Export Photos and keep original date

In Photos 3.0 on High Sierra the original file creation dates should be preserved, if you use the command "File > Export > Export unmodified Original". Then Photos will not need to render a new file. But if you export the edited versions, a new file needs to be rendered and the file creation date will be the date of the export, because the image file is not the same as before, as OT explained.

There is an added complication with iCloud Photos Library. With iCloud Photos Library the original image files may have to be downloaded from iCloud, and then even the file creation date of the original image files may change.

There are two metadata types associated with a photo: the file metata and EXIF metadata (which is the image info). What you see in the Finder window is the file metadata date and that will change when copies are made, files moved to other volumes requiring a copy, etc. The EXIF created date remains with the image but you need an app that can read the EXIF metadata fields to view them. The multicolumn Finder view will show the EXIF data but can't be sorted by it.

Hey there 148nic,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. I understand you have some concerns about exporting your photos on macOS High Sierra. I’ll be happy to help.

For info on how to export videos and pictures from Photos on your Mac, go through the steps in the following link. When you finish exporting your photos, the metadata should still include the date when the picture was taken but may also include the date of export as well:

Export photos, videos, and slideshows from Photos on Mac

I hope this helps.