Support Article
How do I keep a large Hive library fast?
Answer
Keep Hive updated, keep the active library downloaded on the device, and leave Duplicate Check off for big imports. For storage, local or downloaded iCloud is fastest, then an APFS SSD. SMB and exFAT are much slower.
Details
Keep the files on the device
For iCloud libraries, turn on Keep Downloaded. Hive then reads files locally instead of waiting on iCloud.
Leave Duplicate Check off for big batches
Duplicate Check compares image content during import. It costs noticeable CPU and memory, and large imports slow down a lot. Turn it on only when filtering duplicates matters more than speed.
Keep Hive in front on the first load
The first indexing and sync of a large library finish sooner with Hive in the foreground. Background scheduling can delay them.
Choose the right drive
Fastest to slowest: local or downloaded iCloud, APFS SSD, SMB, exFAT.
Check recent imports with filters cleared
If a new import seems missing, clear filters and search first.
Questions
Should I turn on Duplicate Check?
Only if filtering duplicate images matters more than import speed. It checks images only, and it slows large imports.
Why is the first load slow?
Hive is indexing the library and, for iCloud, waiting for files. Keep Hive in the foreground and turn on Keep Downloaded.
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