SwipeCull Desktop app.

Documentation & Support

Choose what you need:

Getting Started with SwipeCull Desktop

SwipeCull Desktop is your fastest path from memory card to final selection. Import, cull, export—nothing gets in your way.

Quick Start

1. Import a folder (drag & drop or Cmd+I)
2. Use arrows or scroll to navigate, mark Keep (Space) or Reject (X)
3. Monitor progress in the Tasks panel
4. Open Export (Cmd+G) to copy keepers with custom folder/file templates

Essential Shortcuts

• Keep: Space
• Reject: X
• Previous / Next: Z or ← / →
• Zoom: Cmd+= / Cmd+- / Cmd+0 (reset)
• Import / Export: Cmd+I / Cmd+G
• Filter / Select All: Cmd+F / Cmd+A

Where to Go Next

• All Commands: Complete list of available actions
• Full Documentation: Detailed workflow and settings guide
• Settings: Customize shortcuts, templates, and behavior

All Commands

Every action in SwipeCull Desktop can be triggered via keyboard. Remap any shortcut in Settings → Shortcuts.

Navigation

• Next photo: Move to the next item in the filmstrip
• Previous photo: Move to the previous item
• Zoom in / Zoom out: Adjust zoom level on current photo

Decisions

• Keep: Mark current photo as a keeper
• Reject: Mark current photo as rejected

Workflow

• Import: Open import dialog to select a folder
• Export: Open export dialog to copy keepers
• Cycle Filter: Switch between All / Approved / Rejected views
• Select All / Deselect: Bulk selection controls

Templates & Settings

• Folder Templates: Manage folder naming patterns
• File Templates: Manage file naming patterns
• Settings: Customize shortcuts and app behavior
• Help: Open in-app help

Pro Tip: Long-press any shortcut in Settings to clear it.

Full Documentation

Overview

SwipeCull Desktop is a professional photo culling tool built by a photographer for photographers. Import folders, cull rapidly with keyboard shortcuts, and export with sophisticated naming templates—all while maintaining a smooth, responsive interface.

Core Workflow

1. Import

• Drag & drop a folder or use Import (Cmd+I)
• Photos populate the filmstrip immediately
• Thumbnails cache in the background—start culling right away
• Camera ratings: If your camera writes XMP sidecars with ratings, SwipeCull reads them on import

2. Review & Cull

• Navigate with arrow keys or scroll through the filmstrip
• Mark Keep (Space) or Reject (X)
• Use Cycle Filter (Cmd+F) to view: All / Approved Only / Rejected Only
• Zoom (Cmd+= / - / 0) and pan to inspect details

3. Sessions

• Auto-save: Your work is saved automatically
• Open/Save Session (Cmd+O / Cmd+S): Resume work later or switch between projects
• Sessions remember your selections and folder paths

4. Export

• Open Export (Cmd+G) when ready to copy keepers
• Set primary and optional backup destinations
• Apply folder templates (e.g., year/month/day structure)
• Apply file templates (e.g., job name + sequence number) for professional naming
• Choose how to handle filename conflicts
• Monitor progress in the Tasks panel

Interface Elements

Filmstrip

Quick navigation strip showing all photos with visual Keep/Reject indicators.

Main Viewer

Large preview with zoom/pan support. Shows current photo status and metadata.

Tasks Panel

Non-blocking background task monitor. Shows import progress, export status, and allows cancellation without freezing the UI.

Settings Breakdown

Shortcuts

Remap any command to match your workflow:

• Keep: Space (default)
• Reject: X (default)
• Previous: Z or ← (default)
• Next: → (default)
• Zoom: Cmd+= / Cmd+- / Cmd+0
• Import/Export: Cmd+I / Cmd+G
• Filter/Select: Cmd+F / Cmd+A / Cmd+D

Tip: Long-press any shortcut to clear it.

Global Settings

• Use XMP sidecars: Read camera ratings on import (supports in-camera pre-selection)
• Import RAW only: Ignore JPEGs and other formats during import
• Image decoding engine: Choose between macOS native or LibRaw
• Language: Switch interface language
• Reset/Export/Import settings: Manage app configuration

Templates

• Folder templates: Define directory structure for exports (variables: year, month, day, job, etc.)
• File templates: Define naming patterns (variables: job, sequence number, original name, etc.)
• Templates apply during export to maintain consistent organization

Export Details

• Set primary destination and optional backup location
• Configure sequence numbering starting point
• On filename conflicts, choose: Cancel (stop and review), Overwrite (replace this file), or Overwrite All (replace all conflicts)
• All export operations run in background threads
• Progress visible in Tasks panel

Supported Formats

RAW: .NEF (Nikon), .RAF (Fuji), .CR2/.CR3 (Canon), .ARW (Sony), .DNG (Adobe)

• Instant embedded JPEG preview loading
• Full-resolution caching for smooth navigation

Tips & Tricks

• Start culling immediately: Don't wait for all thumbnails to load
• Use filters liberally: Cmd+F to focus on keepers or review rejects
• Save sessions often: Especially for large shoots spanning multiple days
• Customize shortcuts: Make the workflow feel natural to your hands
• Use camera ratings: Flag favorites in-camera to speed up initial pass

Resources

• Third-Party Licenses: View bundled open-source licenses (LibRaw, Dart/Flutter packages)
• GitHub: Report bugs and request features (link coming soon)

Built by a photographer, for photographers. No subscriptions. No ads. Just fast, focused culling.