iCloud Photos - what happens after IMG_9999: looks like it adds (1), (2) etc.

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Level 1

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iCloud Photos - what happens after IMG_9999: looks like it adds (1), (2) etc.

I've recently had to change computers and took a backup of my data. When I reinstalled iCloud Photos and re-downloaded the photos to my new computer, I found that the IMG_xxxx naming was a bit screwy compared to the backup I had taken.

What I've found is that I now have >500 pictures which used to be named "IMG_XXXX.jpg" are now being named "IMG_XXXX(1).jpg"... and another picture with the same name has taken it's place!

Shouldn't the iCloud download just be copying what it already has there ? Doesn't make sense that the filenames change for a given photo?

Problem is that I have a separate program (ACDSee) which indexes the pictures from my computer into a consolidated view, and if you change the filename then the index information I've recorded about the file will no longer be valid. ie. the program requires the filename to stay the same for a given picture, not change.

Thoughts on how to address this iCloud photos download issue ?

Posted on Jul 29, 2024 1:08 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MarkFreeo Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 30, 2024 5:32 PM in response to saymon84

Not helpful. The limit is 10,000, not 100,000 before it starts doing stuff.

This collection contains photos spanning more than 10yrs with a family and > 15 nephews and nieces etc, not into selfies

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Answer 2

MarkFreeo Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 29, 2024 2:34 AM in response to muguy

I can understanding not overwriting files but the original image filename is no longer having the original image is the problem.

ie

• IMG_0001.jpg dated in 2017 should stay the same file name

• IMG_0001(1).jpg should be the new file dated in 2024

i now have

• IMG_0001.jpg file dated in 2024

• IMG_0001(1).jpg file date in 2017

it should be retaining the older file as the original, not the other way around!!

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Answer 3

muguy

Level 10

82,405 points

Jul 30, 2024 5:44 PM in response to MarkFreeo

In my collection, I have multiple files with the same name by virtue of years of digital photos and IMG_9999 being the limit. The names are not appended as they are part of the Photos database. However, if I were to download all or move the images outside of Photos, numbers would append. The order simply depends on how downloaded or exported. If I go back to the Photo library they retain the image name, eg. I have 5 copies of IMG_0008.jpg. If I export files from 2002 before 2024 the appended numbers increase. If done. in reverse, the 2024 appears with the original name and the 2002 photo is appended.

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