PictSort was originally developed for sorting large number of files. Due to popular demand, I've added several enhancements that makes it especially useful for sorting large number of pictures. For users who spend a lot of time organizing pictures and other files downloaded from the internet PictSort can help them save a lot of time by automating this sorting process.
Features
PictSort has 4 major functions: Sort, Filter, Label Duplicates, Browse.
You can configure PictSort to activate these functions for batch processing of files.
• SORT
This is the primary function of PictSort. When you drag/drop a folder onto PictSort, PictSort will search this folder for series of files which have identical prefixes. When it finds them, it will create a new sub-folder with the appropriate folder name for each of these series and then proceed to sort the files by moving them to these sub-folders.
•Filter
The Filter feature lets users enter specific search strings and have PictSort automatically move files whose filename contains the search string. For example you can configure PictSort to move all files with ".gif" or ".sit" to different folders.
•Label Duplicates
PictSort can be configured to keep a list of all the files that it has ever encountered. When PictSort encounters a filename that it has seen before, the user can have PictSort automatically label it with a different color label. A quick "view by Label" command in the finder will let the user identify duplicate files and determine whether to trash the duplicates or not.
•Browse
The Browse feature is intended to be a tool for sorting pictures. It allows users to quickly flip through previews of pictures. As the previews are being displayed the user can move each picture to various pre-designated folders with a single key-stroke or a click of the button. This feature is still in teh beta testing stage. Please read the special section on How to use the Browser for more details.
** When you run PictSort for the first time, you should select "Preferences" from the File menu in order to configure the settings.
Other PictSort Functions
•Unsort
When you Unsort a folder, PictSort does a recursive search for subfolders and move the files contained in these sub-folders to the top level of the selected parent folder. It will delete any folder that no longer contains any files.
Caution-Unless you know what you are doing, do not use this feature.
I've put in safegaurds to prevent the mentally challenged from selecting and unsorting the System Folder or an entire volume. Nontheless accidental unsorting of folders can be very undesirable.
•Merge
The Merge feature can be used for merging two folders with large number of files. "Why not just move all the files from one folder to another using the finder?", you ask. The problem is that if there are more than one file with the same names between the source and destination folder, the finder will simply ask you if you want to replace the existing files without telling you which files are duplicates. If you fear that one of the files with the duplicate names might be a file you want to keep then you must cancel the move and manually locate the offending duplicate files and determine if you want to keep them. By using the Merge function in PictSort, you are prompted for a source and destination folder. PictSort will proceed to merge the content of the two folders leaving any files with duplicate filenames in the source folder.
How to Use the Browser
The Browser function is not capable of opening .jpg or .gif pictures; However it is capable of viewing their previews. Most of the picture viewing programs today allows you to create previews. I highly recommend a program called Show! which allows users to specify the preview size and batch process large number of pictures.
When you activate the Browser, you will be prompted to select a folder to browse. A window will appear with the preview of the first picture. Use the right arrows button to view the next picture and left arrow button to view the previous one.
You can redirect a file to pre-designated folders by either clicking on one of the buttons to on the right of the window or by typing a single character. But before you can do so you must set up these designated folders by selecting the "Set Dest" button. You can set up each entry manually by clicking on an entry and selecting the folder using the standard dialog window to locate the folder. This folder must be located on the same volume as the pictures being sorted. You should also specify which key will be used as the quick key that activates the move.
If this process seems a bit complicated you might want to try the Auto feature. You will be prompted for a parent folder. After making the selection, PictSort will automatically identify any subfolders within the parent folder and fill the entries with these folders.
The Browser interface is still very primitive. I will try to make it look better and more functional in the near future. Any suggestions are welcome.
Known Limitations
This version of PictSort is capable of handling folders with up to 400 items in its content.
Registration
The registration fee is $10. You have the option of sending that money to me or making a donation to the American Red Cross. The address is listed below. Please send me some sort of proof that you've donated. A photo copy of the cancelled check will do. Please include your name and e-mail address in your letter. You will receive a personalized serial number by e-mail. If you don't have an e-mail address, I will send you the serial number by snail mail. It'll just take a bit longer. I will be releasing updates and bugfixes on a regular basis. If you have access to a web browser, you can download the latest version of PictSort from my web page.
American Red Cross,Orange County Chapter
601 N. Parkcenter Dr
Santa Ana, CA 92705
How to Reach Me
www : http://www.primenet.com/~ericy/
e-mail : ericy@primenet.com
snail mail : Eric C. Yang
349 San Leon
Irvine, CA 92606
Distribution
This program may be distributed freely provided that it has not been altered and that all the documents remain with the program. You may not redistribute this program for profit. Parties who wish to include this program on CDs for distribution must contact the author for permission.
Legal Stuff
The software and instructions are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. The user is responsible for any damages that may be directly or indirectly caused by this program.
