Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are there no albums, only logical albums (saved search)?

PiGallery2 follows a philosophy where the disk is the source of truth and the database is only a cache. The application is designed to show your photos as they are organized on your storage.

Because the database is treated as a cache, it can be deleted and rebuilt at any time without losing your photo organization. "Logical albums" (saved search queries) are used instead of traditional database-only albums to maintain this directory-first approach and ensure that your gallery remains portable and easy to rebuild.

If you still need traditional album-like behavior, you can use one of these workarounds:

1. Custom Keywords: Add a unique keyword to your photos in their metadata (e.g., using Lightroom or DigiKam). You can then create a Logical Album in PiGallery2 by searching for that keyword.
2. Extensions: You can develop an extension that automatically adds the keywords and creates albums for you. (see discussion 1110

Why are there breaking changes in the database or config?

To maintain high development velocity, we do not provide database upgrade scripts. PiGallery2 is a hobby project, and implementing/debugging complex migration scripts would significantly slow down the addition of new features.

As the database is only a cache, it is expected that users might need to delete the database and/or restart the configuration after a new release. This allows the project to move fast and evolve without being held back by legacy structures.

Why are there no regular releases?

PiGallery2 is a hobby project developed in free time. The developer does not get paid for this work and maintains it alongside a full-time job and other life commitments. Releases happen when new features are ready and time permits, rather than on a fixed schedule.