Photos with extra files being created in the folder

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Level 1

4 points

Photos with extra files being created in the folder

Hi all,

Hope everyone is doing well.

When I transfer photos from my iphone 16 to my laptop, I notice additional images appearing in the folders. These extra files have reference numbers starting with either 'E' or 'O', and there are also white images with the same reference numbers as the original photos. As a result, every time I take one photo, three extra copies are created in the folder.

Is this normal and how can I stop these extra files being created? Many thanks!

Cheers,

Ag

Posted on Jul 1, 2025 3:10 PM

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Answer 1

markwmsn

Level 6

16,655 points

Jul 1, 2025 4:57 PM in response to ag-c

The "O" versions and the white images don't sound familiar, but the "E" versions happen when non-Apple transfer mechanisms that may not really understand iPhone internals see photos that have been edited (where cropping or shooting at a non-native aspect ratio counts as editing). The "E" copy is the edited version and the copy without "E" is the original unedited version. There might also be a nongraphical file containing instructions on how to make the edits/crops to go between them; that would have a different file suffix.

As for preventing the transfer of the extra files, you will need to consult whoever supplied the transfer mechanism, or at least tell us what mechanism you are using.

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Answer 2

Jul 1, 2025 11:15 PM in response to ag-c

The 'E' is the edited version but what kind of files have 'O'?

AFAIR if pixel edits are done on iPhone/iPad Photos and the image/movie is exported with Airdrop's All Photos Data option, then the Mac receives a triplet of original IMG_0001.MOV, edited IMG_E0001.mov and IMG_0001.AAE sidecar describing the edits which Photos.app can import and continue or revert to the original.

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