Level 1

12 points

Sort files into folders by date created

It seems like this might be possible but I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for online... I have a ton of pictures and videos that I'd like to sort into folders based on the date the pictures or videos were taken. Can I automate the whole process of creating the folders named by date and then moving the files into the correct folder? I just discovered automator today and have no experience with apple script so I need specific directions. :)

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 10, 2019 8:44 AM

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25 replies

zarin123 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 11, 2019 11:20 AM in response to VikingOSX

I have .mpg, .mts, .mp4, avi, .mov, .psd, .jpg, .nef

zarin123 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 12, 2019 7:23 AM in response to VikingOSX

This is from when I tested last night

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,254 points

Jan 12, 2019 7:59 AM in response to zarin123

How does the above time compare when using the v1.5 Ruby script that I posted this morning?

rccharles

Level 6

13,037 points

Jan 12, 2019 10:59 AM in response to zarin123

How did you get this output? It looks like some GUI output.

zarin123 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 12, 2019 12:15 PM in response to zarin123

I don't remember exactly which files I used for this test, but using 20 files from those that I have used during the testing, I get this

rccharles

Level 6

13,037 points

Jan 12, 2019 1:28 PM in response to VikingOSX

Interesting code. May be able to make use of it sometime. However, I should have been more clear. I'm interested in how this was done.

zarin123 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 13, 2019 12:39 PM in response to VikingOSX

The exiftool did not install where expected. Once fixed it worked perfectly. Thanks!!

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,254 points

Jan 13, 2019 1:28 PM in response to zarin123

Oh, those details... 😎 Glad it is working, and you are welcome.

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,254 points

Jan 11, 2019 11:40 AM in response to rccharles

The Ruby script that I am about to post will check for the availability of exiftool and if installed, it will make two attempts using different EXIF/IPTC tags to get the creation date. If it cannot, then it will use the System time on the file instead. Added this capability while waiting for the OP to respond with extensions.

zarin123 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 13, 2019 7:40 AM in response to VikingOSX

I updated the code but it doesn't appear to have made a difference in where my problem images are sorted. Here is another example, this image was sorted into the 2018-11-17 but below is the info I see using Adobe Bridge.

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Sort files into folders by date created