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
- Request: Merge
- Reason: This request was archived even though it was never answered by anyone, and it remained unresolved. I am resubmitting it so that it can be answered by whoever has to do so.
"Anseriformes in Chile" was created later (couple of weeks ago actually), and "Anseriformes of Chile" has existed since 2018. There should only be one category to avoid the current redundancy.
--SamuelInzunza (talk) 18:13, 19 April 2026 (UTC)
.svg){kind=link}
- Request: [Merge]
- Reason: File:TNT (TV Channel).svg is uploaded by Epicshawty is being same as File:TNT Logo 2016.svg with different bytes 916 bytes & 917 bytes. So, I suggest both files would be merge as a single file.
--~2026-12238-41 (talk) 13:18, 25 April 2026 (UTC)
.svg_→_File:TNT_Logo_2016.svg){kind=link}
Done --Sreejith K (talk) 13:21, 27 April 2026 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 13:21, 27 April 2026 (UTC) - Request: [Merge]
- Reason: page move from soft redirecting.
--Skemous (talk) 14:59, 25 April 2026 (UTC)
.png){kind=link}
- Request: [Merge]
- Reason: They are the same image, just improved in the alternate version.
--👦 11:51, 27 April 2026 (UTC)
- Done --Sreejith K (talk) 13:21, 27 April 2026 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 13:21, 27 April 2026 (UTC) .png){kind=link}
- Request: [Merge]
- Reason: Same image, just improved on the alternate version.
--👦 12:15, 27 April 2026 (UTC)
.png_→_File:Nina_1987-11-25_0600Z.png){kind=link}
- Done --Sreejith K (talk) 13:21, 27 April 2026 (UTC)
This section is resolved and can be archived. If you disagree, replace this template with your comment. --Sreejith K (talk) 13:21, 27 April 2026 (UTC) File:US Navy 040919-N-1539M-004 A Pratt ^ Whitney R-1830-94 engine from a World War II PB4Y-2 Privateer patrol bomber was ripped off its engine mount at The National Museum of Naval Aviation during Hurricane Ivan.jpg → File:330-CFD-DN-SD-05-05999 (36793420720).jpg
[edit]
.jpg){kind=link}
- Request: Merge
- Reason: This is the exact sane image, just the second one is lightened (and actually in use). These should be merged with the lightened (target) one as the 'active'. - The Bushranger (talk) 03:48, 30 April 2026 (UTC)