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iCloud photo - library system size

Dear all I would like to do a couple of question about iCloud photo... I am using system photo library located in a second hard disk where there is no installed operating system.. I loaded around 60.000 photos and videos more or less three days ago from others folders.. now the size of system library, located in this hard disk, is always the same like it was before upload of photos total amount. Is it normal ?? I uploaded photos from other folder and I want to be sure photos are in system library and I can delete folders I used to upload on photo iMac app.. thank you

iMac 27", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 4, 2020 1:59 AM

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Posted on Apr 4, 2020 5:19 AM

Which version of macOS 10.15 Catalina do you have installed? Did you already update to macOS 10.15.4?

In the older versions of Catalina the Finder does not always update the size of the Photos Library in the Finder. Try, if you get a better estimate of the Photos Library size after you install the 10..15.4 update.


Also, you may want to check the size of the "Originals" folder inside your Photos Library package. Try the following:

  • Ctrl-click or right-click the Photos Library package in the Finder.
  • In the contextual menu that will appear, use the command "Show Package Contents".
  • You will now see a new Finder window, showing you the folders inside the Photos Library package. Check the size of the folder "Originals". is it large enaough to be holding all your imported photos?
  • Browse the subfolders of Originals. Are you seeing the photos you recently imported?


Your Photos Library will remain small in size, if you have iCloud Photos enabled in the Photos > Preferences > iCloud, together with "Optimize Mac Storage". Then your photos will be stored in iCloud and only the most recently used photos will be stored locally on your Mac.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 4, 2020 5:19 AM in response to Mazz1982

Which version of macOS 10.15 Catalina do you have installed? Did you already update to macOS 10.15.4?

In the older versions of Catalina the Finder does not always update the size of the Photos Library in the Finder. Try, if you get a better estimate of the Photos Library size after you install the 10..15.4 update.


Also, you may want to check the size of the "Originals" folder inside your Photos Library package. Try the following:

  • Ctrl-click or right-click the Photos Library package in the Finder.
  • In the contextual menu that will appear, use the command "Show Package Contents".
  • You will now see a new Finder window, showing you the folders inside the Photos Library package. Check the size of the folder "Originals". is it large enaough to be holding all your imported photos?
  • Browse the subfolders of Originals. Are you seeing the photos you recently imported?


Your Photos Library will remain small in size, if you have iCloud Photos enabled in the Photos > Preferences > iCloud, together with "Optimize Mac Storage". Then your photos will be stored in iCloud and only the most recently used photos will be stored locally on your Mac.


Apr 4, 2020 6:44 AM in response to léonie

Dear leonie thank you so much, I shown package contents and then even photo library updated its size.. thank you so much for your help... now I am asking you if I can delete folders I used to import photos on ifoto app? I guess yes because all photos are on photo library , but I am not sure 100% .. thank you again

iCloud photo - library system size

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