pictures setting is unticked, MB will still retrieve one picture if you have none locally for the artist in question. I dont plan to change that

But why? I like seeing artist pictures and I can add them manually. Musicbee doesn't retrieve the correct ones (to be fair, these artists aren't exactly well-known). It's a simple option that shouldn't be too hard to implement.

[tjinc]

Display the Artist Pictures in a sidepanel then right-click on the Artist panel header and deselect Retrieve Web Pictures


I can't seem to find this option anywhere else but I think it covers all other views (but not Theater Mode views)

Edit:
If you are using the Artist Picture view in the Now Playing tab then this option is also available in the Customise Panel dialogue window.

[fiso64]

Display the Artist Pictures in a sidepanel then right-click on the Artist panel header and deselect Retrieve Web Pictures

This option was already unchecked for me but mb still retrieves artist pictures in the music explorer view

[tjinc]

Could you post a screenshot showing which picture you are referring to.

[fiso64]

[tjinc]

Ah, ok - the Artist thumbnail.
You can't stop this being downloaded but if you have an image you want to use you can right click on this image and Paste Artist Picture

[fiso64]

I'm aware of this, but I'd like an option to disable automatic downloads.

[frankz]

Even when the artist picture/ retrieve pictures setting is unticked, MB will still retrieve one picture if you have none locally for the artist in question. I dont plan to change that

[fiso64]

Yes, there's no need to change the default behavior, it can be a checkbox somewhere in the settings

[frankz]

It's not a default behavior.  It is a required behavior.  

For whatever reason, he wants there to be at least one picture for each artist available to display in the program "and does not plan to change" that requirement.

This is the wishlist board, and sometimes wishes are granted, but based on his previous response to the issue I'm saying don't get your hopes up is all.

[fiso64]

I doubt it's required for anything other than the artist picture download feature itself (musicbee works just fine offline), but who knows.
In my opinion, any software that primarly deals with local files should always be configurable to make no network requests at all. 

[Mayibongwe]

[screenshot]

Ah, ok - the Artist thumbnail.

Prior to this revelation, I also thought the OP was referring to the artist picture in the "profile" section of the Music Explorer.
As pointed out by tjinc already, none of the settings mentioned here will prevent MusicBee from auto-retrieving artist thumbs (no such setting exists atm).

What's asked here has been requested before: https://getmusicbee.com/forum/index.php?topic=28657.0
redwing found a way to prevent MB from auto-retrieving thumbnails on artists already loaded onto the library (so...doesn't work with 'new' artists).

The 'workaround' isn't exactly what you're asking for, but it sorta gets you halfway (in case your wish here goes cold).