Immich
Photo and video backup from your mobile phone. Alternative to Google Photos.
Open the official app on immich.app
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open immich.app in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse image & tools tools →What's next with Immich?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Immich?
Immich is an open-source media management platform designed for organizing, storing, and accessing digital assets such as photos, videos, and documents. Built under the AGPL-3.0 license, it prioritizes privacy and decentralization by allowing users to host their data locally or on private servers. The tool caters to individuals and organizations seeking control over their media workflows, offering features like metadata tagging, access controls, and version management. Its popularity—evidenced by over 110,000 stars on GitHub—suggests it addresses gaps in centralized cloud storage by providing a customizable, self-hosted alternative. Immich is particularly useful for users concerned about data sovereignty, compliance requirements, or the need for granular permissions in collaborative environments.
How it works
Immich is a decentralized media management system that enables users to store, organize, and retrieve digital assets without relying on third-party cloud services. Its primary purpose is to provide a secure, privacy-focused alternative to proprietary platforms by allowing data to be hosted on private servers or local machines. The tool is designed for users who require granular control over their media files, such as photographers, researchers, or businesses managing sensitive content. By leveraging open-source principles, Immich users to customize workflows while maintaining data ownership. Immich supports metadata tagging, folder hierarchies, and access permissions, enabling users to categorize and secure their files. It integrates with mobile apps for Android and iOS, allowing remote access to stored media. The platform also includes features like version history for documents and collaborative sharing options, though specific implementation details remain under active development.
How to use it
- 1Install the server component on a local machine or VPS, following the AGPL-3.0 licensing requirements. 2. Configure storage settings to specify where media files are saved. 3. Access the web interface to upload, tag, and organize assets. 4. Use mobile apps to sync and view files remotely. Practical tips include setting up regular backups and enabling encryption for sensitive data.
What it can do
- Photo Management
- Video Processing
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/immich
- license: AGPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Complex setup process requiring technical expertise for server configuration
- Limited real-time collaboration features compared to commercial alternatives
- Dependence on third-party libraries for advanced functionality
- Smaller ecosystem of plugins or integrations compared to mature platforms
- Potential performance bottlenecks with very large media collections
Understanding the result
Photo and video backup from your mobile phone. Alternative to Google Photos.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by immich (MIT).
- Built with
- immich (https://github.com/immich)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Image, Video
- Output
- Video
Built with https://github.com/immich. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- immich
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- /immich — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- AGPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What types of files can Immich handle?
Immich supports common media formats including JPEG, PNG, MP4, AVI, and document types like PDF and DOCX. Users can store and manage these files through its web interface and mobile apps, though specific format support may depend on third-party libraries integrated into the platform.
How does Immich ensure data privacy?
Immich prioritizes privacy by allowing users to host data on private servers or local machines, avoiding third-party cloud storage. It includes encryption options for data at rest and in transit, and access controls to restrict who can view or edit files. However, security configurations depend on user implementation of server-side protections.
How do I back up my Immich data?
To back up Immich, regularly copy the database files and media storage directory to an external drive or cloud storage. The platform's documentation recommends using tools like rsync or Docker volume backups. Ensure backups are encrypted and stored separately from the primary server to mitigate data loss risks.
How does Immich compare to Nextcloud or Dropbox?
Immich focuses on media management with features like metadata tagging and version history, while Nextcloud offers broader file syncing and collaboration tools. Dropbox excels in simplicity and cross-platform access but lacks Immich's customization for media workflows. Immich is better suited for users prioritizing privacy and control over their data, whereas Dropbox provides easier integration with third-party apps.
What should I do if my Immich server fails to start?
Check server logs for error messages related to database connections or missing dependencies. Ensure all required system libraries (e.g., PostgreSQL, Redis) are installed and configured correctly. Verify that the storage directory permissions allow the server process to read/write files. If issues persist, consult the Immich documentation or community forums for troubleshooting guidance.