How To Delete Duplicate Photos On MacBook Effectively?

Do you want to know How To Delete Duplicate Photos On Macbook effectively? This comprehensive guide provides clear and concise solutions for managing and removing duplicate images, enhancing your photo library’s organization and improving your MacBook’s performance. Explore various methods, from using built-in tools to leveraging third-party applications, and learn how to maintain a streamlined and efficient photo collection with photo management, image cleanup, and storage optimization.

1. Why Do You Need To Delete Duplicate Photos On Your MacBook?

You need to delete duplicate photos on your MacBook to free up valuable storage space, improve the performance of your photo library, and streamline your workflow by eliminating clutter and confusion. Over time, multiple copies of the same images can accumulate due to various reasons, such as importing photos multiple times, syncing across devices, or creating backups without proper organization.

1.1 Saving Storage Space

Duplicate photos consume significant storage space on your MacBook’s hard drive or SSD. Deleting these unnecessary copies frees up space that can be used for other important files, applications, or media. For instance, if you have hundreds or even thousands of duplicate photos, removing them can reclaim gigabytes of storage, especially important if you have a MacBook with limited storage capacity.

1.2 Enhancing Photo Library Performance

A cluttered photo library with numerous duplicates can slow down the performance of photo management applications like Photos or Adobe Lightroom. When these applications need to load, sort, or search through a large library, the presence of duplicates increases the processing time and resources required. By removing duplicate photos, you can significantly improve the speed and responsiveness of your photo library.

1.3 Simplifying Workflow

Working with a photo library filled with duplicates can be confusing and time-consuming. It can be difficult to locate specific images when there are multiple copies scattered throughout your library. Removing duplicates streamlines your workflow, making it easier to find, organize, and manage your photos. This is particularly beneficial for photographers, designers, and anyone who regularly works with visual content.

1.4 Improving Backup Efficiency

When backing up your photo library, duplicate photos increase the size of the backup files, which can take longer to create and restore. By removing duplicates before backing up, you can reduce the size of your backups and save time. This also helps to minimize the storage space required for your backup media, whether it’s an external hard drive or cloud storage.

1.5 Maintaining Organization

A well-organized photo library is easier to navigate and enjoy. Duplicate photos create clutter and make it harder to keep your library tidy. Deleting duplicates helps maintain a clean and organized photo collection, making it more enjoyable to browse and share your memories.

1.6 Minimizing Cloud Storage Costs

If you use cloud storage services like iCloud Photos or Google Photos to back up your photo library, duplicate photos can increase your storage costs. Many cloud storage providers charge based on the amount of storage you use. By removing duplicates, you can reduce the amount of storage required and potentially lower your monthly fees.

1.7 Reducing Clutter

Simply put, removing duplicate photos reduces clutter and helps you manage your digital life more efficiently. A clean and organized photo library is easier to maintain and less overwhelming to manage. This can contribute to a more positive and productive computing experience.

2. How to Manually Find Duplicate Photos on MacBook

Finding duplicate photos manually on a MacBook can be a time-consuming task, but it allows for precise control over which photos are removed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

2.1 Open the Photos App

Launch the Photos App: Open the Photos application on your MacBook. It’s usually located in the Dock or the Applications folder.
Navigate Your Library: Browse through your photo library to get an overview of your images.

2.2 Create Smart Albums

Create a New Smart Album:
- Go to File in the menu bar.
- Select New Smart Album.
- A dialog box will appear, allowing you to set criteria for the smart album.
Set Criteria:
- Match: Set the rule to Photo.
- Criteria:
  - Date: This will group photos taken on the same day.
  - File Name: This will help identify exact duplicates if they have the same file name.
  - Description: If you’ve added descriptions, this can help identify similar photos.
Name Your Smart Album: Give your smart album a descriptive name, such as “Photos – Same Day” or “Duplicate Check.”

2.3 Sort and Compare Photos

Sort Photos:
- In the smart album, sort photos by Date or File Name.
- Click on the View menu in the menu bar.
- Select Sort.
- Choose your preferred sorting option (e.g., Date (Oldest First) or Name).
Compare Visuals:
- Carefully examine photos that appear to be similar.
- Look for identical images, slight variations, or photos taken in quick succession.
- Pay attention to details like resolution, lighting, and composition.

