[Feature] Configurable preselection criteria for the duplicates utility

[simeongr]

I have searched the existing feature requests, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate request.

• Yes

The feature

The duplicates utility currently preselects which asset to keep using fixed criteria: larger file size in bytes first, then higher EXIF count. That works when the duplicates are re-compressed copies, but it picks the wrong asset in a common case: an original HEIC (or other efficient format) alongside a larger JPEG/PNG conversion of the same photo.

For example, when I have the original HEIC (about half the size) and a JPEG export of it, “Deduplicate All” and the suggested selection keep the JPEG and trash the original. Larger size here doesn’t mean higher quality. It just reflects a less efficient format.

Proposed solution

Let users configure how the preselected asset is chosen, either globally in the duplicates utility or in user/admin settings. Possible options:

• Prefer the oldest asset (by file creation/capture date)
• Prefer the newest asset
• Prefer the largest file (current default)
• Prefer the smallest file
• Prefer original format (e.g. HEIC/RAW over JPEG)
• Prefer higher EXIF count (current secondary criterion)

Platform

• Server
• Web
• Mobile

[bo0tzz]

#10665