Sort out the files on your Mac and your old drives
Arkv is a Mac app for anyone whose photos and documents have ended up scattered across old hard drives, backups, photo libraries and the Downloads folder. It finds the duplicates, works out when things were taken or written, gives files names you can read, and puts it all into one set of folders that makes sense. You don't need to be technical to use it.
Still being built. A beta is coming soon.
What it does
Here's a typical mess, and what Arkv makes of it.
How it works
Add your files
Drag in the drives, folders, photo libraries or Google Takeout downloads you want sorted. Arkv only looks at what you add.
Let it look
It reads dates, places and the text of documents, spots copies of the same file, and suggests names and folders.
Check the plan
You see the folder structure it suggests before anything happens. Rename folders, move things, or leave things out.
Build it
Arkv copies everything to the drive you choose and checks each file afterwards. Your originals are left as they were.
It works with external and internal drives, old Mac backups, Google Takeout, Apple Photos, iPhoto, Lightroom catalogues, documents, scans and music.
Your files are safe
- Arkv never changes, moves or deletes your original files. It makes a new, tidy copy.
- Nothing is written until you press Build, and you can see exactly what will be written first.
- Every copied file is read back to check it arrived intact.
- You can undo a build completely, at any time.
- Your files stay on your Mac. Arkv doesn't upload them anywhere, and the AI that helps name documents runs on your Mac too.
Questions
Who is it for?
Anyone with years of photos and paperwork in several places who wants one tidy copy they can find things in. It's made for everyday Mac users, not IT people.
Which Macs does it run on?
Macs with Apple silicon (M1 or later) running macOS 15 Sequoia or later.
Does it delete my duplicates?
No. Your originals stay where they are. The new copy has one of each file, with the details from every copy combined, and you can always see where each file came from.
What happens to my Lightroom edits and albums?
Albums, keywords, ratings, people and places come across as tags. Lightroom's edit settings travel with each photo, and edited versions are included if you exported them.
Will I still be able to open it in 20 years?
Yes. It's ordinary folders and files with dated names, plus a README and checksums. You don't need Arkv to open it.
When can I try it?
Arkv is still being built. A beta is coming soon.