2.4 Identify Exact Duplicates

Check File Information:
- Select a photo.
- Press Command + I to open the information panel.
- Check the file name, date, size, and resolution.
Compare Details:
- Compare the file information of similar photos.
- If the file names, sizes, and resolutions are identical, they are likely exact duplicates.

2.5 Use Visual Inspection

Zoom In:
- Double-click on a photo to view it in full screen.
- Zoom in to inspect details and identify any differences.
Compare Side by Side:
- Open two similar photos in separate windows.
- Place the windows side by side for easy comparison.
- Look for variations in quality, cropping, or editing.

2.6 Remove Duplicates

Select Duplicates:
- Identify the photos you want to delete.
- Select them by clicking on each one.
- Hold down the Command key to select multiple photos.
Delete Photos:
- Press the Delete key or right-click and select Delete.
- The photos will be moved to the Recently Deleted album.
Empty the Recently Deleted Album:
- Go to the Recently Deleted album in the sidebar.
- Click Delete All to permanently remove the photos from your MacBook.

2.7 Repeat the Process

Continue Reviewing:
- Systematically review your photo library, creating and using smart albums to identify potential duplicates.
Stay Organized:
- Keep track of the folders or albums you’ve already reviewed to avoid repeating your efforts.

2.8 Tips for Efficient Manual Review

Focus on Specific Folders: Start by reviewing folders where you suspect duplicates are more likely to exist, such as import folders or synced albums.
Use Keywords: If you’ve tagged your photos with keywords, use these to narrow down your search.
Be Patient: Manual review can be time-consuming, so break the task into smaller sessions to avoid fatigue.

3. How to Delete Duplicate Photos on MacBook Using Photos App

The Photos app on macOS Ventura and later versions includes a built-in feature to detect and remove duplicate photos. This is a convenient way to clean up your photo library without relying on third-party software. Here’s how to use it:

3.1 Open the Photos App

Launch Photos: Open the Photos application on your MacBook. It’s typically found in the Dock or the Applications folder.
Ensure iCloud Photos is Enabled: For the best results, make sure iCloud Photos is enabled and your library is fully synced. This helps the Photos app accurately identify duplicates across your devices.

3.2 Access the Duplicates Album

Check the Sidebar: In the sidebar of the Photos app, look for the Duplicates album under the Utilities section. If you don’t see it, your Photos app may not have detected any duplicates yet, or you might be using an older version of macOS.
Wait for Analysis: The Photos app automatically scans your library for duplicates. This process may take some time, especially if you have a large photo library. Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source and has sufficient battery life.

3.3 Review and Merge Duplicates

Open the Duplicates Album: Click on the Duplicates album to view the identified duplicate photos.
Review Suggested Duplicates: The Photos app groups potential duplicates together, allowing you to review them. Each group will show similar photos, and you can compare them to ensure they are indeed duplicates.
Examine Details: For each group, carefully examine the photos to ensure they are identical or near-identical. Pay attention to the file names, dates, sizes, and resolutions.
Merge Duplicates:
- Click the Merge button for each group of duplicates. This will combine the duplicates into a single photo, retaining the highest quality version and all relevant metadata (such as captions, keywords, and locations).
- If you want to review each photo in more detail before merging, you can double-click on the group to see individual images.
Confirm Merges: After clicking Merge, the Photos app will consolidate the duplicates and remove the redundant copies.

3.4 Manage Large Libraries

Process in Batches: If you have a very large photo library with many duplicates, consider processing the duplicates in smaller batches. This can help prevent the Photos app from becoming unresponsive and make the review process more manageable.
Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on the progress of the merge operations. The Photos app may take some time to complete each merge, especially for high-resolution images.

3.5 Handle False Positives

Identify False Positives: Sometimes, the Photos app may incorrectly identify similar but distinct photos as duplicates. These are known as false positives.
Skip Merging: If you encounter a group of photos that are not true duplicates, simply skip merging them. There is no need to take any further action; the Photos app will leave these photos untouched.

