Why do I have duplicate files in Astute Manager?

The Astute Manager is designed to avoid overwriting existing files. If an uploaded asset has the exact same name as an asset already installed on your machine, the Astute Manager will not replace it.

Instead, it will:

• Add a (1) at the end of the file name, or

• Create a new subfolder named "pkg" and store the new version there.

Which method is uses depends on the type and number of assets involved.

This behavior ensures that your personal files are never unintentionally overwritten, but it can lead to duplicate-looking files, especially if you've downloaded or reinstalled assets more than once.

About Astute Library Assets

Assets provided through the Astute Library, such as Von Glitschka’s Brush Packs or the Vintage Text Effect Graphic Styles, are uploaded by Astute Graphics and:

• Do not count toward your personal cloud storage allowance.

• Do not appear in your User tab, as they can be redownloaded at any time from the Asset Library.

However, if these files have been previously installed on your system, the Astute Manager may treat newly downloaded copies as User files if it can’t match them to the originals. This can result in duplicate files being saved in your user folder, even though they’re technically the same assets.

Why It Matters

When the Astute Manager treats these duplicate files as user-owned, they will:

• Appear in your User Files list

• Count toward your cloud storage limit

Over time, this can lead to unnecessary file clutter and take up storage space you'd prefer to use for your own work.

How to Clean It Up

If you would  like to remove duplicates and organize your files, follow these steps:

1. Go to:
   Astute Library > Brush Sets > Open the 3-dot menu and select Delete Local Files.

2. Navigate to:
   Asset Manager > Illustrator > User tab.

3. In the Brushes section, open the 3-dot menu and choose Show Folder, then manually review the files in this folder.

4. Now:

   • Delete duplicates, especially those with a (1) at the end of the name.

   • Check inside any "pkg" folders for duplicate content.

   • You may also see files shared by team members—delete any you no longer need.

5. ⚠️ Important: Be careful not to delete any files that are genuinely yours!

6. Back in the User tab, click the Upload icon to re-sync your updated files.

7. (Optional) Return to:
   Astute Library > Brush Sets > and re-download any official Astute Graphics brush packs you want to use again.

8. Repeat the same process for Graphic Styles, if needed.
   

Once you’ve followed these steps, your user storage will be optimized, and any unnecessary duplicates removed.