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I had moved a ton of photos from my downloads to the photos app - afterwards I deleted the photos from my downloads. My trash empties every 30 days - what do I do if I can't access the original photos? I don't want to lose thousands of photos.
Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?
A Managed Library, is the default setting, and Photos copies files into the Photos Library when Importing. The files are then stored within the Library package
A Referenced Library is when Photos is NOT copying the files into the Photos Library when importing because you made a change at Photo -> Preferences -> General. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.
Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?
A Managed Library, is the default setting, and Photos copies files into the Photos Library when Importing. The files are then stored within the Library package
A Referenced Library is when Photos is NOT copying the files into the Photos Library when importing because you made a change at Photo -> Preferences -> General. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.
It is redundant to have two copies on the same drive, certainly. That's why folks with Managed Libraries would import the material to the Library, then delete the copy stored without the library, much like you actually thought you were doing. There are some folks who prefer to have Referenced libraries, and to which I always say that if you do wish this, then use some other app for the job as Photos is quite underpowered in this situation. But. none of that changes the fact that you set up a referenced library and then deleted the images.
I guess somehow that box was unchecked. I have no memory of doing that. So it sounds like all my photos are lost basically?
If you deleted them and the trash is empty, then yes, unless you made a back up.
if they're imported into the photos app that should be where they are located. Seems redundant to have the photos/videos in two different locations.
Thanks for your help.
[Edited by Moderator]
When I go to open most of my photo files I get this message
