HT204410: Adjust the size of your Photos library to store it in iCloud Photo Library

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DJMoxieLAH

Q: How do I reduce the size of my actual pictures?

I am new to OS X.  I really need to reduce the size (resolution) of some my actual photos.  How do I do that when Photos (the app) controls all my photo (pictures)?  It doesn't look like there is an option to do that.

 

Thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 8.4.1

Posted on Oct 9, 2015 3:23 PM

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Q: How do I reduce the size of my actual pictures?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Old Toad,Helpful

    Old Toad Old Toad Oct 9, 2015 4:52 PM in response to DJMoxieLAH
    Level 10 (141,085 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 9, 2015 4:52 PM in response to DJMoxieLAH

    To reduce the image size (pixel dimensions) export with a Custom size via the File ➙ Export 1 Photo menu option:

    Photos002.jpg

    Photos001.jpg

     

    Resetting the JPEG Quality will change the file size (not image size) if you need a smaller file.

    OTsig.png

  • by DJMoxieLAH,

    DJMoxieLAH DJMoxieLAH Oct 9, 2015 5:00 PM in response to Old Toad
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 9, 2015 5:00 PM in response to Old Toad

    Thanks,

     

    When I got to the "export" part, Photos didn't ask me about size.  However, I did export it to the desktop and then used Preview to change the resolution.  I got the pinwheel of death a couple times before it worked to save it in the new size.  I would have thought that a photo editing app like Photos, that I would have been able do the basics like adjust the resolution.  I could have done this on my 10 year old Dell XPS and a 1999 version of Photoshop in the time it took me to do it on my $3400 Macbook Pro....  Disappointing...

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Oct 9, 2015 5:09 PM in response to DJMoxieLAH
    Level 10 (84,565 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 9, 2015 5:09 PM in response to DJMoxieLAH

    You can exactly as Old Toad shows - if the size option is not showing then you need to click on the v to the right of JPEG to show all of the options

     

    With the controls there you can reduce the file size using the quality option or the pixel size using the size option - or do both

     

    LN

  • by DJMoxieLAH,

    DJMoxieLAH DJMoxieLAH Oct 9, 2015 5:25 PM in response to LarryHN
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 9, 2015 5:25 PM in response to LarryHN

    Well, I did follow it exactly.  However, his instructions didn't say to hit the little "v" to hide the hidden options....  Why are they hidden?  I didn't even notice that "v" the first time I looked.

     

    Not trying to be argumentative here, but I think Apple with all its make it simple philosophy could have made it a little more obvious on such a common adjustment.  They put an Adjust Size under Tools in Preview.  I don't know why I need to export a photo in order to change the resolution.  Seems like more work.

     

    What programs do you suggest for basic photo editing for Mac? 

     

    Thanks

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Oct 9, 2015 5:29 PM in response to DJMoxieLAH
    Level 10 (84,565 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 9, 2015 5:29 PM in response to DJMoxieLAH

    Photos is great for basic and advanced editing and for Photo management - that is what I use as do the other experienced users here

     

    There are lots of editing programs and photos management programs around ranging from free to very expensive - you need to make your personal decision as to which one meets your personal needs - Photos meets mine

     

    LN

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Oct 10, 2015 9:00 AM in response to DJMoxieLAH
    Level 10 (141,085 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 10, 2015 9:00 AM in response to DJMoxieLAH
    don't know why I need to export a photo in order to change the resolution.

    Since Photos is a DAM (digital asset management) app and treats the original file as a digital negative, in order to obtain a reduced pixel dimension file one must create a new file.  That's done when you export the file and create a new one to your specifications. 

    What programs do you suggest for basic photo editing for Mac?

    This site describes most of the top photo editors for Mac: 20 best image-editing apps for Mac and iOS