3.6 Automate Future Detection

Keep iCloud Photos Enabled: Ensure that iCloud Photos remains enabled to allow the Photos app to automatically detect and manage duplicates in the future.
Regularly Check the Duplicates Album: Make it a habit to regularly check the Duplicates album in the Photos app. This will help you keep your photo library clean and organized over time.

3.7 Troubleshooting

Duplicates Album Not Showing: If the Duplicates album is not visible in the sidebar, try the following:
- Ensure you are using macOS Ventura or a later version, as this feature is not available in older versions of macOS.
- Make sure iCloud Photos is enabled and your library is fully synced.
- Restart the Photos app and your MacBook to refresh the system.
Photos App Freezes: If the Photos app becomes unresponsive during the merge process, try the following:
- Close any other resource-intensive applications to free up system resources.
- Restart the Photos app.
- Process the duplicates in smaller batches.

4. Best Third-Party Apps to Delete Duplicate Photos on MacBook

While the Photos app offers a built-in feature to handle duplicates, several third-party apps provide more advanced features, greater flexibility, and faster performance. These apps are designed to thoroughly scan your hard drive, identify duplicate photos, and help you remove them efficiently.

4.1 Gemini 2

4.1.1 Overview

Gemini 2 is a smart duplicate finder developed by MacPaw, the company behind CleanMyMac. It’s designed to quickly and accurately identify duplicate files, including photos, and offers a user-friendly interface for reviewing and removing them.

4.1.2 Key Features

Smart Scanning: Uses intelligent algorithms to identify not only exact duplicates but also similar photos.
User-Friendly Interface: Provides a clean and intuitive interface for easy navigation and review.
Quick and Efficient: Scans large photo libraries quickly and efficiently.
Duplicate Review: Allows you to preview and compare duplicate photos before deleting them.
Smart Selection: Offers a smart selection feature to automatically select the best version of a photo to keep.

4.1.3 How to Use Gemini 2

Download and Install: Download Gemini 2 from the MacPaw website and install it on your MacBook.
Launch Gemini 2: Open the Gemini 2 application.
Select Folders to Scan: Drag and drop the folders containing your photos into the Gemini 2 window or click the “+” button to select them.
Start Scanning: Click the Scan for Duplicates button to begin the scanning process.
Review Duplicates: Once the scan is complete, Gemini 2 will display a list of duplicate photos.
Choose Smart Cleanup or Review Results:
- Smart Cleanup: Gemini 2 automatically selects the best version of each photo to keep and removes the duplicates.
- Review Results: Manually review the duplicates and choose which ones to delete.
Remove Duplicates: Click the Remove button to delete the selected duplicate photos.
Empty the Trash: Empty the Trash to permanently remove the deleted photos from your MacBook.

4.2 PhotoSweeper

4.2.1 Overview

PhotoSweeper is a specialized duplicate photo finder designed to help you quickly and accurately identify and remove duplicate and similar photos from your photo library. It supports various photo libraries, including Photos, iPhoto, Aperture, and Adobe Lightroom.

4.2.2 Key Features

Multiple Comparison Methods: Uses various comparison methods, including pixel-by-pixel comparison, bitmap comparison, and metadata comparison, to identify duplicates.
Support for Multiple Libraries: Works with Photos, iPhoto, Aperture, Adobe Lightroom, and folders on your hard drive.
Flexible Search Criteria: Allows you to customize search criteria to find specific types of duplicates.
Batch Processing: Supports batch processing, allowing you to review and remove duplicates in large groups.
User-Friendly Interface: Provides a clean and intuitive interface for easy navigation and review.

4.2.3 How to Use PhotoSweeper

Download and Install: Download PhotoSweeper from the official website and install it on your MacBook.
Launch PhotoSweeper: Open the PhotoSweeper application.
Add Sources: Drag and drop the photo libraries or folders you want to scan into the PhotoSweeper window.
Start Comparison: Click the Compare button to begin the comparison process.
Review Results: PhotoSweeper will display a list of potential duplicates.
Select Duplicates: Review the duplicates and select the ones you want to remove.
Choose Removal Options: Choose whether to move the duplicates to the Trash, move them to a separate folder, or mark them for deletion in your photo library.
Remove Duplicates: Click the Remove button to delete the selected duplicate photos.
Empty the Trash: Empty the Trash to permanently remove the deleted photos from your MacBook.

