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Self-hosted photo apps: choose backup first

Families and homelab users replacing hosted photo libraries with self-hosted tools.

Criteria

  • Separate sync, app database, original media, and independent backup.
  • Check mobile upload behavior, export paths, and restore testing.
  • Prefer clear operational docs over feature screenshots.

Limitations

Photo libraries are high-value personal data. Do not recommend a tool without a recovery story.

Primary sources

Sponsorship and affiliate disclosure

No paid placement or affiliate compensation is attached to this guide unless a future update clearly labels it here.