mdewberry67

Q: OS X Photos size different than iCloud Photo Library

I recently decided to move my Photos library on my Mac to iCloud Photo Library. As I wanted to keep all of my original photos and videos also on my mac, I selected Download Originals to this Mac. Prior to starting this process, I wanted to gauge how much space I would need in iCloud, so I followed the following path: Pictures -> Photo Library, and it stated that my library is 182.68 gb (this path was launched from Photos Preferences).

 

My upload into iCloud Photo Library just completed (after two days), and when I go into Mac Preferences, it shows that iCloud Photos and Videos are only taking up 153.45gb (this is also the value it showed on the progress screen that was being uploaded from my mac).

 

This is a significant difference (182.68gb versus 153.45), and I am not sure why. I did create a Smart Album in Photos with the condition: Unable to upload to iCloud Photo Library, however the album does not contain any photos.

 

Is there someway to determine if iCloud has an exact copy of my Photos Library? This is almost a discrepancy of 30gbs..

 

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Posted on Sep 10, 2016 4:54 PM

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Q: OS X Photos size different than iCloud Photo Library

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  • by zinacef,Solvedanswer

    zinacef zinacef Sep 10, 2016 6:12 PM in response to mdewberry67
    Level 4 (3,245 points)
    Applications
    Sep 10, 2016 6:12 PM in response to mdewberry67

    See if this similar themed thread might help -- iCloud photos storage space discrepancy

  • by mdewberry67,

    mdewberry67 mdewberry67 Sep 10, 2016 6:55 PM in response to zinacef
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iCloud
    Sep 10, 2016 6:55 PM in response to zinacef

    Thanks zinacef, that was helpful! The person responding to that question also had a similar size discrepancy, and they stated that only the Masters file is copied to Photos, and that is more in line with my 153.46gb (although not exactly and still a bit larger).

     

    One other thing I did that gave me comfort is I went onto icloud.com, and looked at the photo/video count at the bottom, and compared it with the photo/video count at the bottom of of Photos on my mac, and the number matched exactly. So I think I am good! Thanks for responding so quickly to my post..

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Sep 10, 2016 6:59 PM in response to mdewberry67
    Level 4 (3,245 points)
    Applications
    Sep 10, 2016 6:59 PM in response to mdewberry67

    No problem, and you're most welcome! 

     

    If you have any other issues, be sure to return to the forums for further assistance.