This guide explains how to safely remove digital assets from your media library to keep your website's file structure clean and efficient. In Umbraco 17+, managing deletions is more secure and performant than ever, thanks to its foundation on .NET 10 LTS and the mature "Bellissima" backoffice architecture.
Files as Media Nodes
In Umbraco, every file you upload is more than just a document; it is a Media Node with associated metadata, such as alt-text or custom focal points. When you delete a file, you are removing this node from your database and file system. Because Umbraco 17+ supports load-balanced backoffices, the system ensures that when you delete an asset, the change is synchronized across all server instances, preventing "ghost" files from appearing to other editors.
When to Delete a File
Regularly auditing your media library is essential for maintaining site performance and organization. Consider deleting files when:
- Outdated Documentation: Removing old versions of PDFs, brochures, or price lists that are no longer accurate.
- Asset Cleanup: Deleting duplicate images or unused design elements to streamline the library for your editorial team.
- Storage Management: For high-traffic sites, removing high-resolution videos or large assets that are no longer in use helps optimize storage costs.
- Brand Consistency: Clearing out old logos or branded graphics that no longer align with your current theme design.
Watch: Managing and Deleting Media in Umbraco 17+
This video walkthrough shows how to locate unused files, use the bulk-delete feature for multiple assets, and how to properly empty the Recycle Bin to permanently free up space.
Other Related Tutorials
- [Tutorial] How to sort and reorder page nodes in the tree menu
- [Tutorial] How to edit the crop and focus point of an image
- [Tutorial] How to change the quality of an image
- [Tutorial] How to delete a Theme Design from the CMS
Action Steps to Delete Files
- Navigate to Media: Open the Media section in the Umbraco 17+ back office.
- Select Your File: Find the file or folder you wish to remove. You can use the List View to quickly find and select multiple items at once.
- Choose 'Delete': Click the three dots (...) next to the item name or right-click and select Delete.
- Confirm the Action: A confirmation dialog will appear. In Umbraco 17+, the system will warn you if the file is currently being "picked" or used on any live pages, helping you avoid broken links.
- Empty the Recycle Bin: Deleted items are moved to the Recycle Bin first. To permanently remove them from the server, right-click the Recycle Bin and select "Empty."
Pro-Tip: Use the Visual Editor to check your pages before deleting. If you are unsure if an image is still in use, the "Info" tab on the media node will show you a list of "Links" identifying every page where that specific file is currently published.
Where Next?
Now that your media library is clutter-free, ensure your remaining assets are optimized for search engines. Your next step is to explore "Search for Files".