HT204476: Photos saves disk space by sharing images with your iPhoto or Aperture libraries

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Siamese6

Q: how do i remove duplicate photos

I have changed computers several times, and went form Microsoft to Apple.  Each change required transferring photos.  I believe that I have many duplicate photos, probably stored in different albums, or in different places.  How do I remove the duplicates to save disc space?  Do I have to remove duplicates to save disc space?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jun 25, 2016 5:44 AM

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Q: how do i remove duplicate photos

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  • by Rysz,Apple recommended

    Rysz Rysz Jun 27, 2016 11:09 AM in response to Siamese6
    Level 7 (20,267 points)
    iTunes
    Jun 27, 2016 11:09 AM in response to Siamese6

    1.

    Images in Albums and other projects are NOT duplicates. Albums just use "shortcuts" (links) to the originals in the main Photos Library. If you do not see duplicates while in the Photos library or All Photos album, you do not have duplicates.

     

    There are third-party utilities that can find and help eliminate duplicates, but confirm first that you need to buy such utility.

     

    2.

    Set your Photos > Preferences > Importing to > Copy items to the Photos Library. With this setting, all images that Photos knows about are kept in your Users > your user account name > Pictures > Photos Library file.

     

    If you find any images outside of this location, drag them, or Import into the Photos application.

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Jun 27, 2016 11:23 AM in response to Siamese6
    Level 10 (84,210 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jun 27, 2016 11:23 AM in response to Siamese6

    In Photos albums are not copies (they are not a place) - they are just an organizational element that lets your organize viewing your library in different ways - each photo is only in the library a single time even though you can view it in many different views

     

    If you do have duplicates only use a tested, safe duplicate software package - these include

    PowerPhotos

    Duplicate Annihilator for PHotos

    PhotoSweeper for Photos

     

    Albums do not take additions space - actual duplicate photos do - and assuming that you are using a very strongly recommended  default managed library (the Photos preference to copy imported items to the library is checked) then once a photos is imported and safely backed up you can delete all copies outside of the Photos library

     

    LN