Photos

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Photos

When I import a photo from my hard drive to Photos, do I have the option to leave the photo in the folder where it resides?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Nov 13, 2021 7:00 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

TonyCollinet

Level 7

23,984 points

Nov 13, 2021 7:59 AM in response to Community User

Hi

Yes, but don't do it. You are talking about the referenced file model, and the Photos app is not a suitable app for that model. Here is some background.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250002591

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

211,751 points

Nov 13, 2021 10:24 AM in response to Community User

Consider a small, portable, external SSD to carry with your MBP. I highly recommend those from OWC (MacSales.com). Look at what they have to offer and then contact their Customer Support to find out which of their external, portable SSDs would be best for your needs and budget.

If you had a reference library you'd still have to carry the EHD the source files are on with you so you might as well have a referenced library. It you were to open Photos without the referenced files mounted you could break the link to them and be back at square one.

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Answer 3

Nov 13, 2021 8:36 AM in response to TonyCollinet

Sad. I moved from Aperture to Adobe as Aperture played out, but there are issues with Adobe as well. I had hoped to be able to use Photos from a referenced location to avoid doubling the space needed for my 30k photos. Thanks for the reply.

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Answer 4

Nov 13, 2021 9:44 AM in response to Community User

I know what you mean about the doubling. I export all new photos once/per month to an archive by year/month - just so I have a backup outside of a photos library.

On the other hand, storage is cheap. Certainly cheaper than an adobe subscription.

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