Commons:History merging and splitting
Shortcuts: COM:HMS • COM:HISTMERGE This page provides information on issues and solutions relating pages and files that underwent cut-and-paste moves (which its history has to be put back together), and inappropriate merging/overwriting (of which its history needs to be split).
History merging[edit]
Because most users have the ability to use the move page function, cut-and-paste moves are usually done by people who are not aware of that function, or when the move function fails (e.g. because the target has history), and people who aren't aware of the Administrators Noticeboard forum to ask for help from an administrator.
When a cut-and-paste move is done, the page history of a page can be split among two or more different pages. This is very undesirable, because we need to keep the history with the content for copyright reasons. In most circumstances, administrators are able to fix this by merging page histories.
| Instructions for admins |
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Special:MergeHistory makes it possible to automatically merge the history of two pages. |
History splitting[edit]
Over time, pages or files may change from one underlying topic to a completely separate topic. Normally, this should be accomplished through moves of pages, or by reuploading an altered file on a slightly different title. However, if a user is unfamiliar with those processes they may simply change the subject of a page or file (overwriting the old). If this is not caught immediately it is very easy for the new topic to build up a substantial edit history of its own.
| Instructions for admins |
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A history merge could also be undone in this way. |
Requesting a merge or split[edit]
To request a merge or split, fill the following template, and submit it at the bottom of this page. Remember, both files need to be of the same type. Merging of more than two files may also be possible in some cases.
== [[:FILE/PAGE 1]] → [[:FILE/PAGE 2]] == * Request: [Split or Merge] * Reason: --~~~~
- For merges, replace
FILE/PAGE 2with the page you wantFILE/PAGE 1contents to be merged into. - For splits, replace
FILE/PAGE 2with the new filename which you want the newer content to be moved fromFILE/PAGE 1.
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Current requests
See also categories: .jpeg_→_File:Turnagain_Arm,_Alaska_-_panoramio.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg_→_File:Vought_F-8F_Crusader.jpg){kind=link}
.svg){kind=link}
File:Packrafting_In_Turnagain_Arm_Alaska_(149058479).jpeg → File:Turnagain_Arm,_Alaska_-_panoramio.jpg[edit]
.jpeg){kind=link}
- Request: Merge
- Reason: retrieved from two different source but same file.
--Fabe56 (talk) 21:54, 19 May 2023 (UTC)
Done --Sreejith K (talk) 00:51, 22 May 2023 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 00:51, 22 May 2023 (UTC) .jpg){kind=link}
- Request: Merge
- Reason: Same photo, merging into the oldest one.
--Fabe56 (talk) 23:45, 19 May 2023 (UTC)
- Done --Sreejith K (talk) 00:51, 22 May 2023 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 00:51, 22 May 2023 (UTC) 
- Request: Split
- Reason: Two different photos from 2022 and 2023.
--Neanderen (talk) 11:50, 21 May 2023 (UTC)
- Done --Sreejith K (talk) 00:51, 22 May 2023 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 00:51, 22 May 2023 (UTC) 
.svg){kind=link}
- Request: Transfer of upload history
- Reason:
Please move the upload history of File:Heraldic banner of New Zealand.svg, including the original upload on 1 May 2007 to the last significant change on 25 May 2020, over to File:Royal Standard of New Zealand (1962–2022).svg, where it belongs.
The upload history of File:Heraldic banner of New Zealand.svg, from 9 September 2022 to 27 April 2023 may also be deleted/suppressed, leaving only the latest revision by SpinnerLaserzthe2nd on 8 May 2023. Fry1989 eh? 15:05, 23 May 2023 (UTC)
- Done --Sreejith K (talk) 02:46, 24 May 2023 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 02:46, 24 May 2023 (UTC) - Request: [Merge]
- Reason: I've already made a request for this but it got archived before anyone merged histories (link). Basically I made a new category under the correct name and put a speedydelete template on the one with incorrect one.
--Swam pl (talk) 16:37, 23 May 2023 (UTC)
- Just noticed that Category:Mechanics from the United Kingdom was moved to Category:Mechanics (occupation) of the United Kingdom. I think in this case the history should be merged with that category? --Swam pl (talk) 18:35, 23 May 2023 (UTC)