My photos are storing on my MacBook Pro and in the iCloud. They are talking up over 391GB on my HD and 380 GB in the iCloud. I have preferences set to store photos in iCloud, but they are taking up a huge chunk of my HD as well. How do I free up space on the HD without deleting photos?
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.1
See the following from Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support
Save space on your device
iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. You can save space on your device when you turn on Optimize Storage.
On your Mac:
If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them. You can use Optimize Storage on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.
If you turn on Download Originals, iCloud Photos keeps your original, full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and on your device.
See the following from Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support
Save space on your device
iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. You can save space on your device when you turn on Optimize Storage.
On your Mac:
If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them. You can use Optimize Storage on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.
If you turn on Download Originals, iCloud Photos keeps your original, full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and on your device.
Thank you. This is how I have the settings; I just don't like the way it looks - meaning I don't like that 4/5 of my HD is consumed with photos even if it will free up space as I need it. I know it's silly, but I have a little panic that I've used al my HD space when really I haven't. I appreciate the response.
There are 3rd party alternatives that have options to delete photos from one device without affecting their cloud storage or other devices. Google Photos, Dropbox, OneDrive and probably others.
photos storing in iCloud and MacBook
