Lathe

Lathe — Free Download. Media manager

Lathe is a privacy-first media manager for macOS that handles photos, videos, and PDFs directly on a Mac. The application offers folder browsing, duplicate detection, burst shot grouping, and batch processing tools such as background removal, upscaling, watermarking, and PDF compression. All processing stays on-device with no cloud uploads or accounts. Core organization features remain free, while advanced batch tools require a one-time Pro purchase.

★★★★★
4.0(1 ratings)
Download Lathe (Official links)
File size: 5.8 MB
The latest version of Lathe is: 1.0.0
Operating system: Mac OS
Languages: English
Developer: Shwetank Dixit
Price: $0.00 USD ($50 + free version)
  • Fast thumbnail browsing. Lathe displays responsive thumbnails for photos, videos, audio files, and PDFs when a folder is selected. The interface loads large directories without delay and keeps navigation smooth even with thousands of media files.
  • Favorite folders with custom icons. Users can mark frequently accessed folders as favorites and assign custom icons to each one. This keeps important collections one click away and reduces time spent searching through directory trees.
  • Metadata search. The search function scans filenames and embedded metadata across the active folder. Results appear as the query is typed, making it possible to locate specific images, clips, or documents by camera model, date, or keyword.
  • Side-by-side image comparison. Lathe places two or more images next to each other for direct visual comparison. This mode supports tagging and rating, allowing photographers to evaluate similar shots and mark the strongest frames without switching to external tools.
  • Storyboard and moodboard builder. Selected media can be arranged into shareable visual boards. These boards work as planning documents for pitches, shoots, or personal projects and can be exported for collaboration or presentation.
  • Burst shot grouping. The application automatically detects near-identical burst sequences and groups them into a single stack. Lathe analyzes each frame and suggests the sharpest image in the group, which speeds up culling after action or portrait sessions.
  • Duplicate and similar image detection. A dedicated scan finds exact duplicate files and visually similar images within a selected folder. Results are presented in groups, and users can remove redundant files to reclaim storage space.
  • Histogram and clipping indicators. Built-in exposure tools show a live histogram and highlight overexposed or underexposed areas. This visual feedback helps identify problem shots before editing or export.
  • Batch image optimization and conversion. Pro users can convert large sets of images between formats and apply compression settings to reduce file size. Processing runs in bulk, so entire folders can be prepared for web or archive use at once.
  • On-device upscaling. Lathe enlarges images using local processing frameworks. The upscaling feature increases resolution without uploading files to external servers, which preserves privacy and keeps workflows offline.
  • Background removal and blur. The batch tools include automatic background removal and background blur for multiple photos. These operations run entirely on the Mac and are suitable for product shots, portraits, or preparing images for listings.
  • Watermarking and metadata stripping. Users can apply text or image watermarks to batches of photos. A separate option removes EXIF, GPS, and other embedded metadata before files are shared or published.
  • Batch renaming. Files can be renamed according to custom patterns that include sequence numbers, dates, or original names. This tool brings consistent naming to large collections and simplifies file management.
  • PDF and video compression. Lathe reduces the size of PDF documents and video files. Compression settings balance quality and file size, which is practical for emailing documents or uploading clips to platforms with size limits.
  • Video rotation, flipping, and merging. Video clips can be rotated or flipped without a full editor. Multiple clips can also be merged into a single reel, and individual segments can be trimmed or reframed before export.
  • Free core tools with one-time Pro unlock. Browsing, organizing, culling, search, and comparison features are available at no cost. The Pro tier unlocks all batch tools through a single purchase without a subscription, and each Pro feature can be tested before buying.

Lathe was developed as a native macOS application with a focus on local media processing and folder-based organization. The development history centers on addressing the need for a file manager that treats photos, videos, and PDFs as part of one workflow instead of requiring separate applications. The first public release introduced core browsing and culling tools, with batch processing added later as a paid Pro tier. The application is written in Swift and relies on Apple frameworks such as Core Image, Vision, and AVFoundation for image analysis, background removal, and video handling.

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