First Steps 👣

Once the initial setup is complete, there are only two more steps before you can start browsing your pictures:

1. Configure your library and advanced settings according to your individual preferences.
2. Choose whether you want to index your originals directly, leaving all file and folder names unchanged, or use the optional import feature, which automatically removes duplicates, gives files a unique name, and sorts them by year and month.

If you want to use folders that already exist on your computer, make sure you configured them as originals respectively import folders during setup.

To add new pictures, you can either copy them to the originals or import folder, for example using WebDAV, or upload them using a browser, which will automatically import them once uploaded.

Then start indexing or importing, depending on which strategy you have chosen.

Ensure there is enough disk space available for creating thumbnails and verify filesystem permissions before starting to index: Files in the originals folder must be readable, while the storage folder including all subdirectories must be readable and writeable.

While indexing is in progress...

Your photos and videos will successively become visible in search results and other parts of the user interface. Open the Logs tab in Library to watch the indexer working. The counts in the navigation are constantly updated, so you can follow the progress.

In case some of your pictures are still missing after indexing has been completed, they might be in Review due to low quality or incomplete metadata. You can turn this and other features off in Settings, depending on your specific use case.

Of course, you can continue using your favorite tools for processing RAW files, editing metadata, or importing new shots. Go to Library and click Start to update the index after files have been changed, added, or removed. This can also be automated using CLI commands and a scheduler.

While indexing, JPEG sidecar files may be created for originals in other formats such as RAW and HEIF. This is required for image classification, facial recognition, and for displaying them in a Web browser. Sidecar and thumbnail files will be added to the storage folder, so that your originals folder won't be modified.

Setting up Your Devices

Finally, once indexing is complete and you're happy with the results, you can configure automatic syncing from your phone and install the Progressive Web App (PWA) on your desktop and mobile home screens as needed.