FileGuide
Concept selected for research. Not yet a released app.
A proposed accessible, privacy-first desktop guide to understanding storage and spotting exact duplicate files, without ever changing them.
The problem
It can be hard for people who are not technical to see which folders use up their storage, tell whether files are genuine duplicates, and decide confidently what to do next. Capable open-source tools already exist, such as Czkawka and dupeGuru, so the research has to show whether a read-only, plain-language guide is genuinely needed, or whether improving an existing project would help more people.
Who it is for
- People new to file organisation, especially anyone worried about deleting something important
- People who prefer clear explanations, keyboard navigation and an uncluttered interface
- People organising photos, downloads or documents across their own drives
Known limits
- The need has not been validated with users yet.
- No application repository, code or download exists.
- The name, licence, architecture and maintainers are still undecided.
- The proposed first version is read-only. It must never delete, move, rename or change files.
Proposed phases
These are proposals, not commitments or dates.
- Discovery: interviews with prospective users, trials of existing tools, and licence and threat-model reviews
- Prototype: a local size report and safe exact-duplicate detection, tested on generated files
- Alpha: an accessible interface, cancellation, clear error handling and CSV export
- Community beta: reproducible builds, documentation, independent testers and release review
Evidence
What has actually been checked, with links to proof. A check only shows as passed when it links to evidence. What these checks mean
- Not started
Source code published
No application repository has been created yet.
- Not started
Automated checks
There is no code to check yet.
- Not started
Human testing
The research plan starts with interviews and observed tasks with prospective users.
- Not started
Accessibility review
- Not started
Security and privacy review
- Not started
Release approval
How you can help
- Share your experience of organising files or finding duplicates in a public issue.
- Tell us about accessibility needs, such as screen reader or keyboard use, that existing tools miss.
- Never post private file names, folder contents or screenshots of your own files.
Join the discussion on GitHub (on GitHub)Other ways to get involved