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Cloud photo services want your files on their servers. This library keeps everything on your computer. Link a folder or add files, and you get thumbnails, tags, favourites, search and filters. All of it is stored in your browser, and none of it goes to a server.
Processing locally on your device
Overview
The library uses two kinds of local storage. Files you add individually are copied into IndexedDB, the browser’s built-in database, so they stay available even if the originals move. Linked folders work differently. In Chrome, Edge and Opera, the File System Access API lets you grant read access to a folder, and the library stores that permission handle rather than copies of your files. Rescan the folder whenever you like: new files are added, deleted ones are dropped and changed ones get fresh thumbnails, while your tags and favourites carry over.
Thumbnails are made the first time an item scrolls into view, three at a time in the background. Each one is a JPEG of up to 320 pixels, usually 10–30 KB, and is saved in IndexedDB so the library opens quickly next time. For videos, the library grabs a frame about 10% into the clip (no later than two seconds in) and also records the duration and resolution. Galleries render in pages of 300, so a library of tens of thousands of items stays responsive.
Everything you organise is metadata on your own device: free-form tags, favourites, the date you added an item, and the stored dimensions and duration. You can filter by type (photos, videos, audio), favourites, tag, modified date and file size, search names, tags and folder paths, and sort by date added, date modified, name, size or type. Select several items to tag them in one go, mark them as favourites, remove them from the library or download them as a ZIP.
Browsers set storage quotas. Chrome and Edge usually allow a site a large share of free disk space, and Safari is stricter. The library requests persistent storage so the browser doesn't evict it under pressure, and the Storage panel shows how much space it uses. Linked folders take up almost nothing, because only thumbnails and metadata are stored. Clearing your browser's site data deletes the library, so treat it as an organiser rather than a backup.
| Linked folder | Stored copy | |
|---|---|---|
| Browser support | Chrome, Edge, Opera (desktop) | All modern browsers |
| Storage used | Thumbnails and metadata only | Full file size |
| Stays in sync with disk | Yes, after a rescan | No (independent copy) |
| Works if the drive is unplugged | Thumbnails only | Yes |
| Best for | Large photo and video archives | Small sets, phones, Safari/Firefox |
Click Link a folder (Chrome, Edge) to index a folder without copying it, or drop files to store copies.
Scroll the grid. Thumbnails appear as items come into view and are saved for next time.
Click a tile to open it full-screen. Use the checkbox to select items for tagging, favouriting or downloading.
Filter by type, tag, date or size, or search names and paths, and switch between grid and list views.
Press the rescan icon next to a linked folder after you add or delete files on disk.
Use cases
Link the folder on your external drive where you keep family photos, tag people and events, and find a photo by its tag or folder path later, without any cloud account or subscription.
Designers and video editors can tag stock clips, textures and reference images by project or mood, star the best ones and download a ZIP of the selection for a client.
Point the library at a camera-roll export, filter for videos over 100 MB, and you can quickly see which clips are filling up your disk.
Evidence photos, medical images or unreleased product shots can be organised without being uploaded to a third-party service. The library only exists in this browser profile on this device.
Pro tips
Answers to common questions about the local media library.
In IndexedDB, a database that lives in your browser profile on this device. Tags, favourites, thumbnails and folder permissions are kept there, along with copies of any files you added directly. None of it is synced or sent anywhere.
Folder linking uses the File System Access API, which is currently available in Chromium-based desktop browsers (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave). In other browsers you can still add files, which are stored as copies in the browser's database.
Run a rescan. Renamed or moved files show up as new items and the old entries are removed, so tags on those particular files need reapplying. Files that stayed where they were keep their tags and favourites.
Tens of thousands. Thumbnails are generated only for items you scroll to and are cached afterwards, and the grid renders in pages. Stored copies are limited by your browser's storage quota, while linked folders cost only a few kilobytes per item.
Yes. Clearing site data or cookies for this site removes the database, including stored copies. Your original files in linked folders aren't affected. Keep your own backups of anything important.
No. ToolEnhancer processes files on your own device inside the browser. They are never sent to, stored on or seen by our servers.
Yes. The local media library is free to use with no sign-up, no watermarks and no daily limits.
Open any image, video or audio file.
Step through video frame by frame.
Audio playback with waveform.
Compare two images with a slider.
Present photos as a slideshow.
Browse a local folder of media.