SELF-HOSTED PHOTOS
What is Immich?
Immich is self-hosted photo and video management software. It gives you a web and mobile experience for organising a library on a server you control, including backup from mobile devices, search and face-related features.
What hardware does Immich need?
Immich's current documentation recommends a 64-bit Linux or Unix-like system, at least 6 GB of RAM with 8 GB recommended, and at least 2 CPU cores with 4 recommended. It supports amd64 and arm64 platforms. Check the current Immich requirements before installing.
Storage is more than the originals
The original photo and video files are only part of the footprint. Immich says generated thumbnails and transcoded video can add roughly 10 to 20 percent to a library on average, and its PostgreSQL database commonly uses additional storage. The project recommends keeping the database on local SSD storage rather than a network share.
Do you need a GPU?
No GPU is required simply to start using Immich. Machine-learning jobs can use CPU resources, while supported hardware acceleration can reduce CPU load for features such as smart search and facial recognition. Immich currently describes machine-learning hardware acceleration as experimental, with support depending on the hardware backend. See Immich's hardware acceleration documentation.
Is Immich a backup?
Do not treat the application itself as your only backup. If your photos matter, keep independent copies outside the live Immich system. Your backup plan needs to cover the original media and the data required to restore the application.
A good way to try it
Install Immich with a small copy of your photo library first. Test mobile uploads, search, upgrades and recovery before deciding whether it should become your main photo system.
Immich vs a hosted photo service
The attraction is control: you choose the server, storage and backup strategy. The cost is responsibility. A hosted service takes care of much of the infrastructure; with Immich, you are the person who has to notice when storage is filling, an update fails or a disk dies.