How can I quickly find and remove duplicate virtual copies in Lightroom stacks?
Asked 2/2/2014
4 views
2 answers
0
After merging catalogs in Lightroom, I ended up with many stacks that contain two entries for the same photo. These are not separate files on disk—they both point to the same original image, so they appear to be duplicate catalog entries or virtual copies rather than physical duplicate files. Is there a quick way to filter the library so I can see only these duplicate virtual copies and delete them in bulk?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
2
If the duplicates are virtual copies, you can use a library filter to view only the copies.

Then select the results and delete.
Originally by user25884. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user25884
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if these duplicates are virtual copies, the quickest method is to use Lightroom’s Library Filter to show only virtual copies. Once filtered, you can review the results, select the unwanted copies, and delete them in bulk.
This works because virtual copies are catalog-only duplicates that reference the same original file, so normal duplicate-file tools won’t help. Filtering the Library for virtual copies lets you isolate them much faster than checking each stack manually.
Before deleting, it’s worth confirming they really are unwanted virtual copies and not intentionally edited variants.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How do I stack virtual copies with their masters and put the virtual copy on top in Lightroom?
Can Apple Photos create virtual copies or versions of the same photo?
Can Lightroom undo a mass “Delete from Disk” and restore the edits?
How can I remove linked duplicate projects in Aperture 3?
Can Lightroom save multiple virtual copies inside one DNG file?