A method and system are provided for rapid categorization of digital images. Aspects of an exemplary embodiment include arranging a plurality of image objects representing respective image files in a source stack within a presentation space of a display; arranging a first set of category objects representing respective image categories along a perimeter of the source stack of image objects; arranging a second set of category objects representing respective image categories along the perimeter of the source stack of image objects; visually indicating within the presentation space of the display which one of the first and second category sets is a primary set and which one is a secondary set; associating a primary key input with a category object in the one of the first and second category sets indicated as the primary set, and associating a secondary key input with a category object in the one of the first and second category sets indicated as the secondary set; and in response to receiving one of the primary and secondary key input, associating an image file corresponding to a top image object in the source stack with the image category represented by the category object associated with the received key input.