Polimake

Deleting files and folders: cleaning up your library

Learn how to safely delete files and folders in Polimake. A guide to cleaning up your library and keeping only the content you need.

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Deleting files and folders: cleaning up your library

Keeping your library clean and organized is important for efficiency. Deleting files and folders you no longer need helps keep your library focused and easy to navigate, while also saving storage space.

This guide will show you how to safely delete files and folders, when to do it, and how to avoid deleting important content by mistake.

Why delete files?

Deleting unnecessary files:

  • Maintains organization: An easier-to-navigate library
  • Saves space: Frees up storage for new content
  • Improves search: Fewer irrelevant results
  • Reduces confusion: Only relevant content visible

It's part of the regular maintenance of a well-managed library.

Deleting individual files

From the gallery

To delete a file:

  1. Right-click the image you want to delete "
  2. Select "Delete" from the context menu
  3. Confirm the deletion

Alternative: You can also select the image and use the "Delete" button in the action bar.

From the detail view

To delete from the full view:

  1. Open the image in detail view
  2. Look for the "Delete" button in the actions
  3. Click and confirm the deletion

Benefit: From the detail view you can see all the information before deleting, making sure it's the correct image.

Confirmation

Before deleting, you'll see:

  • A confirmation dialog asking if you're sure
  • File information (name, location)
  • A warning that the action is permanent

Important: Deletion is permanent. Make sure you really want to delete the file before confirming.

Deleting multiple files

Multiple selection

To delete several files at once:

  1. Select multiple images using multiple selection
  2. Click "Delete" in the action bar
  3. Confirm the deletion of the group

Benefit: Deletes many files in a single operation, saving time.

Caution: Carefully review which files you have selected before confirming.

Deleting by folder

To delete all the files in a folder:

  1. Open the folder
  2. Select all the files (Ctrl/Cmd + A)
  3. Delete the selected group

Alternative: Delete the entire folder (see the folders section).

Deleting folders

Deleting an empty folder

To delete a folder without content:

  1. Right-click the folder
  2. Select "Delete"
  3. Confirm the deletion

Simple: Empty folders are deleted immediately.

Deleting a folder with content

To delete a folder and all its content:

  1. Right-click the folder
  2. Select "Delete"
  3. Confirm the deletion (it may warn about the content)

Warning: Deleting a folder permanently deletes all images and subfolders within it. Make sure you really want to delete all the content.

Content included

When you delete a folder, the following is deleted:

  • All images within the folder
  • All subfolders and their content
  • The entire structure within the folder

Can't be easily undone: Deletion is permanent. Check the content before deleting.

When to delete

Obsolete files

Delete when:

  • Old versions: You have improved versions
  • Replaced content: Images replaced by better ones
  • Failed experiments: Tests that didn't work out
  • Duplicates: Unnecessary duplicate images

Completed folders

Delete folders when:

  • Project finished: Content from completed projects you no longer need
  • Migration completed: Content moved to another location
  • Regular cleanup: Keeping only active folders

Periodic cleanup

Do regular cleanup:

  • Monthly or quarterly: Review and clean up periodically
  • After projects: Clean up temporary content after completing projects
  • Before archiving: Delete unnecessary content before archiving projects

Best practices

Review before deleting

Before deleting:

  • Verify the content: Make sure you really want to delete it
  • Review multiple selections: Confirm which files are selected
  • Consider alternatives: Would moving be better than deleting?

Use with caution

To avoid mistakes:

  • Don't delete hastily: Take a moment to confirm
  • Review folders first: Make sure you know what they contain
  • Confirm carefully: Read the confirmation dialogs

Consider moving instead of deleting

Sometimes it's better to:

  • Move to an "Archive" folder: Instead of deleting permanently
  • Move to a separate project: For completed projects
  • Organize better: Instead of deleting, reorganize

Benefit: Moving gives you the flexibility to recover content later if you need it.

Recovering deleted files

Can they be recovered?

It depends on the version:

  • Some versions may have a trash or temporary recovery
  • Contact support as soon as possible if you deleted by mistake
  • There's no guarantee of recovery, so be careful

Best practice: Assume deletion is permanent and act accordingly.

Preventing losses

To avoid losses:

  • Review before deleting: Always verify the content
  • Use careful selection: Confirm what you have selected
  • Consider moving: Instead of deleting when possible
  • Make backups: Of important content before deleting

Limitations and considerations

Permanent deletion

Remember that:

  • It can't be easily undone: Deletion is permanent
  • It affects collaborators: If you delete shared content, others lose it too
  • No automatic recovery: There's no automatic trash in most versions

Permissions

To delete you need:

  • Write permission in the project
  • Owner or collaborator with appropriate permissions
  • You can't delete if you only have read access

FAQ about deletion

Can I recover deleted files?
It depends on the version. Contact support as soon as possible if you deleted something by mistake. There's no guarantee of recovery.

What happens if I delete a folder by mistake?
Contact support immediately. They may be able to help with recovery if possible, but there's no guarantee.

Can collaborators delete files?
It depends on their permissions. Collaborators with write access can delete; those with read-only access cannot.

Can I delete multiple folders at once?
Currently they're deleted one at a time for safety. To delete multiple, delete them individually.

Is there a limit on how many files I can delete?
There's no technical limit, but delete carefully. Review large selections before confirming.

Can I delete files from other collaborators?
If you have write permission, you can delete any file in the project, regardless of who uploaded it.

Conclusion

Deleting files and folders is an important part of maintaining your library. With care and proper review, you can keep your library clean and organized without losing important content.

Combine careful deletion with regular organization and project management to maintain an efficient, useful library.

Next steps

  1. Review your library and identify obsolete content
  2. Delete files you no longer need (carefully)
  3. Clean up folders that are completed or empty
  4. Establish a routine of periodic cleanup
  5. Consider moving instead of deleting when possible

Keep your library clean and organized!