PiGallery2

PiGallery2 is a self-hosted web application that serves as a directory-first photo gallery. It is designed to run on low-resource servers and hardware, specifically targeting devices like the Raspberry Pi. The software allows users to display their existing photo collections through a web interface without requiring a complex database setup or a manual import process for their media files.

The application operates by pointing to a specific directory of images, which it then displays in a browser. It is primarily deployed using Docker, though native installation via Node.js is possible for users familiar with that environment. Because it focuses on directory structures, it mirrors the existing organization of the files on the host system, ensuring that the folder hierarchy created by the user is preserved in the web view.

Key features

• Directory-first approach that reflects the existing folder structure
• Read-only access to ensure photo folders are never modified
• Optimization for low-end hardware and low-resource servers
• Simple configuration by pointing the app to a photo directory
• Deployment via Docker for standardized installation
• Support for photo and video management
• Fast performance on Raspberry Pi hardware

The software is built using Node.js and Angular. It is intended for users who want a lightweight way to browse their local image archives via a web browser without altering the original file metadata or directory layout. The read-only nature of the application prevents accidental deletion or modification of the source media, making it a safe choice for viewing archives stored on external drives or network attached storage. By avoiding heavy indexing processes, the application maintains a small footprint on the host system's CPU and RAM.

PiGallery2 serves as a lightweight media server for users prioritizing hardware efficiency and directory-based organization.