Working with 500GB Photos on 256GB MBA

Question

Working with 500GB Photos on 256GB MBA

So, I have a ton of photos and videos on my current old MBP but it's dying so I've decided on a new MBA. Trouble is, it won't fit all my photos on.

Is it possible to send them to icloud and use the 'optimize mac storage' function? So basically when I want to look at an image it will download over wifi the full rez file for viewing?

If this is possible, when I get the Air what is the procedure to copy them across? Do I just make sure the optimize is selected and then drag my Pictures folder across to the icloud folder on the Air?

And what's the best way to view them on a smart TV? Do I have to buy an Apple TV or are there apps that will do this effectively?

Thanks in anticipation!

Posted on Mar 9, 2017 6:42 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

215,706 points

Mar 13, 2017 4:38 AM in response to Jason Wickens

Then your only other option is to use iCloud Photo Library with the option to Optimize Mac Storage.

iCloud Photo Library - Apple Support

You'll have to purchase additional iCloud space:

iCloud storage plans and pricing - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,251 points

Mar 13, 2017 4:38 AM in response to Jason Wickens

I think what was suggested earlier was using an external drive to store your Photos Library, rather than keep the Library on your internal drive. That would allow you to sync with iCloud and still have full resolution photos.

Article is for iPhoto, but the basics are the same.

iPhoto: Move your iPhoto library to a new location

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Answer 3

Mar 9, 2017 6:47 AM in response to Jason Wickens

My suggestion would be to get an external disk drive and store the photos on it.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go

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Answer 4

Mar 9, 2017 7:07 AM in response to Allan Eckert

Thanks, but ideally I'd like to use the cloud in case the house got burned down or burgled 😟

I do use time machine already on an external.

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