Backup Photos to a Synology NAS

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Backup Photos to a Synology NAS

I have a Sonology NAS DS115j. Is there any easy way to back up Photo's to the NAS? I know that "Show Package Contents" on the Photos library file is an option, but that seems like a ridiculous way to copy an individual file to a different location. Selecting an exporting files to a separate location also seems way harder than it needs to be. Has anyone came up with an easy solution, rather than copying the whole Photos library?

I am using OSX 10.10.5
and Synology NAS DSM 5.2

Posted on Jan 8, 2016 4:25 PM

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Answer 1

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Old Toad

Level 10

207,391 points

Jan 8, 2016 4:47 PM in response to Michael Houser1

That app might copy the library to the NAS but it's designed for image files in folders and not a Photos or iPhoto library.

If you want to store your original image files on the NAS select all of the photos in the library and with the File ➙ Export Unmodified Originals menu option export the original files to a folder on the Desktop. Then use your uploader to copy that folder to the NAS.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

207,391 points

Jan 8, 2016 4:30 PM in response to Michael Houser1

You should not backup a Photos library to an NAS server. The format of the server does not support the complex structure of the library with its complex relational database, links between files and access permissions that are required. It is not supported as a viable backup medium for a Photos or iPhoto library.

The backup drive must be formatted as shown in this screenshot and be directly connected i.e. USB, FW or Thunderbolt, to the Mac.

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Answer 3

Jan 8, 2016 4:37 PM in response to Old Toad

OK but I was told by Synology that I can use their "Photo Station Uploader. It would be the fastest method to upload your photos to the NAS" for Mac OSX 10.10

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Answer 4

Jan 8, 2016 5:19 PM in response to Old Toad

Yes, sorry thats what I was looking to do, just the images. Maybe backup was not the correct word to use, Thanks for the help. I wonder if i can script the export of the photos

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

207,391 points

Jan 9, 2016 9:13 AM in response to Michael Houser1

You might be able to. However, in the export window there is an option to have the photos exported to folders that represent the Moment, i.e. date and location, in the library:

That way the photos will be organized by date taken, and if many are taken on the same day but different locations, date and location.

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