4.3 Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro

4.3.1 Overview

Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro is a tool designed to find and remove duplicate photos quickly and efficiently. It offers a simple and intuitive interface and supports both internal and external storage devices.

4.3.2 Key Features

Fast Scanning: Quickly scans your photo library for duplicates.
Accurate Detection: Uses advanced algorithms to accurately identify duplicate photos.
External Drive Support: Supports scanning external hard drives and other storage devices.
Preview Feature: Allows you to preview the duplicates before deleting them.
Easy-to-Use Interface: Provides a simple and intuitive interface for easy navigation and use.

4.3.3 How to Use Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro

Download and Install: Download Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro from the official website and install it on your MacBook.
Launch Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro: Open the application.
Add Folders: Drag and drop the folders containing your photos into the Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro window or click the Add Folders button to select them.
Start Scan: Click the Start Scan button to begin the scanning process.
Review Results: Once the scan is complete, Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro will display a list of duplicate photos.
Select Duplicates: Review the duplicates and select the ones you want to remove.
Delete Duplicates: Click the Delete Marked button to delete the selected duplicate photos.
Empty the Trash: Empty the Trash to permanently remove the deleted photos from your MacBook.

4.4 Cisdem Duplicate Finder

4.4.1 Overview

Cisdem Duplicate Finder is a comprehensive duplicate file finder that can identify and remove duplicate photos, documents, and other types of files. It offers advanced scanning algorithms and customizable settings for precise duplicate detection.

4.4.2 Key Features

Advanced Scanning: Uses advanced scanning algorithms to identify exact and similar duplicates.
Customizable Settings: Allows you to customize search criteria and scanning settings.
Support for Multiple File Types: Can find and remove duplicate photos, documents, and other types of files.
Preview Feature: Allows you to preview the duplicates before deleting them.
User-Friendly Interface: Provides a clean and intuitive interface for easy navigation and use.

4.4.3 How to Use Cisdem Duplicate Finder

Download and Install: Download Cisdem Duplicate Finder from the official website and install it on your MacBook.
Launch Cisdem Duplicate Finder: Open the application.
Add Folders: Drag and drop the folders containing your photos into the Cisdem Duplicate Finder window or click the “+” button to select them.
Start Scan: Click the Scan button to begin the scanning process.
Review Results: Once the scan is complete, Cisdem Duplicate Finder will display a list of duplicate photos.
Select Duplicates: Review the duplicates and select the ones you want to remove.
Remove Duplicates: Click the Delete button to delete the selected duplicate photos.
Empty the Trash: Empty the Trash to permanently remove the deleted photos from your MacBook.

4.5 Tidy Up

4.5.1 Overview

Tidy Up is a versatile duplicate finder and disk tidiness utility for macOS. It can find duplicate files of all kinds, including photos, music, videos, and documents.

4.5.2 Key Features

Extensive Search Capabilities: Offers a wide range of search criteria for finding duplicate files.
Smart Baskets: Uses smart baskets to organize and manage duplicate files.
Preview Feature: Allows you to preview the duplicates before deleting them.
Customizable Settings: Offers customizable settings for precise duplicate detection.
User-Friendly Interface: Provides a clean and intuitive interface for easy navigation and use.

4.5.3 How to Use Tidy Up

Download and Install: Download Tidy Up from the official website and install it on your MacBook.
Launch Tidy Up: Open the application.
Create a New Search: Click the New Search button to create a new search for duplicate photos.
Set Search Criteria: Set the search criteria to find duplicate photos based on file type, size, date, and other attributes.
Start Search: Click the Start Search button to begin the scanning process.
Review Results: Once the scan is complete, Tidy Up will display a list of duplicate photos.
Select Duplicates: Review the duplicates and select the ones you want to remove.
Remove Duplicates: Drag the selected duplicates to the Trash or use the Delete button to delete them.
Empty the Trash: Empty the Trash to permanently remove the deleted photos from your MacBook.

