Import FAQ

What happens if you import a picture twice?

The import process creates a hash code for each image. This code is (almost) unique for each image. If the system recognizes an identical hash, it knows that the image has already been imported, regardless of file name and directory. In this way, the "new" identical image is deleted from the import directory.

Which hash algorithm is used to recognize identical images?

SHA1 is used as a hash code algorithm. The collision probability (= different files with the same hash) depends on the number of files. For example, if you have 9 billion files, the collision probability is ~2.77×10-29. It's very small.

Is a JPG image different from the same RAW file for import?

Yes, the system does not analyze the image itself. It generates the hash code from the bytes of the specified file. If you change the EXIF data of an image and re-import the original file, Phobox does not recognize the files as identical because the changed EXIF data occurs in changed bytes.

What happens when different images with the same name are imported into the same directory?

Phobox detects the conflict, but cannot solve it at the moment. For this reason, it moves the following conflicting images to the unsorted directory. To avoid this behavior, you should change your import format to a more specific path (possibly more subdirectories with timestamps).

How does the watch directory work?

The watch directory is optional. You can use it if you want to import your images automatically from another directory than the import directory. Phobox monitors the specified directory and automatically copies all found image files to the Phobox import directory. The default import for these files is started there. The watch directory looks every 5 seconds for new files. Already imported files will be ignored. All files stay in the watch directory.

How I can change the import format?

Start phobox and open it up. Now you navigate to settings and there you can change the format.

Use static paths and/or markers for a dynamic import path as you need.

Available marker

Marker	Description	Example
%Y	Sets the year from creation date	2019
%M	Sets the month from creation date	12
%D	Sets the day from creation date	24
%CAM	Sets the camera manufacture and model	Canon EOS 6D
%FILE_TYPE	Sets the file type in upper case	JPG
%ARTIST	Sets the author from EXIF data	Jimmy Johnson
%IS_RAW	If its a RAW file the marks is filled with "RAW", otherwise it's empty	RAW

What happens when the file not contains the a marker?

If phobox can not read a marker the picture is moved to the unsorted directory. Now you have to manually sort the files.