Podcast Summary: Hands-On Tech 228: De-Duping Photos on macOS

Release Date: August 10, 2025
Host: Micah Sargent
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Micah Sargent addresses a common issue faced by many Mac users: managing and removing duplicate photos from the macOS Photos library. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of various tools and strategies to efficiently deduplicate photos, catering to both paid and free solutions.

1. Introduction to the Problem

The episode begins with a listener question from Ryan, who is overwhelmed by nearly 15,000 duplicate photos in his macOS Photos library. Ryan expresses frustration with the manual process of merging duplicates, which requires three clicks per photo, leading him to seek an automated solution.

Quote:
"Ryan writes, 'I'm in the process of cleaning up my Mac photo library. Photos has found almost 15,000 duplicate photos. It takes three clicks per photo to merge them. That will require a lot of clicks. I'm wondering if you could recommend an automated deduping app...'"
— Micah Sargent [00:00]

2. Paid Deduplication Tools

Micah first explores paid applications that offer robust features for deduplicating photos on macOS.

a. PhotoSweeper X

• Functionality:
  PhotoSweeper integrates directly with the Photos library, utilizing smart detection features beyond mere file name matching. It analyzes metadata and visual content to identify duplicates accurately.

• Features:

  • Preview Before Deletion: Users can review duplicates before removing them.
  • Custom Matching Criteria: Allows users to set specific parameters for what constitutes a duplicate.
  • Safety Features: Ensures that unintended photos aren't deleted.

• Pricing:
  Available on the Mac App Store for $14.99.

Quote:
"Photo Sweeper works directly with your photos library so it can sort of pull that in and look for duplicate photos... it does have some built-in safety features to make sure that you don't delete photos that you don't intend to."
— Micah Sargent [Detailed Discussion]

b. Gemini 2 by MacPaw

• Functionality:
  Gemini 2 is branded as the "Duplicate Finder," extending its capabilities beyond photos to encompass all file types on a Mac.

• Features:

  • Comprehensive Duplicate Detection: Identifies not just exact copies but also similar files, such as multiple blurry versions of the same photo.
  • Automation: Can automatically remove duplicates based on user trust settings, minimizing the need for manual intervention.
  • Visual Comparison Tools: Allows users to visually inspect duplicates before deletion.
  • Pause and Resume: Users can pause the scanning process and resume without restarting.

• Pricing:

  • Free Trial Available: Users can try Gemini 2 for free initially.
  • Subscription: $20 per year after the trial period.

Quote:
"Gemini, it goes past just being a photo duplicate finder. It is the all in one duplicate finder... it can help you find those as well."
— Micah Sargent [Detailed Discussion]

Personal Experience: Micah shares his long-term use of Gemini 2 across his Mac and network-attached storage, praising its effectiveness in identifying and removing duplicate files beyond just photos.

3. Free and Open Source Option

For users seeking a cost-free solution, Micah introduces DupeGuru, an open-source application.

• Functionality:
  DupeGuru offers versatile duplicate detection with multiple matching algorithms, making it suitable for various file types, including photos.

• Features:

  • Flexibility: Users can choose which libraries or folders to scan.
  • Multiple Matching Algorithms: Enhances the accuracy of duplicate detection.

• Considerations:

  • Technical Complexity: Requires users to follow instructions carefully and may have a steeper learning curve compared to paid alternatives.

Quote:
"Dupe Guru is a little bit more technical, so you're going to kind of need to read through the instructions and make sure that you understand what you're doing with it."
— Micah Sargent [Detailed Discussion]

Recommendation: Micah suggests starting with DupeGuru for those comfortable with a more hands-on approach. If users find it challenging, transitioning to PhotoSweeper or Gemini 2 might be more efficient.

4. Built-In Photos Duplicate Finder

Beyond third-party applications, macOS Photos offers a built-in duplicate detection tool, though with limitations.

• Accessing the Tool:

  • Launch the Photos app.
  • Navigate to Collections > Utilities > Duplicates.

• Functionality:

  • Identifies exact duplicates within the library.
  • Allows users to merge duplicates efficiently.

• Process:

  • Users can select all duplicates by holding Command + A and initiate the merge process.

• Personal Anecdote:
  Micah shares his experience of merging 666 duplicates, humorously noting the spooky nature of the number, and successfully reducing his duplicates to 348 with varying file sizes.

Quote:
"Should I hit merge? Oh, merge. 318 exact copies only. We did it."
— Micah Sargent [Live Demonstration]

Limitations:
While effective for exact duplicates, the built-in tool may be time-consuming for large libraries and doesn't offer the advanced features of third-party apps for detecting similar but not identical photos.

5. Recommendations and Best Practices

Micah emphasizes the importance of backing up the photo library before undertaking any deduplication process to prevent accidental loss of cherished memories.

• Backup Suggestions:
  • Use Time Machine for initial backups.
  • Clone the library to an external drive for added security.

Quote:
"Please, please do a complete backup of your photos library first. If you're using Time Machine, that's a great way to start."
— Micah Sargent [Final Advice]

Final Advice:
Choose the deduplication tool that aligns with your technical comfort level and specific needs. For simple duplicate removal, the built-in Photos tool may suffice. For more comprehensive and automated solutions, consider investing in PhotoSweeper or Gemini 2. DupeGuru remains a viable option for those seeking a free alternative and are willing to navigate its technical intricacies.

6. Conclusion

Micah concludes by reaffirming the value of addressed solutions and encourages listeners to share their experiences with the recommended tools. He invites feedback and highlights the widespread issue of photo library clutter, assuring listeners that effective solutions are available.

Quote:
"This is something that, you know, a lot of people deal with trying to figure out how to cut down on their photos library."
— Micah Sargent [Closing Remarks]

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments related to Club TWiT and other advertisements, focusing solely on the content pertinent to deduplicating photos on macOS as discussed in the episode.