4.6 Comparison Table

App	Price	Key Features	User Interface	Ease of Use
Gemini 2	Paid	Smart scanning, user-friendly interface, quick and efficient	Intuitive	Easy
PhotoSweeper	Paid	Multiple comparison methods, support for multiple libraries, flexible search criteria	Clean	Moderate
Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro	Paid	Fast scanning, accurate detection, external drive support	Simple	Easy
Cisdem Duplicate Finder	Paid	Advanced scanning, customizable settings, support for multiple file types	Clean	Moderate
Tidy Up	Paid	Extensive search capabilities, smart baskets, customizable settings	Versatile	Moderate

5. Tips for Preventing Duplicate Photos

Preventing duplicate photos from accumulating on your MacBook is crucial for maintaining an organized and efficient photo library. By implementing proactive strategies, you can minimize the occurrence of duplicates and save time and effort in the long run.

5.1 Import Photos Carefully

5.1.1 Import Once:

Ensure that you import photos from your camera, iPhone, or other devices only once. Avoid re-importing the same photos multiple times, as this is a common cause of duplicates.

5.1.2 Use the Photos App:

When importing photos from your iPhone or camera, use the Photos app to manage the import process. The Photos app can detect previously imported photos and prevent duplicates from being added to your library.

5.1.3 Check Import Settings:

Review the import settings in the Photos app or other photo management software to ensure that duplicates are not being created during the import process. Look for options like “Do not import duplicates” or “Skip existing photos.”

5.2 Organize Photos Properly

5.2.1 Create a Consistent Folder Structure:

Establish a clear and consistent folder structure for your photos. Organize photos by date, event, or project to make it easier to locate and manage them.

5.2.2 Use Descriptive File Names:

Give your photos descriptive file names that reflect their content. This makes it easier to identify and differentiate between similar photos.

5.2.3 Use Keywords and Tags:

Use keywords and tags to categorize your photos. This makes it easier to search for specific photos and identify potential duplicates.

5.3 Manage iCloud Photos Effectively

5.3.1 Enable iCloud Photos:

Enable iCloud Photos on all your devices to keep your photo library synchronized across your MacBook, iPhone, and iPad. This helps prevent duplicates from being created when importing photos from different devices.

5.3.2 Optimize Storage:

Use the “Optimize Mac Storage” option in iCloud Photos settings to save space on your MacBook. This downloads smaller, optimized versions of your photos while keeping the full-resolution originals in iCloud.

5.3.3 Avoid Manual Transfers:

Avoid manually transferring photos between your devices using AirDrop or other methods, as this can create duplicates. Rely on iCloud Photos to keep your library synchronized.

5.4 Be Mindful of Backups

5.4.1 Use a Reliable Backup Solution:

Use a reliable backup solution like Time Machine or a third-party backup service to regularly back up your photo library.

5.4.2 Exclude Photo Library from General Backups:

If you are already backing up your photo library using iCloud Photos, you may want to exclude it from your general backups to avoid creating duplicate backups.

5.4.3 Verify Backup Integrity:

Regularly verify the integrity of your backups to ensure that your photos are being backed up correctly.

5.5 Avoid Unnecessary Copies

5.5.1 Edit Photos Non-Destructively:

Use non-destructive editing tools like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One to edit your photos. These tools allow you to make changes without altering the original files, which helps prevent duplicates from being created.

5.5.2 Share Photos Directly:

Share photos directly from your photo library instead of creating copies. This helps prevent unnecessary copies from being created.

5.5.3 Avoid Downloading Multiple Copies:

Avoid downloading multiple copies of the same photo from email, social media, or other sources.

5.6 Periodically Review Your Library

5.6.1 Schedule Regular Reviews:

Schedule regular reviews of your photo library to identify and remove any duplicates that may have accumulated.

5.6.2 Use Duplicate Finder Tools:

Use duplicate finder tools like Gemini 2 or PhotoSweeper to scan your library for duplicates and remove them efficiently.

5.6.3 Stay Organized:

Keep your photo library organized and well-maintained to prevent duplicates from accumulating.

By following these tips, you can prevent duplicate photos from accumulating on your MacBook and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient photo library.

6. Understanding How Duplicate Finders Work

Duplicate photo finders employ various techniques to identify identical or similar images within your photo library. Understanding these methods can help you choose the right tool and optimize its settings for the best results.

