Cameron Paterson

Q: Using iCloud Photo Library for the first time

I'm considering switching on iCloud Photo Library for the first time - mainly so I'll be able to use the new Memories feature in iOS 10. However, I have quite a large Photos library on my Mac and am worried about synching errors, bugs and possible damage to my irreplaceable photos. I do have a Time Machine backup but each backup on that generally only lasts a week or so and with a large library errors may take some time to show up. Should I be worried? Are there any sensible precautions I should take?

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2), 8GB RAM

Posted on Sep 10, 2016 8:49 AM

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Q: Using iCloud Photo Library for the first time

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  • by Eric Root,Helpful

    Eric Root Eric Root Sep 11, 2016 11:54 AM in response to Cameron Paterson
    Level 9 (69,991 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 11, 2016 11:54 AM in response to Cameron Paterson

    Considering all the people using it there are very few posts about problems. Since you have a backup, you can always recover. You might consider getting a 2nd external and making a copy of your Photos Library so you have 2 backups. Depending on how large your Library is, you may need to buy additional iCloud storage as free storage is 5 GB. With a large amount of photos it may take a long time to finish syncing. Some people have posted their's took 2 - 4 weeks. Our respective sync went smoothly and we have had no problems.

     

    Storage upgrades and downgrades

  • by LACAllen,Helpful

    LACAllen LACAllen Sep 11, 2016 11:54 AM in response to Cameron Paterson
    Level 5 (4,552 points)
    iCloud
    Sep 11, 2016 11:54 AM in response to Cameron Paterson

    With a Time Machine backup, your risk is pretty much nil. If you have a large external drive, you should have months of backups, not weeks. My 3TB Time Machine drive has a years worth of backups for me. You could also use a dedicated external drive for just your library.

     

    The way OSX Photos is built, your original photos are stored away out of sight and free from any manipulation really.

     

    Anything you ask Photos to do in terms of edits are done with files that act on a photo at time of export and for previews. The original file is not altered.

     

    When you use the library, those original photo files are synced to the iCloud, making your photos technically safer. If you choose to optimize the local file own this Mac, then you would be back to having only a single original copy of each photo. In this scenario, that unaltered original is on the Cloud and the local file has been altered to take up less space.

     

    Most issue with firing up a large library for the first time, is the length of time it takes. Most users are somewhat impatient and expect this to happen in hours vs. the days it often takes for large libraries. This can also tie up a router and bog down your home LAN.

     

    I would say your risks are in the setting up of iCloud Photo Library, not in it's use. Be aware of how it works as well. Meaning removal of a photo on your Mac removes it from all subscribed devices and vice-versa.

  • by Cameron Paterson,

    Cameron Paterson Cameron Paterson Sep 11, 2016 11:55 AM in response to Eric Root
    Level 1 (49 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 11, 2016 11:55 AM in response to Eric Root

    Sensible advice - many thanks. I'm going to press the button!

  • by Cameron Paterson,

    Cameron Paterson Cameron Paterson Sep 11, 2016 11:56 AM in response to LACAllen
    Level 1 (49 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 11, 2016 11:56 AM in response to LACAllen

    Thank you for the input - much appreciated. I'm going to go for it!

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Sep 11, 2016 12:00 PM in response to Cameron Paterson
    Level 9 (69,991 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 11, 2016 12:00 PM in response to Cameron Paterson

    You are welcome.