Why are there different file sizes when downloading a copy of my photo/video off icloud?

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Why are there different file sizes when downloading a copy of my photo/video off icloud?

Why are there different file sizes when downloading a copy of my photo/video off iCloud?

I have found for PC when downloading pics or vids off icloud.com the quality is reduced. I have also found that if you use iCloud photos for pc that the file sizes are larger but still not full quality sometimes.

I have 2x Different PC's(Windows 10) both with iCloud photos installed and syncing to the PC "Always keep on this PC" is selected. The one computers main monitors resolution is 1080p, while the other is 1440p, the computer that has the 1080p resolution syncs a smaller version of the file (40,741,729 kb) , while the exact same file on the 1440p Syncs at a larger size (93,705,976 kb).

I am under the assumption the file size/resolution is based off the max resolution your device can handle, so If you recorded in 4K but are syncing it to a 2K Device the max will match the resolution of the device itself.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Feb 12, 2022 7:41 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 13, 2022 2:00 PM in response to Swiftsilentrks

Hello Swiftsilentrks,

From your post it would appear you are concerned about the same file being downloaded to different computers and the files sizes are not the same.

File size actually does not have any relation to the displays being used. A file that is 50 GB in size, should be that size no matter what device it is downloaded to. The files will be displayed at the highest resolution available, based on the file and the monitor.

When downloading the files, be sure to choose "Unmodified Original". This should result in the full resolution file being downloaded.

More information about iCloud Photos and how it handles files can be found here: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

Cheers.

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Answer 2

Feb 13, 2022 2:28 PM in response to barberlives123

"When downloading the files, be sure to choose "Unmodified Original".

This should result in the full resolution file being downloaded. "

There is no option to select "unmodified Original" When syncing to PC or when downloading directly from icloud.com .

From what I have read that apple will downgrade from the original to scale to the device you are using unless that device is the same resolution. So if I have a video recorded at 4K, the resolution that your PC will sync is dependant on the main monitor resolution. This isn't a question, this is a FACT. I have tested it on another computer, where the main resolution is only 720p and it downgrades the video to this resolution. Apple doesn't give you a bit for bit copy.

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Answer 3

Feb 13, 2022 2:51 PM in response to Swiftsilentrks

I'm sorry there is an option to select to download the unmodified original, but only if you download each pic or video one by one by themsleves, if you try to bulk download multiple files then apple compresses them and you lose quality and there is no option to download original.

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Answer 4

Feb 13, 2022 2:55 PM in response to Swiftsilentrks

Well thats not even true, that option only shows up sometimes.

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Why are there different file sizes when downloading a copy of my photo/video off icloud?

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