PicPurge is designed to help you organize your photo library by detecting and removing duplicate or very similar images. This not only frees up storage space on your device but also streamlines your gallery for easier browsing.

The app creates a unique visual profile for each image, capturing its distinctive qualities. It then compares these profiles to determine how closely they match, identifying images as similar or even identical when they closely align. Importantly, the system uses several criteria rather than relying on a single measure to detect duplicates.

The similarity threshold is a numeric value that defines the minimum similarity required for two images to be considered duplicates.

For example:

 - A threshold of 100 ("Identical?!") means both items are perceptually identical, though there might be minimal, barely noticeable technical differences

 - A threshold of 75 ("Almost identical") allows minor differences.

 - A threshold of 50 ("Somewhat alike") permits moderate variations.

 - A threshold of 25 ("Barely similar") is more lenient, accepting only weak resemblances.

 - A threshold of 0 ("No Guarantee") means the similarity criteria are minimal.

This value allows the duplicate detection algorithm to be calibrated

No, all image analysis and processing are performed locally on your device. Your photos remain private and never leave your device.

As soon as you use the search function, any images that have not yet been processed and for which no fingerprints have been created will be processed during the search. This may vary depending on the number of new or unprocessed images. We recommend taking the quick route by reinstalling the app. This ensures that your database is up to date!

Technical issues are unfortunately sometimes unavoidable. However, here are a few steps you can check:

1. Image Permissions: Make sure that in your system settings under Apps → PicPurge you have granted the necessary permissions for photo albums. These permissions are essential for the app to function properly.

2. Database Initialization: If the app skipped the database initialization setup step, it might be worthwhile to rebuild the database. You can do this either by reinstalling the app or by clearing the storage and cache in your system settings under Apps → PicPurge → Storage → Clear Storage. Then, restart the app and grant all required permissions.

3. Other Issues: If you experience any other issues with the app, please send an email to: about@picpurge.de and provide information to reproduce the problem as much as you can.

In order to scan and analyze your entire gallery for similar images, the app needs access to your photos. Additionally, background processing permissions are used to ensure smooth scanning and updating of the database.

PicPurge provides you with detailed statistics such as:

   - The total number of duplicates removed.

   - The amount of storage space freed.

   - The date and time of your last cleanup session.  

   This information helps you track your progress and motivates you to maintain an organized gallery.

Once duplicates are purged, they are permanently deleted. It is important to review the duplicates carefully before confirming their removal.

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For optimal performance, PicPurge automatically splits very large albums (500+ images) into smaller segments. This allows you to precisely decide how much of an album should be analyzed. 

You can reach out to the developer directly using the in-app contact details (e.g. via the email address provided in the About section: about@picpurge.de). I'm committed to helping you resolve any issues and answer your questions.