Interface Overview
PhotoCatalog has two main zones: the left sidebar for folder navigation and tag management, and the main area on the right for browsing photos.
Working with Folders
The sidebar displays your computer's folder tree. You can resize the panel width by dragging the splitter between the sidebar and the photo grid.
Dragging a folder moves it (not copies). To create a nested structure, use the ➕ New Folder button instead.
Viewing Photos
Photos load asynchronously — the app stays responsive even with thousands of images. Thumbnails are cached, so reopening a folder is instant.
Thumbnails are cached between sessions. After the first load, reopening a folder is 10–20× faster. Clear the cache in File → Settings → Cache.
Adding Tags
Tags let you categorize photos independently of your folder structure. One tag can be assigned to multiple photos at once.
Select multiple photos with Ctrl, then open the tag dialog. Tags will be applied to all selected files at once. Existing shared tags appear as green chips.
Tag Colors
Each tag can have its own color. This helps you navigate the photo grid faster — your brain reads color quicker than text.
Searching by Tags
Type a tag in the search bar — the app finds all matching photos across all folders and displays them in a single grid, grouped by folder.
Click any tag in the TAGS section of the sidebar — the search launches instantly without typing anything.
Google Drive
Connect Google Drive to browse your cloud photos directly in PhotoCatalog — no downloading required.
PhotoCatalog requests read-only access. Your files are never modified or transmitted. The authorization token is stored locally on your computer and refreshes automatically.
Keyboard Shortcuts
All key actions are accessible from the keyboard.