Q: Optimize Mac Storage in Photos does not work
I have too many pictures on my macbook filling up all my space. 0 KB left
I always had too many pictures on macbook and left it on USB's, external drives and DropBox. But I wanted a more flexible, easy-to-acces and SAFE solution.
I read this about photos and thought; Brilliant!
If you turn on Optimize [device] Storage, iCloud Photo Library will automatically manage the size of your library on your device, so you can make the most of your device's storage and access more photos than ever. All of your original, full-resolution photos and videos are stored in iCloud while device-size versions are kept on your device. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.
So I upgraded to 200 GB iCloud Storage. Upgraded to newest Yosemite with Photos and checked "Optimize Mac-Storage" in iCloud - Photos.
It started. But after a short while it stopped - because my macbook storage has filled. Now with 0 KB storage.
And this hasn't freed up any space - more the opposite.
How do I make Photos start this proces - I want originals safely storage in ICloud - but not taking all of my space on the macbook. I tried to do everything explained on the info-sites but it doesn't work.
Pls help
MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013), iOS 8.4.1, iCloud
Posted on Sep 9, 2015 2:24 AM
Do you have a large external drive, if so what size is it or more to the point how much space is left on it, also do you know how it is formatted.
Do you still have your old iPhoto library, if so what size is it.
Don't worry that you can't find individual folders or images, they are all inside the iPhoto and Photos packages, it should all be moved together if you are going to move it.
For now, try turning off iCloud Photo library on the Mac. You may get a message when you do, if so make a note of the message and cancel the operation to turn of iCloud Photo Library. (I'm just trying to get a feel of things before suggesting anything at this stage)
Posted on Sep 9, 2015 5:04 AM