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

Learn about Adjust the size of your Photos library to store it in iCloud Photo Library
albandoz

Q: Why 37 photos in Apple Photos library (41.7MB totally) becomes a 37.34 GB in finder and if I try to copy it to a usb?

I have 37 photos in a Apple Photos library.  I had to split a previous library because it was becoming too big in the new Photos.  These 37 pictures only take 41.7MB  of disk space but in Photos it grows to 37.34 GB.  And if I try to copy it to a usb, it copies 37.34 GB?  Is there a setting I have to change that make this library a more manageable size?

Apple Photos, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Nov 15, 2015 7:30 AM

Close

Q: Why 37 photos in Apple Photos library (41.7MB totally) becomes a 37.34 GB in finder and if I try to copy it to a usb?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Nov 15, 2015 8:35 AM in response to albandoz
    Level 10 (141,085 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 15, 2015 8:35 AM in response to albandoz

    How did you split the previous library and how long ago was it?

     

    If you deleted all but the 37 photos from the library did you go to the Recently Deleted album and complete the deletion?

     

    Deleting Photos from a Photos 1.2 Library

     

    1 - regardless of where you are in the library, i.e. Moments, Collections, albums, smart albums or projects, select the photo(s) you want to delete and use the key combination of Command+Delete to move the photos to the Recently Deleted smart album.

     

    2 - click on the Recently Deleted smart albums in the sidebar.

     

    Photos001.jpg

     

    3 - in the Recently Deleted album you can opt to let the photo automatically delete after the 30 day waiting period is up, delete them immediately or restore them to the library.

     

    Photos002.jpg

     

    NOTE: deleting a photo from an album, slideshow, book, etc., with only the Delete key only deletes that photo from that item. Deleting a photo from a Moment or Collection deletes ALL occurences of that photo in the library.

    OTsig.png