
But be careful: setting a different System library means the images in the first library will no longer be kept in sync with iCloud. This is called the System library, and you select it in the Photos Preferences.
#How to download all icloud photos mac mac#

You can always downgrade your storage and save money after your photos are merged. You may need to purchase more iCloud storage, at least temporarily. Although no duplicates will be added to your library, you’ll probably need extra iCloud storage before Apple can check your images. Pictures on your Mac will be compared to the photos in the iCloud Photo Library.Connect to the fastest internet available and plug laptops into power. Uploading & downloading takes a lot of power.You may close the window, but keep the Photos app open and your computer turned on, plugged in and awake to upload photos as quickly as possible.Or choose Download Originals to this Mac. If you have enough space, the full-quality images are stored on your drive.The original high-res images are stored safely in the cloud. Lower-resolution copies are stored on this Mac, and when you enlarge or edit a photo, the high-res version is downloaded as needed. Choose Optimize Mac Storage. You’ll still have access to all your photos & videos, but you’ll use far less space.If you see an error message, see tips below.


You’ll need to use the same iCloud account on all your Macs & devices to sync photos. Sign into iCloudif you haven’t already.If you want to import images & videos, you may drag images (or folders of images) to the Photos icon in the dock, or attach an iPhone, iPad or camera card and choose Import from the File menu.See Using multiple iTunes & Photos libraries. Open the Photos app. If you have more than one Photos library, be sure to select the library you want to be the main library.You might think you’ll run out of space… but iCloud Photo Library can help there, too. You have the option of optimizing storage on your Mac & devices. And you’ll never need to plug your device into your Mac to import or sync photos. Any new images are copied to the cloud, and the photos already in the cloud are added to the Mac or device. Every picture stored on your Mac, iPhone or iPad is compared to the ones already in your iCloud Photo Library. With the optional iCloud Photo Library feature, all your photos & videos are kept safe on Apple’s servers. The Photos app for Mac, included with the latest OS X, is the best place to keep all your precious digital pictures and videos.
