Is PixDuplicate really completely free?
Yes! PixDuplicate is 100% free with no hidden costs, premium tiers, or subscriptions. All features including unlimited scans, bulk actions, and advanced duplicate detection are available at no charge forever.
How does PixDuplicate find duplicate and similar images?
We use advanced perceptual hashing algorithms that analyze image content rather than just file metadata. This allows us to find exact duplicates (identical files), near-duplicates (slightly edited versions), and visually similar images (same content, different size/format) - even if they have different filenames or were resized.
What's the difference between 'Delete' and 'Move to Folder' options?
The 'Delete File' button permanently removes files immediately without using your Recycle Bin - use with caution. The 'Move to Duplicates Folder' button safely moves files to a separate backup folder where you can review them later before permanent deletion. We strongly recommend using the Move option first to avoid accidentally deleting important photos.
Can I recover accidentally deleted photos?
If you used the 'Move to Duplicates Folder' option, your files are safe in the backup folder and can be easily restored. If you used the 'Delete File' button, files are permanently removed and cannot be recovered through PixDuplicate. Always review duplicates carefully and use Move instead of Delete when uncertain.
Are my images uploaded to the cloud or your servers?
No, never. PixDuplicate processes everything locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your images never leave your computer, are never uploaded to servers, and remain completely private. This also makes scanning faster than cloud-based alternatives and works offline after initial installation.
What image formats does PixDuplicate support?
PixDuplicate supports all common image formats including JPG/JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF (including animated GIFs), BMP, TIFF, and many RAW camera formats (CR2, NEF, ARW, ORF, etc.). The extension can find duplicates across different formats - for example, identifying a JPEG copy of a PNG original.
Can I scan my entire computer for duplicates?
Yes! The Full Folder Scan method allows you to select multiple folders, entire drives, or your whole system to comprehensively scan for duplicates. You can scan your entire photo library, Documents folder, Downloads, or any location where images might be scattered.
How long does it take to scan thousands of images?
Scanning speed depends on your computer's performance and image collection size. Typically: hundreds of images scan in seconds, thousands in 1-3 minutes. Our optimized algorithm is significantly faster than most duplicate finders because all processing happens locally without upload/download delays.
Does PixDuplicate work on Windows, Mac, and Linux?
Yes! Since PixDuplicate is a browser extension for Firefox and Edge, it works on any operating system that supports these browsers - including Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. The extension provides identical functionality across all platforms.
Can I keep the highest quality version automatically?
Yes! When viewing duplicates, PixDuplicate displays file information including resolution, file size, and format. You can filter and sort to identify the highest quality versions, then batch delete or move the lower quality copies. We're working on an auto-select feature for future updates.
Will this slow down my browser?
No. PixDuplicate only runs when you actively use it - not in the background while browsing. During scanning, it uses efficient algorithms optimized for performance. Once scanning completes, the extension returns to idle state with minimal memory usage.
How is this different from desktop duplicate finders?
PixDuplicate offers several advantages: no installation required (browser extension), works on any OS, automatic updates, completely free, 100% local processing for privacy, and faster than cloud-based tools. While dedicated desktop software may offer features like automated scheduling, PixDuplicate provides all essential duplicate finding capabilities without the complexity or cost.
