# Rapid Photo Downloader

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Rapid Photo Downloader is a Linux desktop application that imports photos and videos from cameras, phones, memory cards, and other devices at high speed. It is written by a [photographer](https://damonlynch.net) for professional and amateur photographers.

![Main window screenshot](.github/mainwindow.png)

## Personal Note From the Developer

This project has only ever had one software developer. My ability to work on the project is affected by my having Long Covid. If you notice slow progress in responding to pull requests and issues, my health is the most likely reason. Sorry about that.

## User Survey

If you have any experience with Rapid Photo Downloader at all, including if you no longer use it, please join thousands of others by taking this survey:

[Survey of past, current, and potential users](https://survey.rapidphotodownloader.com/)

The responses are already making a real difference to the program’s future development. The program collects no analytics whatsoever, so a survey like this is truly helpful. Thank you in advance.

## Program Features

- Rename photos and videos with meaningful filenames you specify.
- Download vast numbers of photos and videos with minimum fuss.
- Back up photos and videos as they are downloaded.
- Downloads from and backs up to multiple devices simultaneously.
- Easy to configure and use.
- Configure program preferences without the need for complicated codes.
- Automate common tasks, such as unmounting a memory card when the download is complete.

[Read more about its features at the program website](https://damonlynch.net/rapid/features.html).

## Documentation

[Full documentation is available at the program website](https://damonlynch.net/rapid/documentation/).

## Program Design

Rapid Photo Downloader is coded in Python. To get the best performance using Python on modern multi-core computers, the program uses multiple OS-level processes that communicate with each other using the messaging library [0MQ](https://zeromq.org/).

[Learn more about the program's architecture](https://damonlynch.net/rapid/design.html).

## Issue Reporting

Report new issues on the [developer's GitHub repository](https://github.com/damonlynch/rapid-photo-downloader/issues).

## Releases

Releases are now hosted on the project's [GitHub repository](https://github.com/damonlynch/rapid-photo-downloader/releases). Project releases were historically hosted on the [project's Launchpad repository](https://launchpad.net/rapid/+download).

## Internationalization

The project had historically been translated using the translation service provided by [Launchpad](https://launchpad.net/rapid/+download). This is no longer used. A replacement service will be announced in the future.

## Support

Get support at the [Pixls.us discussion forum](https://discuss.pixls.us/).

## Installation

Install the program using your Linux distribution's standard tools, e.g., apt, dnf, or zypper.

Ubuntu users can install [the latest version using the project PPA](https://damonlynch.net/rapid/download.html).

The program is currently not available as a Snap or flatpak because to interact with cameras it requires being able to break out of the confinement Snap and flatpak enforce. This may change in future if there are workarounds for this confinement.

To install from source, advanced users can consult [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md). You will need to manually copy and source code and `.desktop` file from the resulting tarball to appropriate locations on your system. See the [Release notes](RELEASE_NOTES.md) for limited guidance.

## License

[GPL3 or later](https://choosealicense.com/licenses/gpl-3.0/).
