search for duplicates in one folder only

[neal]

I want to search for duplicates in one folder only. However, the search results includes duplicates in the entire database, even though I highlighted only one folder and its contents. How can I limit the search to the selected images?
Neal

[Jingo]

I've not seen this before.  If you choose a particular folder of images from the Media & Folder panel and then select the images you want to search duplicates for, the results should be limited to the files selected.  Perhaps include a log file that show the duplicate results so we can see exactly what was selected?

[Mario]

The files you select are used as originals, but the command searches the entire database for matches.

[Jingo]

The files you select are used as originals, but the command searches the entire database for matches.

HA!  I never actually knew this... good to know... the search is SO FAST I never even realized what it was doing.  Since I rarely have duplicates outside the same folder - I thought it was only checking the selected files.

Perhaps an additional line in the help file (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#hdi_dupes.htm) would clarify this:

After a short delay, IMatch will use your selected images to run a search across the entire database and will then open a Result Window with the results of your search.

[thrinn]

But back to the original question:
You can always filter the result using the Filter Panel. E.g. using a folder filter.

[neal]

Thank you for the solution, Thrinn.
Neal

[neal]

Could you be a bit more specific?
Suppose the folder name is DOCTORS. I want to find any duplicates in there. There are the SEARCH and the FILTER boxes. What would go where?

[Mario]

We refer to the in the Folders filter in the Filter Panel

What you describe is the search/filter pane for the Media & Folders View, where you search for folders or filter the folders you want to see.
This is unrelated to the File Window.

It seems you have not used IMatch much yet or worked with the search bar or the Filter Panel?
In that case, I recommend these topics in the IMatch help:

The File Window and Finding Files: The Search Bar
The Filter Panel
Meet IMatch

This should make things easier, especially to understand how the Filter Panel and the Search Bar allow you to control what you see in the File Window.
The specialized commands in the Search bar integrate with that.

[neal]

I do not see how duplicate files in a particular folder can be found using the filter panel. However, there is a very easy solution which is already in the Search>Search visually similar images>Search current scope only. A similar option could be added in the Search>Duplicates menu.

[Mario]

This is actually quite easy:

1. Finds Duplicate Files or copies via Search menu
2. Use the Filter Panel to limit the Result Window to show only files from one or more folders

Which step causes problems on your side? We can help better if you explain what you do and why the folder filter does not work for you.
Make sure the Folder Filter is enabled.

For example, when I search for duplicates and I want to see only duplicates found in the folder "...London", I use



This shows only results from this folder. I can also limit results to this folder and its sub-folders, to several folders etc.
The Filter Panel works for all File Windows, including Result Windows created by one of the specialized search functions in the Search menu.