How can I export my pictures from Photos?


I want to export all my pictures and videos from Photos. How can this be done and is that lossless?


Thanks in advance

Hans ****



[Edited by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 26.1

Posted on Dec 28, 2025 7:53 AM

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6 replies

Dec 28, 2025 9:33 AM in response to hanyvo

Yes it’s possible, and depends on what settings you choose.


Select the Photos and Videos in the Photos App (you can use the Select All option in the edit menu)then go to the file Menu, then tap on Export, then choose “Export unmodified originals” to export the photos without changes or quality loss.

Select a folder to export to and then click on Export.

click here ➜ Export photos, videos, slideshows, and memories on Mac - Apple Support


Dec 29, 2025 9:41 AM in response to Old Toad

Old Toad wrote: …Create a smart album … Then change the Smart Album to "Photo is edited". Select all of the photos and export as JPEGs

Great point!


But I would also export all pictures as Unedited Originals-- you never know when you might want to go back!


If this is for backup purposes, however, then you're better off just saving the entire Photos Library rather than individual pictures. The Photos Library uses maybe half the storage and keeps more the information. You keep face ids and Live Photos, as an example.

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How can I export my pictures from Photos?

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