Piwigo

Piwigo is an open-source, self-hosted web app that provides a web-based interface for organizing and sharing photo libraries. It functions as a content management system specifically for images, allowing users to manage large collections of photography through a browser. This software is designed to serve as a centralized hub for visual assets, catering to the needs of individuals, professional teams, and larger organizations.

The software is deployed as a web application on a server. It requires a web server such as Apache or Nginx, PHP 7.4 or higher, and a MySQL or MariaDB database. Installation is handled either through a manual upload of the stable version to a web space via an FTP client or through a dedicated NetInstall script that guides the user through the setup process in a web browser.

Key features

• Web-based photo gallery management
• Support for large photo libraries
• Tools for organizing and sharing images
• Compatibility with Apache and Nginx web servers
• Integration with MySQL and MariaDB databases
• Image processing via ImageMagick or PHP GD
• Community-driven development model
• GPL v2 license

The architecture relies on a standard LAMP or LEMP stack, ensuring compatibility with most common hosting environments. By utilizing PHP for the backend and a relational database for metadata, it maintains a structured approach to image categorization. It is intended for users who require full control over their data. The system is supported by a wider ecosystem including a public wiki, community forums, and a demo site for testing functionality before deployment.

Piwigo serves as a privacy-focused solution for those who prefer to host their own image galleries on their own hardware.