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Step by step: archive a Nitro edit and view it in Immich · Recover a file or an earlier edit.

Metadata stays with the pictures.

XMP is an open standard for picture information. These sidecar files keep keywords, ratings and supported editing settings beside the original. TrueArchive preserves existing XMP information and creates sidecars where needed. Different Nitro edits can be kept as separate versions. How to keep edits and handle differing metadata.

Immich uploads can feed the archive.

Add your Immich account as a source in TrueArchive, load its uploads and select the pictures you want to archive. This direct import currently starts manually; a schedule for it has not been implemented yet. Files from external archive libraries are excluded. Set up the direct Immich import.

Use a schedule for an accessible upload folder.

If the original upload folder is already accessible to your Mac, you can add it as a local source and enable a schedule. Select the originals folder, not thumbnails, converted videos or the database. This copies files without importing Immich albums or database information. The Mac must be awake, TrueArchive running and both source and archive accessible. Set up a local source.

Immich is a window into the archive.

Immich is an open-source photo app for your own server. Add the archive as a read-only external library, then browse, search and share its pictures. Your server and archive drive must be available. Immich can rescan the library on a schedule. It does not display every XMP field or apply Nitro’s RAW editing settings; use exported JPEGs or HEICs to view finished edits. Set up an external library.

Immich reads the archive; TrueArchive can back up its organisation.

The external library stays read-only in Immich. Optionally, TrueArchive saves supported favourites, own albums, descriptions, tags and ratings from this archive account into XMP files on your Mac. Enable “Back up Immich organisation” and, if wanted, its automatic sync. People and faces are an additional option; restoring them to Immich is not available yet. Setup and limitations.

A second backup protects the archive and XMP files.

Under “Archive & maintenance”, set up an encrypted second backup on another physical drive or a separately purchased Hetzner Storage Box. Choose “Back up now” or enable the daily schedule. TrueArchive and your Mac must be running, with the archive and backup destination available. Keep the backup password independently and test restoring into a new empty folder. Backups and dated restore points · Set up Hetzner.

Immich itself still needs its own backup.

Archive and XMP backups do not replace a full Immich backup. Back up its database and own files, including uploads, separately: users, sharing and other server information cannot be fully recovered from archive XMP files. Back up and restore Immich.

You can use other tools too. Old drives, additional folders and manual Google Photos exports can also be sources for TrueArchive. The programs are installed separately; this workflow is not an all-in-one package.