ubuntu show all images in a folder recursively

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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23-02-2025

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Finding all images within a directory, especially one containing subfolders, can be a tedious task manually. This article provides several methods to quickly and efficiently display all image files within a specified folder and its subdirectories on your Ubuntu system. We'll cover command-line solutions for maximum efficiency, as well as a graphical approach for those who prefer a visual interface. Knowing how to recursively find images is essential for tasks such as photo organization, batch processing, or simply identifying all image files within a complex directory structure.

Method 1: Using the find Command

The find command is a powerful tool in Unix-like systems, perfect for locating files based on various criteria. To list all image files recursively, use the following command:

find /path/to/your/folder -type f \( -iname "*.jpg" -o -iname "*.jpeg" -o -iname "*.png" -o -iname "*.gif" -o -iname "*.bmp" \) -print

Explanation:

• /path/to/your/folder: Replace this with the actual path to the folder containing your images.
• -type f: This option specifies that we are only looking for files (not directories).
• \( -iname "*.jpg" -o -iname "*.jpeg" -o -iname "*.png" -o -iname "*.gif" -o -iname "*.bmp" \): This part uses the -iname option for case-insensitive matching. It searches for files ending with .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, and .bmp. The -o operator acts as an "or" condition.
• -print: This option tells find to print the names of the found files to the console.

To improve this: You can easily add more image extensions as needed (e.g., .tiff, .svg).

Method 2: Using find with xargs for Enhanced Output

For a more visually appealing output, especially with many files, combine find with xargs:

find /path/to/your/folder -type f \( -iname "*.jpg" -o -iname "*.jpeg" -o -iname "*.png" -o -iname "*.gif" -o -iname "*.bmp" \) -print0 | xargs -0 ls -l

Explanation:

• -print0: This option separates filenames with a null character, making it safer for filenames containing spaces or special characters.
• xargs -0 ls -l: This pipes the output of find to xargs, which then executes ls -l on each file. ls -l provides a detailed listing, including file size, permissions, and modification time. This offers more context than simply listing filenames.

Method 3: Graphical Approach with Nautilus (File Manager)

For users preferring a graphical interface, Nautilus (the default file manager in most Ubuntu versions) offers a convenient search function:

1. Open Nautilus: Navigate to the folder containing your images.
2. Search: In the search bar at the top right, enter *.jpg *.jpeg *.png *.gif *.bmp. Nautilus will automatically search recursively within the current folder.

This method is less precise for complex searches but offers immediate visual feedback and is easier for users less comfortable with the command line.

Handling Different Image Types

Remember to adjust the file extensions within the find command to include all the image types you want to locate. For instance, if you also have TIFF or SVG images, add -o -iname "*.tiff" -o -iname "*.svg" to the command.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Method

The command-line methods (find with or without xargs) offer greater flexibility and control, especially for automation or scripting. The Nautilus search provides a simpler, more user-friendly option for quick visual identification of images. Choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level. Regardless of the method chosen, efficiently locating all images within a folder and its subfolders is now a straightforward process.