How to Use Immich
A beginner-friendly guide to getting started with Immich in 2026.
Getting Started: Step by Step
Create your Immich account
Visit Immich's website and sign up for a free account. You'll need an email address to get started.
Set up your workspace
Once signed in, configure your Immich workspace. Set your preferences, invite team members if needed, and customize the interface to match your workflow.
Explore photo-backup
One of Immich's key features is photo-backup. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.
Explore facial-recognition
One of Immich's key features is facial-recognition. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.
Explore smart-search
One of Immich's key features is smart-search. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.
Integrate with your existing tools
Connect Immich with the other tools you use daily. Most integrations can be set up in the settings or integrations panel.
Start using it for real work
Now that you're set up, start using Immich for actual tasks. The best way to learn is by doing — don't worry about getting everything perfect right away.
Pro Tips
- Start with the free plan or trial to explore Immich's capabilities before committing to a paid subscription.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow — most tools have extensive shortcut systems.
- Check Immich's official documentation and community forums for advanced tips and best practices.
- Review your workflow after 2 weeks of use and adjust your setup based on what's working and what isn't.
Key Features to Explore
Alternatives to Consider
If Immich isn't the right fit, here are some similar tools:
Ready to Try Immich?
Open-source Google Photos alternative offering self-hosted photo and video backup with AI-powered search, facial recognition, and automatic organization.