If I have optimize photos turned on for my computer, then I want the size info of the full size photo - do I need to check that in iCloud? If I edit the photo on my computer, I understand it downloads the original - when I finish editing - is it saved as the full size or as the optimized size on my computer and then full size in iCloud?
iMac 21.5″, macOS 11.5
Hi -
1 - No, you can't see the size of the optimised file, and in any case it is not that simple. Space on your drive is taken by preview and thumbnail versions of the image, as well as the database storing all the organisational structure of your library, and the edits to your photos.
2 - When you edit in photos, a new file is not created. The database simply stores the "instructions" for the edits so a new file can be created dynamically from the original by applying the edits whenever needed (eg for further editing, printing, or export). Yes a copy of the original is downloaded so you can see all the detail while you are editing. After you have finished editing, then (eventually) the copy of the origninal on your mac will be removed, but maybe not until the space is needed. The exact defintion of when it is removed is not published.
Hi - No, you don't
If you mean the image size info in pixels, or the file size, then the info pane for a photo (CMD-i) will always show the actual size of the master image - even if it is only stored in iCloud. (This data is part of the photos app database)
Thank you that is helpful. What about:
1) is there a way to see the size of the optimized file?
2) If I edit the photo on my computer, I understand it downloads the original - when I finish editing - is it saved as the full size or as the optimized size on my computer and then full size in iCloud? I assume so but want to be clear. It's not spelled out.
"With Optimize Storage, smaller, space-saving photos and videos are kept on your device while all of your original, full-resolution versions are stored in iCloud."
Thank you very much.
Photos optimization and size questions
