Here you can find a high quality version of this youTube video.
Folder selection
The image sorter is a application that automatically sorts images by their color layout. In order to sort a set of images use the Explorer Tree Widget in the upper left to navigate to a folder containing images. Addition folder may be selected by holding “Shift” or “Ctrl” (”Cmd” for the Mac).
The total number of images selected appear on the right side window. Double click that window in order to sort the set of images.
Sorting Options:
sort by name
sort by file size
sort by date of modification
sort by color layout
When images are sorted by their color layout the visual content of each image is examined (what colors are at which position). Images are arranged in such a way that similar images appear close to each other in the sorting result.
Display Options
2D-Plane Display Mode
Sphere Display Mode
Sphere and Plane Display Mode
You may display the color sorting either in plane mode or in sphere mode. Use the ‘Plane’ or ‘Sphere’ buttons or the ‘View’ menu. In sphere mode, the sorted images are displayed on a (pseudo) sphere. You can rotate the sphere by dragging the mouse while pressing the left button. Also in plane mode, you can move the plane. Since the plane is continuous an image that disappears on one edge of the plane, it will reappear on the opposite side.
Zooming and Image Space
zoom in (use also: “+”, or the scroll wheel)
zoom out (use also: “-”, or the scroll wheel)
reset zoom
On the right buttom corner appears a survey panel which indicates the currently displayed section to ease orientation. The viewing position may also be shanged in the survey panel.
further options
Reset the View
Select background color
Image selection
Use the left mouse button to select a particular image which then appears in the preview on the left buttom side. The status bar on the right bottom edge displays further information concerning the selected image. By double-clicking, the image will be opened in your preferred image editor (Windows only).
Edit Sorting Results
When a set of images has been sorted by one of the four mentioned criteria the sorting result can be further edited. Images can be temporarily hidden, moved or copied to another folder or even deleted.
Selecting various images
There are two ways to select multiple images
- Shift + left mouse button -> selects all images within the opening rectangle
- ctrl (mac: cmd) + left mouse button -> selects images with a similar color layout starting from the image currently pointed at by the cursor. By dragging the mouse and increasing the radius less similar images will be selected.
If you additionally hold the alt / “option” key images can be deselected from an exisisting selection. Furthermore a selection can be inverted or cleared. The according options are available through the context menu (right click) or the “View” menu.
Hint:Has a set of images been selected, the selection remains even if the sorting criteria is switched.
Hiding, Moving and Deleting Images
Once a set of images has been selected from a sorting result, it can be hidden, moved or deleted. Note that all operations except hiding images actually take effect on your file system.
Edit options are available in the context menu.
The remaining set of images can be resorted. Here fore all images hidden will not be considered. Choose “Show all images” in order to also display formerly hidden images.
Internet search
Another option is to not only browse your hard drive for the desired pictures but to search the internet for images in order to depict the results in the same, color-sorted way.
It takes three things to achieve this. You need to enter your search item into the look-up field, choose a search engine and push the search-button. The number of images considered can be adjusted in the options menu.
Similarity search
You can also search for visual similarities by providing a sample image. On the one hand you can browse your hard drive and on the other hand – by using an apropriate search term – the internet.
Searching similar pictures on your hard drive
For that purpose you must first choose at least one pictue, highlight the folders you want to browse and finally push the button where it says “Find similiar on Disk”. Having done this, you will see the listed results, starting with the one fitting your sample picture(s) best. Needless to say, you can adjust the number of pictures shown consulting the options menu.
Searching similar pictures on the internet
Again, you need to highlight one or more pictures you want to find similar ones to. Highlighting images can be done in the normal folder view or in a selective view of pictures you have already chosen for a search of related images. Hereupon, another keyword applying the desired object, or picture respectively, is needed. Ultimately, you need to push the button where it says “Search similar”.
In case you have already downloaded images from the internet, you can also continue your search for visually related pictures using them.
Again, this may be accomplished by browsing your hard drive or the internet. Having highlighted an image, just continue by pushing the according button.
