How do I install Lap on Windows without security warnings?

Download the unsigned MSI from the releases page, but be prepared to bypass SmartScreen warnings; the README notes this issue and suggests verifying the download from the official GitHub repository. Future releases may include signed packages.

Can Lap sync photos between my laptop and desktop?

No, Lap is designed as an offline-first application and lacks built-in cloud sync features. Users must manually transfer files or use external tools like syncthing or cloud storage with local folder mirroring.

How does Lap's local AI search compare to Google Photos?

Lap uses on-device models like CLIP for text-image similarity and InsightFace for faces, processing everything locally without cloud uploads, whereas Google Photos relies on cloud-based AI that requires internet access and data sharing.

What video formats does Lap support for playback?

Lap supports MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM videos using FFmpeg for decoding and Video.js for playback, but it does not include video editing tools—focus is on browsing and metadata management.

How to build Lap from source on Ubuntu?

Install system dependencies like libwebkit2gtk, then clone the repo, run ./scripts/download_models.sh, and use cargo tauri dev as per the README. The process involves multiple steps and requires familiarity with command-line tools.

Is Lap better than DigiKam for local photo management?

Lap excels with modern local AI search and a privacy-focused, folder-first workflow, but DigiKam offers more mature metadata handling, plugins, and advanced features. Choose Lap for AI and simplicity, DigiKam for extensibility and professional workflows.

Does Lap work with HEIC files from iPhones?

Yes, Lap natively supports HEIC/HEIF formats for both browsing and basic edits, making it compatible with modern iPhone photos without requiring conversion, as listed in the supported formats table.

Lap — Offline-First Desktop Photo Manager

What is Lap?

Lap is an open-source desktop photo manager designed for organizing, browsing, and searching large personal photo libraries offline. It provides a privacy-focused alternative to cloud services by keeping all data local and offering AI-powered search tools that run directly on your computer.

Target Audience

Individuals and families with large local photo collections who prioritize privacy, want to avoid cloud subscriptions, and need efficient tools for organizing and retrieving photos offline.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Lap for its strong commitment to privacy, offline-first architecture, and powerful local AI features that eliminate cloud dependencies while providing a smooth experience for managing thousands of photos and videos.

Overview

An offline-first photo manager for large local libraries

Use Cases

Best For

Managing large personal photo libraries entirely offline
Privacy-conscious users avoiding cloud photo services
Photographers needing RAW format support without subscription software
Organizing family albums with local face recognition and search
Working with existing folder structures without import hassles
Finding duplicates and performing batch operations on local photos

Not Ideal For

Users who require cloud sync for accessing photos across multiple devices or automatic offsite backups
Professional photographers needing advanced editing tools like layers, curves, or non-destructive adjustments
Teams or families wanting real-time collaborative photo sharing, tagging, or commenting features
Mobile-centric users who primarily manage photos on iOS or Android devices

Pros & Cons

Pros

Privacy-First Operation

All photo processing and AI search run locally with no forced cloud uploads, ensuring user data never leaves the device, as emphasized in its offline-first philosophy and privacy documentation.

Broad Format Support

Supports modern image formats like WebP, HEIC, AVIF, JXL and over 20 RAW camera formats including CR2, NEF, and ARW, leveraging LibRaw and FFmpeg for decoding.

Folder-First Workflow

Works directly with existing folder structures without requiring an import step, allowing users to manage photos in place and sync with filesystem-aware operations.

Local AI Search Tools

Includes text/image similarity search, face clustering, and smart tags using on-device models like CLIP and InsightFace, powered by ONNX Runtime for private, offline functionality.

Cons

Limited Editing Capabilities

Only offers basic in-place edits such as crop, rotate, and resize, lacking advanced features like layers, filters, or professional color grading tools.

Complex Build Requirements

Building from source requires Node.js 20+, Rust, pnpm, and multiple system dependencies (e.g., nasm, autoconf), which can be daunting for non-developers.

Windows Installation Hurdles

The Windows MSI package is currently unsigned, leading to SmartScreen warnings that may require user intervention or technical knowledge to bypass.

Incomplete and Beta Features

Face clustering is marked as BETA, and support for Live Photos, Motion Photos, and expanded metadata standards (EXIF, XMP, IPTC) is still planned, indicating gaps in functionality.

Open Source Alternative To

Lap is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Adobe Lightroom

A photography software suite developed by Adobe for organizing, editing, and sharing large numbers of digital photographs, particularly used by professional photographers.

A

Apple Photos

Apple Photos is the native photo and video management application on Apple devices for organizing, editing, and sharing media with iCloud Photo Library integration.

Google Photos

Google Photos is a photo sharing and storage service that automatically organizes and backs up photos and videos from devices.

Lap

What is Lap?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Open Source Alternative To

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Lap

What is Lap?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Open Source Alternative To

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?