# Delete

To delete a file in Geeqie select File ▸ Delete ( `Ctrl`+`D` ) . Delete is also available in the context menu of all images and files. If Enable delete key is enabled in Options, pressing the `Delete` key can also be used to delete files.

The behavior when starting a delete operation depends on the Confirm file delete option in Options. If the option is enabled a dialog will appear to confirm the operation, if it is not enabled the files will be deleted without further interaction. In all cases if the file is unable to be deleted you will be notified by a dialog.

## Confirm delete dialog

The dialog that appears when delete confirmation is enabled will show the file or files to be deleted. To delete the file press `Enter` or activate the Delete button. Pressing `Escape` or activating the Cancel button will close the dialog and abort the operation.

When deleting multiple files, the dialog will include two arrow buttons to step the image preview through the list of files to be deleted. Initially the preview will be blank, activate the right arrow to display the first file.

The dialog will also display the status of the Safe Delete feature. Use this to determine if a file to be deleted will be immediately lost, or if the file can possibly be recovered from the Safe Delete folder.

If a file is unable to be deleted, a dialog will appear to notify you. If multiple files were selected and any remain, the dialog will include a Continue button, activating this button or pressing Enter will delete the remaining files. Pressing `Escape` or activating the Cancel button will close the dialog and the remaining files will not be deleted.

## Safe Delete

Geeqie includes a feature to temporarily store deleted files in a selected folder, to use this feature enable Safe Delete on the advanced tab of the preferences dialog.