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Photo file SORTING software needed
Drowning in images here. I need help with sorting photographs and videos, and oddly enough I can’t seem to find the right software for this basic task. (I’m not talking about “editing” in the sense of image manipulation; Photoshop suits me fine for that.)
The ideal software will use the file structure of OSX Finder or Windows 10 File Explorer, so that the resulting organization can be archived and moved intact. I recognize the limitations of this approach. Lightroom, for example, will allow sorting a single image which has different characteristics (location, people, theme, etc.) into multiple “Collections,” without having to make duplicate copies of the original. That’s great. But I do not want the “sort” to render me dependent on a piece of software forever (especially if it’s a subscription, like Lightroom). I’ve seen too many wonderful software titles become EOLed, and do not want the considerable investment of sorting to go down the drain. OTOH: If the “Collections” approach results in some universally-readable file, that would be fine.
Criteria:
1. View as many formats as possible, including raw files and videos.
2. Enlarge photographs to see details, check sharpness, without leaving the program (I can double-click a file and see it in Preview, but then I have to make sure I have selected the right file back in Finder when I delete or move it. I want to be able to see it/select it/move it directly.)
3. SORT the files into folders (Finder or File Explorer) with various categories.
I could go either Mac or PC for this task.
Apologies in advance if this is a very stupid and obvious question, but the answer has eluded me, so I would appreciate any assistance.
Bob C
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3 Replies
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I understand not wanting to rely on a subscription product, however, if you are concerned about such things, I suggest that you simply organize your files into the file structure you desire within Lightroom. You can use the DNG file format so that changes are contained within the file.
Photo Mechanic and Affinity Photo are both able to read the DNG and as far as I can tell, along with many other programs, and even the Windows 10 file manager will show the changes. I just tried it and I see the changes when I view the thumbnails of the DNG files.
You can simply move the files around inside Lightroom to the file structure on your hard drive that you desire.
So, for example, you realize you want to group all of your photos of Eagles together, regardless of date or camera, or whatever, simply search your keywords for “eagle” and drag/drop them to your Eagles folder, which is likely under the Wildlife folder within the animal folder on your drive.
It might be easiest to import into Lightroom by date, and then within each folder, start moving files around as required.
#1 – Lightroom reads lots of file formats and videos (in Library Mode)
#2 – Lightroom lets you zoom in and out. You can move one at a time or many.
#3 – Sorting is easy, moving is required if you don’t trust the library.Just remember something. If you stop paying for Lightroom, the Library file organization features remain intact, just the Develop module and such are disabled.
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Thank you very much. Food for thought. I have to learn about the DNG file format.
Bob C
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Smart Pix Manager Software
It provides differentiating features like wide print templates and slideshows. While it might take some moments to get used to the program. You can import the photos from the flash drives and camera in this program. However, there is only 22 file format support. It provides various features to organize the photos and that too at a moderate price. Apart from organizing photos, you can use it to sort music and video files as well.
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