Missing file numbers under Photos thumbnails

I do not think I have misunderstood anything. Don't make this a discussion of semantics. We and most other understand perfectly well what this is about. The filenumbers consist of a 1-3 letter code identifying the camera brand (DSC for Sony, IMG for Canon, P for Panasonic etc.) Then comes (usually) a 4-7 digit number generated by the camera on its memory card. It is the most useful code for locating a particular file on the photo browser. This code/filename/number is what Aperture, iPhoto and most other photo browsers display under the thumbnails except Apple Photos.

I am not familiar with all other photo application browsers, but the ones I have run across the last 20 years have all included this number under the thumbnails. It has become an industry standard. Apple has disregarded this as you have to click/show info where it shows up under the field where you can choose to make a file name or title in addition ("Add a title"). That name/title is entirely different and is not on the card.

This is simple straightforward and no way of misunderstanding unless you are trying to. A lot of other users of Photos have expressed missing this function on Apple support pages. That is clearly the number one comment made about Photos. Unless Apple decides to include this in the next major OS upgrade, I will no longer be a user of Photos. I am convinced that a large number of other semipro photographers will do the same after Apple is ditching Aperture. Apple is risking saying a permanent goodbye to those of us who take photography seriously and are not just snapping photos with a smartphone, compact camera etc. Even a lot of those are likely missing this code as it disappeared after many years with iPhoto.

I believe the thumbnails showing the file numbers in Photos most likely are from when I switched from iPhoto to Aperture. Under I'm showing two results from the Photos info window taken a few days apart in 2011. The first with the file number including file extension showing. Between these dates is perhaps when I quit using iPhoto. For some time I used both iPhoto and Aperture as my iPhoto library did not migrate perfectly to Aperture. From this date there are no more file name/numbers showing up under the thumbnails in Photos. Aperture do show the file numbers, but not the file extension (.jpg, .cr etc.) as in iPhoto prior to launching Photos. If I open the library in iPhoto today, the file extension is missing. Apple must have made a change affecting both iPhoto, Photos and Aperture in 2014, removing the file extension. These pre May 5, 2011 still for some unknown reason show up under the Photos thumbnails. All the numbers after this 2011 date are missing in Photos. I don't know why, but also in Aperture I actually missed the file extension. In Aperture one has to open a file in view to see what type it is. That is why I actually thought iPhoto pre 2014 had the best browser info. I honestly don't have the answer to why this change. Regardless practically all cameras priced from $4-500 and up offer raw. That is one very good reason why the file extension also belong with the file number/name.

I wish Apple would let the cat out of the bag and tell us whether Mojave with Photos 4.0 will include numbered thumbnails and preferably also file extensions. The number of comments from Apple users for the last 4 years after the launch of Photos, should no doubt be a very clear feedback to Apple. Listeing to customers is the key to any marketers success. This is an area I happen to know a lot about, having spent most of my professional career (40+ yrs) working with it! I used to admire Apple for their professionalism both regarding hard- software and customer care, and I hope to regain that confidence again. The combination of a Photos with file numbers + preferably extensions, and being able to edit in Photoshop CS6 will work for me, even though not as good as with Aperture.

I clearly wrote "The oldest photos edited with iPhoto do show the file numbers..." Again my point is that I am missing FILE NUMBERS as all digital cameras assign to each file every time one pushes the exposure button. I happen to know the difference between a file name I may assign to a file and these numbers. The photo browser with the thumbnails should preferably also include dot followed by file type (jpeg, different raw versions etc.) to easily identify raw files.

I have been an avid photographer for 50 years, and taken digital photos for 20 years. I scanned a lot of my slides, and gave them names instead of numbers. Those only make up less than 10% of my digital photos. Allthough reluctantly, I did try a couple of the Apple scripts both via Automator and Script Editor without any luck so far. I cannot say I am enthused about trying to complete an unfinished application like Photos. I prefer spending my time with photography and editing rather than doing the job Apple should have in the first place. To me a Mac and the applications are simply means to enjoy photography. I have had not interest in becoming a computer programmer, but after 30 years with Macs, I do know the basics. I do help family and friends with their Macs and PCs, but only about how to use applications. When I have other problems, I get in touch with a friend who is and Apple service technician.

When Apple first quit supporting Aperture and then replaced iPhoto with Photos, they in fact left the semipro photographers out "in the cold". If they expect us to be happy with a poor photo application which is no serious alternative to Aperture, they are incredibly ignorant. At least iPhoto did show the file numbers under the thumbnails. I have been a loyal Apple user for 30 years and used to think Macs were the best solution for photographers. That has changed, and I sincerely regret getting the 2017 MBP (with a 2TB drive). A lot of us are now struggling with poor quality usb C/Thunderbolt 3 connections, spending a fortune on adaptors. If I sound disappointed in Apple, it is indeed true! an I honestly feel like getting rid of Apple, but at age 77 I hate starting to organize my more than 50 000 photos all over again. I am simply trying to be able to locate the photos I have stored on my MBP (and multiple backup drives). At this point it doesn't look too promising. Fortunately I can still use Photoshop CS6 for serious editing.