Does 'Consolidate' in Apple Photos copy or move images?

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Does 'Consolidate' in Apple Photos copy or move images?

I'm trying to backup a Referenced Apple Photos library (I know, I know, referenced libraries are a pain), and have come up with the idea of copying the library to a new location (external drive) and then consolidating to bring over all the original images. My question is, does this copy (I guess it does but want to be sure) the originals to the new location, or does it 'move' them (ie. copy and delete). I want to have a portable version (without iCloud!) but want to keep my original library intact and safe.

Thanks in advance for experience and advice!

Posted on Mar 8, 2025 3:48 AM

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Answer 1

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léonie

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200,759 points

Mar 8, 2025 3:59 AM in response to baldoyler

When you consolidate referenced files, Photos will copy the referenced files into the Photos Library. The images will remain in their original location.

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Answer 2

baldoyler Author

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44 points

Mar 8, 2025 4:11 AM in response to léonie

Great. thanks very much for the answer. I was guessing this might be the situation but didn't want to make a huge mistake. I like to have a library with referenced files (as the contents are then also available to other apps like Mylio, which has much better cataloguing features). But a Managed library seems the only way to go when travelling -- so the best of both worlds! Thanks again, much appreciated. (I hope Apple tidies up the way the manage libraries in general: their reference library system could be so much better!)

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Does 'Consolidate' in Apple Photos copy or move images?

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