We’ve already explained how to get rid of duplicate files. However, what’s even better is making sure duplicate files aren’t created at all. Colored labels and ratings in Zoner Photo Studio are a useful tool for organizing photos and keeping your photo folder organized. Imagine you’ve just uploaded your photos to your computer. What do you do with them now? 

Another benefit of Zoner Photo Studio is that it not only offers photo editing, but also photo organization. Use ZPS X to get your photography folder in order. Did you just get home from vacation or a recent photoshoot and have a camera card full of images? Sort through them first. Get rid of those that didn’t turn out and keep only the best ones. Some photos will most likely still need some type of editing. How do you stay organized when you are dealing with such a large quantity of photos? 

Use the Catalog

It may seem like those of us here at Zoner use the phrase “Use the Catalog” all too often. While this may be true, the truth is that for getting your photos organized, the Catalog is an invaluable tool. The Catalog makes searching for photos that have been labeled and rated much quicker and easier. 

Where to find ratings and colored labels 

Both functions are found in the Manager module in the Information menu, or better yet, in the side information panel. There are also keyboard shortcuts for both. They are easy to remember and using them will speed up your workflow.

Keyboard shortcuts:

• For Ratings use numbers 1-5 on your keyboard 
• For Colored labels use Shift + 1-9 

Sort through your photos first

The first thing you need to decide is which photographs to keep and which to delete. Some photos may still require editing, while others are just like you want them. This can all be indicated using labels or ratings based on your own system. 

A system that worked for us is to sort through the photos using colored labels. Use labels to indicate photos to be further processed or saved. After labeling, edit and continue sorting through your photos. You can ruthlessly delete any remaining photos. Additional labels and ratings that distinguish the very best photos can be added after editing, during your final selection. 

When sorting through your photos, be sure to use Batch Selection in the Manager module, which will help you choose the very best photos from a series of similar ones. To use Batch Selection, select multiple photos in the Preview mode. To choose the best photo, zoom in on all photos at once using the mouse wheel or press Shift + scroll with the mouse wheel to zoom in on a single photo.  

Colored labels

Assign colored labels to your photos using the keyboard shortcut Shift + number. You can use up to nine colored labels. In preferences (Ctrl + M > Labels), you can name them based on their function.

Multiple labels at once?

Many users have asked how to assign more than one colored label to their photo at once. Because of how file labeling works, this isn’t possible and you can only assign one label to each photo. However, what you can do is add additional descriptions to your photos using keywords.

Rating your photos

You can add a star rating to each photo. Photographers most often use this function to give their photos an honest self-rating. Most wait to rate their photos until after editing, during the final selection.

Rarely give your photos five stars. Save it for only the very best photos that you think will be gems even several years from now. This may only be one photo from an entire album or sometimes none at all.

Give four stars to photos that stand out within a specific album. Even this rating should be used sparingly.

Give a lower star rating to lesser-quality photos that may be missing the uniqueness of the four and five-star photos, yet still have sentimental value or serve for documentary purposes.

Quick Search

To quickly find a specific photo, use Quick Search (Ctrl + F) in the Catalog. This allows you to filter photos with a specific colored label or rating from the entire collection. You can search multiple labels at once or search for photos with a specific rating.

This way you’ll always be able to find the photo you need.