Mac sync photos to storage media how to#
Mac sync photos to storage media for mac#
Mac sync photos to storage media portable#

Note: If you're worried about accidentally creating libraries, you can always launch Photos by option-clicking on its icon in the Dock or Applications folder this will give you the option of picking which library you'd like to launch.

Now you have a direct link to your copied Photos library from the Pictures folder: This prevents your computer from accidentally creating multiple Photos libraries in case you forget to launch Photos with your external drive connected. Don't close your previous window (open to your external drive), as you'll need it shortly.

Open your external drive in that window.

Connect an external drive to your Mac via USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt.

Mac sync photos to storage media how to#

How to move your current Photos library to an external drive and use it as your primary libraryĪs with creating a new library, moving your library to your external drive is a multi-step process.

Mac sync photos to storage media for mac#

Best Shock-Resistant Hard Drives for Mac.Want some recommendations for specific external hard drives? We've got those, too. Hard drive speeds are important, too: The faster a drive's write speed, the quicker your images will copy the faster a drive's read speed, the easier it will be for you to view images or video and edit them, too.

Mac sync photos to storage media portable#

If you're buying a portable hard drive, consider SSD: It's very pricey in comparison to a disc-based drive, but if you know you'll be frequently moving around - especially if you plan to move around with the drive connected - you want a drive that can take a little rumble and tumble without skipping or failing.

If you're buying a stationary hard drive, buying a disc-based hard drive is great, but buy good brands - don't try and save $50 on an off-brand hard drive.

With the iPhone able to save 4K video, our space needs aren't shrinking anytime soon: The bigger hard drive you can afford, the better.

Get a drive that's at least 1-2TB in space, preferably 4TB.

But if you're considering getting a new drive for this endeavor, here's what I suggest: What next? If you already have an external drive, you can always use it for storing your Photos library (and save on cash). Okay, so you've decided to move your Photos library over to an external drive.

If you use an automated backup service for your computer, you'll have to set up a second set of rules for backing up your hard drive.

You don't want to spend the money on an external drive.

Unless you purchase a speedy drive, working externally is almost always slower than working on your default hard drive.You don't want to accidentally create duplicate libraries that can't be connected to iCloud Photo Library (because your offsite library is connected).You use a laptop frequently and can't afford an SSD, and you don't want to risk breaking your disc-based hard drive by constantly moving it.You don't want to have to worry about always having your external drive connected to view and edit your images.You don't have a big enough library to warrant moving it off your Mac.