Is there a way to directly compare files when moving them into a new folder?

[iemcj]

I'm in the midst of organizing half a decade worth of iphone videos between our multiple phones onto external hard drives for backup. The VERY time consuming task I'm running into is with the duplicates. Some of the videos were copied off the phone 2-3 times apparently.

Whenever I want to drag a file into a folder, it'll say "An item named X already exists in this location, do you want to replace it with the one you're moving?" On windows it would at least show me the file sizes (which could instantly tell me if it's a duplicate or if it's just another file with the same name)

Is there a better way to do this? Thanks so much!

 

[frou]

You could elect to "Keep Both" when dragging...

Then one time at the end, look at the whole destination folder in List view, sorted by Name, and delete any "... copy.mp4" file that has the same Size as the file below it.

Alternatively there are no doubt many GUI apps (and terminal command approaches) for identifying files with duplicate content, regardless of file names.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I recommend the third-party duplicate-finding app method.

 

[iemcj]

You could elect to "Keep Both" when dragging...

Then one time at the end, look at the whole destination folder in List view, sorted by Name, and delete any "... copy.mp4" file that has the same Size as the file below it.

Hmm. I didn't even think of going that way. That'll still be time consuming but at least I can visually see it easier thank you!

I recommend the third-party duplicate-finding app method.

Do you have any suggestions you've used? I did search online and I can find things for linux and windows and the only thing I could find for mac was some super complicated thing through coding that I can't even dream of getting to work with my tech skills

 

[Gregg2]

I've seen recommendations for Dupe Guru and Gemini. I've never used either one.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Do you have any suggestions you've used? I did search online and I can find things for linux and windows and the only thing I could find for mac was some super complicated thing through coding that I can't even dream of getting to work with my tech skills

I have four that I've tried…"Dr. Duplicate Finder", "Duplicate File Doctor", "Duplicate File Finder", and "The Duplicate Finder". Not sure what's best.

 

[Gravydog316]

I use the image editing app Graphic Converter, which lets you compare duplicate files, & gives you options:

 

[iemcj]

I use the image editing app Graphic Converter, which lets you compare duplicate files, & gives you options:

View attachment 1717307

Oooo that may be perfect thanks!