James, The 3rd Earl of Coast

Q: Put part of Photos library onto external HDD

Howdy

 

I have about 200gb of pictures, which means my HDD is almost out of room.  These pictures are in the Photos program.

 

Is there anyway I can get part of this library onto an external HDD?

 

Ideally, the most recent photos would be on my computer and all the older ones would be on the external HDD.  I  know it's possible to move the older files permanently to a HDD (copy/paste), but I want to to see ALL the pics within the Photos program, but have them stored in different locations.

 

In iTunes, the underlying mp3 file can be located anywhere (internal, external, network, etc), so long as the mac can 'reach' the file, it'll show up in iTunes - I'm hoping I can do something like this with the Photos program.

 

Cheers

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 5:10 AM

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Q: Put part of Photos library onto external HDD

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  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Aug 30, 2016 7:30 PM in response to James, The 3rd Earl of Coast
    Level 10 (84,185 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 30, 2016 7:30 PM in response to James, The 3rd Earl of Coast

    Not at all - no risk at all in moving the iPhoto library if you have a default managed library and the EHD is the proper format and connection - and if you follow the instructions to fully test  the one on the EHD before deleting the original - no risk at all as you have the original unmodified until you are positive that the move worked

     

    and optimize photos option only reduces the image size as needed - if you have adequate space it will never happen - if you need space i will but it does take time

     

    LN

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Aug 31, 2016 12:11 AM in response to James, The 3rd Earl of Coast
    Level 10 (105,680 points)
    iLife
    Aug 31, 2016 12:11 AM in response to James, The 3rd Earl of Coast
    Question, though, when I import a photo with the space manage option switched on, does this mean that immediately the full res photo imported onto the HDD would be replaced by a low res photo?

    It is dynamic. Photos will start to remove full versions, if more storage is required. But it will keep full versions of your photos if space permits.

     

    I guess there's a big risk in moving the library - if I'm ever away from the external HDD and want to import photos, then it'll create a new library which I can't (easily or fully) merge.  How would this interact with iCloud Photo Library?  No way to merge the libraries like that?

    If the external drive is not available, you could browse your photos in iCloud using the web interface and upload to your iCloudphoto library using the web interface at www.icloud.com .

     

    I'm thinking the best way to manage my space issue would be to upload all to iCloud Photo Library, then take an offline copy of the whole library, and then use the space manage option.

    With "optimize Storage" enabled you will need always access to a fast internet connection, if you want to edit your photos or see them enlarged. If the internet is slow, it will be a pain. I am using this option only on my iPhone, but not on my laptops that I am taking with me when travelling. I want to be able to work with my photos when riding on a train or plane, or when the hotel wi-fi is poor or not available at all.

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