Tropy is a free and open-source software designed specifically for researchers to manage, describe, and organize archival photos. It acts as a bridge between the raw data collection in an archive and the final writing process.

The principal functionalities of Tropy include:

Photo and Item Management

• Logical Grouping: Tropy allows users to turn individual image files into "items," representing a single archival source (like a multi-page letter) rather than just a collection of disconnected JPEGs.

• Contextual Description: Users can describe their sources using customizable templates to capture specific subject expertise and metadata.

• Annotation and Transcription: The tool includes features to transcribe documents directly, select specific image details for closer inspection, and manipulate photographs for better clarity.

Organization and Research Workflow

• Flexible Categorization: Researchers can organize their items using tags and lists, allowing for a personalized structure that breaks free from the physical logic of the original archive.

• Searchability: It is designed to help researchers spend less time "hunting" for specific photos and more time using them.

• Sustainable Storage: Tropy saves research data using SQLite, a format recommended by the Library of Congress for long-term digital preservation.

Integration and Extensibility

• Cross-Platform Support: The software is fully integrated with Linux, macOS, and Windows desktops.

• Powerful Export Options: Research projects can be exported in various formats, including JSON-LD, CSV, and ZIP archives.

• Core Plugins: Tropy features several extensions to connect with other research tools, such as:

  • Omeka S: For direct export of items to digital collections.

  • Zotero (CSL): To export Tropy items into citation management software.

  • IIIF: For importing IIIF manifests.

  • CSV: For importing and exporting data in spreadsheet formats.