axiesdad Loc: Monticello, Indiana

I have a computer full of pictures I have taken, many (all?) of them duplicated in two or more files, some different photos in different folders with the same file names, etc. etc. A couple of days ago I did a search for jpgs and some pictures showed up up to a dozen times. In other words, I have a mess that has been created over about a dozen years and I need help sorting it out. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

It will take you a while to get them where you want them after you figure out a method that works for you.
Sending PM.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

1. Decide where you want your library to reside of the master copies of each image. This could be your 'pictures' folder on the local hard drive or a connected USB drive.

2. Decide how you want your images organized. A simple approach by year works if you also begin using library management software. Inside each year, you can create subfolders by known or approximate dates like 20020317 - St Patrick's Day. You might organize by subject, but consider if that might be the root cause of your current mess.

3. Now that you have an initial plan / vision of the finish, start creating that new organization of folders and moving (moving, not copying) images into their target folders. If you have conflicts as you consolidate, check the file sizes and dates. If exactly the same, keep just one. If different, just save to different names and consider / resolve the conflict later.

4. Evaluate a library management tool. Lightroom is the industry standard, but to access this software requires starting a new $10 / month ongoing subscription. Other tools exist that have less of a ongoing price.

5. Load your entire consolidated library of images into the library manager software and sort by shooting date and begin to resolve the conflicts. Always keep the original (larger) file. Keep the best edited version if you have multiples to pick. If you have years upon years to address, just work on one month at a time, when you feel like it, until the work is done a few months (or years) from now.

6. Assure your new images a properly placed into their folders and loaded into the library manager so new work is correct from the start and ongoing.

7. Create and operate an ongoing back-up process. At step 3, as you being to implement the organization and clean-up, assure you have regular back-ups of this new folder organization.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

Several apps offer a "reject suspected duplicates" option when transferring images.

philmurfin Loc: Bakewell, Derbyshire UK

I would suggest you take a look at ACDsee & On1, they both offer really good digital asset management systems at a low 1 off price.
Personally, I use ACDsee, there is also a Corel PSP version worth considering.

Best.... Phil

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There are lots of choices for sort/organizing software. I put mine into folders like Cars, Dogs, etc.

Software -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_organizer
http://www.toptenreviews.com/software/multimedia/best-photo-organizing-software/
Basic ideas -
http://photography.tutsplus.com/articles/using-a-controlled-vocabulary-to-organize-digital-photographs--cms-23344

Lots for free -
Best -
https://blogs.systweak.com/best-free-photo-organizer-software-for-windows-10-8-7/

https://www.digikam.org/
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-digital-photo-organizer.htm
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/10-free-photo-managing-software-you-should-at-least-know/
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/412-best-free-photo-management-software.html

Or not free -
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2402024,00.asp
http://photo-organizing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-way-to-organize-a-lifetime-of-photos-1429637857

jsfphotos Loc: New York, NY

Tim Grey, a PS and LR guru who sends a daily email if you sign up, has a course he offers called”clean up your mess in lightroom”. I’m not sure of the cost but I believe it’s pretty reasonable. Check out his website.

jsfphotos Loc: New York, NY

Search Tim grey photo.com or asktimgrey

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Start by doing a search with a known file name then get rid of those that you don’t want.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I run two sets off files. First set is by date taken today is 210306. The other set I file like we use to do in the old file cabinet days, by subject. Transportation- Boats - Cars- etc. Travel- by state or country. etc.
Note I say sets. You must have a backup.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

So if you change the date named file you have to replace the subject named file?
Sounds like extra work. Glad you can keep track of them.

I only have one copy, the master, and multiple backups.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

10+ years ago I had a drive fail. Never again 2 of everything. My Date File is as taken in JPG & RAW an d gives me a place to go back to. What is interesting about that is I want back to some old shots and redid them and they look different as my work flow has changed in perspective and technology.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I always keep the original for that reason. Any changes get a modified filename, in the same folder.

So you wind up with a modified image in a different folder than the original?

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.