Salda
Level 2 (239 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Move images to "My Photo Stream" on OS X Photos

I've searched and can't find an answer anywhere, and I'm not sure if what I am trying to do is even possible.

 

I use iCloud Photo Library on my iPhone and iPad (both on 9.0.2). On my Mac (Yosemite), I DO NOT use iCloud Photo Library, but I do have "My Photo Stream" and "iCloud Photo Sharing" turned on. The reason for not turning on iCloud Library on my Mac is because I have tons of photos on my Mac, and it would just eat up my iCloud subscription. However, there are some photos that I would like to put in the iCloud Library.

 

In OS X Photos, under the "Library" tab, I can see all the photos that are in the iCloud Photo Library, however, I cannot figure out how to move any existing photos to the iCloud Library so that they would then be visible on my other devices. I know I can share them in a Shared Album, but I want them to just be in my main Library on my iOS devices

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Oct 8, 2015 12:20 PM

by léonie,Solvedanswer
léonie léonie
Level 10 (107,629 points)
iCloud
A:

You can either have all photos on in your Photos Library in iCloud Photo Library or none of them.  It is all or nothing.

 

But consider to create a second Photos Library on your Mac - one with the photos you want to keep local, and one library with only your favorites to share in iCloud Photo Library on all your devices.

See this Help page:                 Use multiple libraries      

 

Export the photos you want on your other devices from your current library, then import them to your second library and enable that library as your system Photo Library in "Photos > Preferences > General", and then enable that library as your iCloud Photo Library in "Photos > Preferences > iCloud".

All photos in your iCloud Photo Library will upload automatically to iCloud.

Posted on Oct 8, 2015 1:40 PM

Close
Salda

Q: Move images to "My Photo Stream" on OS X Photos

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by léonie,Solvedanswer

    léonie léonie Oct 8, 2015 1:40 PM in response to Salda
    Level 10 (107,629 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 8, 2015 1:40 PM in response to Salda

    You can either have all photos on in your Photos Library in iCloud Photo Library or none of them.  It is all or nothing.

     

    But consider to create a second Photos Library on your Mac - one with the photos you want to keep local, and one library with only your favorites to share in iCloud Photo Library on all your devices.

    See this Help page:                 Use multiple libraries      

     

    Export the photos you want on your other devices from your current library, then import them to your second library and enable that library as your system Photo Library in "Photos > Preferences > General", and then enable that library as your iCloud Photo Library in "Photos > Preferences > iCloud".

    All photos in your iCloud Photo Library will upload automatically to iCloud.

  • by Salda,

    Salda Salda Oct 8, 2015 12:39 PM in response to léonie
    Level 2 (239 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 8, 2015 12:39 PM in response to léonie

    Léonie, thanks for the reply. I figured I was asking for something that was beyond the capabilities of the software. I understand Apple's push for simplicity, but it drives me crazy that they don't give us some 'power-user' options.

     

    I hadn't even thought of multiple libraries, I'll give that a try and see how it works.

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Oct 8, 2015 1:05 PM in response to Salda
    Level 10 (141,223 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 8, 2015 1:05 PM in response to Salda

    If there's only a limited number of images from your Photos library that you want to share with your mobile devices you can use the Shared Album option in Photos: iCloud Photo Sharing FAQ - Apple Support

    OTsig.png

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Oct 8, 2015 1:24 PM in response to Salda
    Level 10 (107,629 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 8, 2015 1:24 PM in response to Salda
    . I know I can share them in a Shared Album, but I want them to just be in my main Library on my iOS devices

    You can also upload photos to iCloud Photo Library using the Photos.app on www.cloud.com. Just sign in with your AppleID, click the Photos.app, and use the upload button.