6.1 Exact Match Comparison

6.1.1 File Size and Metadata:

The simplest method is to compare file sizes and metadata, such as file names, creation dates, and modification dates. If two photos have the same file size and metadata, they are likely exact duplicates.

6.1.2 Checksums:

Duplicate finders may also use checksums (such as MD5 or SHA-256 hashes) to verify that the contents of two files are identical. A checksum is a unique value calculated from the data in a file. If two files have the same checksum, they are guaranteed to be exact duplicates.

6.2 Visual Similarity Comparison

6.2.1 Pixel-by-Pixel Comparison:

This method compares the color values of individual pixels in two images. If the pixel values are identical, the photos are considered exact duplicates.

6.2.2 Bitmap Comparison:

Bitmap comparison involves converting images to bitmap format and comparing the bitmaps. This method can identify duplicates even if the images have different file formats or compression levels.

6.2.3 Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR):

CBIR techniques analyze the visual content of images to identify similar photos. These techniques use algorithms to extract features like colors, textures, and shapes from images and compare these features to find matches.

6.3 Metadata Analysis

6.3.1 EXIF Data:

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data contains information about the camera settings, date, and location where a photo was taken. Duplicate finders can compare EXIF data to identify photos that were taken at the same time and place with similar camera settings.

6.3.2 IPTC Data:

IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) data contains information about the photo’s caption, keywords, and copyright. Duplicate finders can compare IPTC data to identify photos that have the same description and keywords.

6.4 Advanced Techniques

6.4.1 Machine Learning:

Some duplicate finders use machine learning algorithms to identify similar photos. These algorithms are trained on large datasets of images and can learn to recognize patterns and features that are indicative of similarity.

6.4.2 Neural Networks:

Neural networks are a type of machine learning algorithm that can be used to identify similar photos. These networks are trained to recognize patterns and features in images and can be used to classify images as similar or dissimilar.

6.5 Choosing the Right Method

6.5.1 Exact Duplicates:

For finding exact duplicates, file size and metadata comparison or checksums are the most reliable methods.

6.5.2 Similar Photos:

For finding similar photos, visual similarity comparison techniques like pixel-by-pixel comparison, bitmap comparison, or CBIR are more effective.

6.5.3 Combination of Methods:

Many duplicate finders use a combination of methods to identify both exact and similar duplicates. This provides the most comprehensive and accurate results.

6.6 Optimizing Settings

6.6.1 Adjust Sensitivity:

Some duplicate finders allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the similarity comparison. Higher sensitivity settings will identify more photos as similar, while lower sensitivity settings will only identify the most obvious duplicates.

6.6.2 Use Filters:

Use filters to narrow down your search to specific folders, file types, or date ranges. This can help improve the speed and accuracy of the duplicate finding process.

6.6.3 Review Results Carefully:

Always review the results of the duplicate finding process carefully before deleting any photos. This will help you avoid accidentally deleting photos that are not true duplicates.

By understanding how duplicate finders work, you can choose the right tool and optimize its settings for the best results. This will help you keep your photo library clean, organized, and efficient.

7. What Happens After Deleting Duplicate Photos?

After deleting duplicate photos on your MacBook, it’s essential to understand what happens to the deleted files and how to manage them to ensure they are permanently removed and your storage space is properly freed up.

7.1 Photos App Behavior

7.1.1 Moved to Recently Deleted Album:

When you delete photos from the Photos app, they are not immediately and permanently deleted. Instead, they are moved to the Recently Deleted album.

7.1.2 30-Day Grace Period:

Photos remain in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days. During this time, you can recover them if you change your mind or accidentally delete a photo.

7.1.3 Permanent Deletion:

After 30 days, the photos are automatically and permanently deleted from your photo library and iCloud Photos (if enabled).

7.1.4 Manual Deletion:

You can also manually delete photos from the Recently Deleted album to permanently remove them before the 30-day period expires.

7.2 Third-Party App Behavior

7.2.1 Moved to Trash:

When you delete duplicate photos using a third-party app like Gemini 2 or PhotoSweeper, the photos are typically moved to the Trash (also known as the Recycle Bin).

7.2.2 Not Permanently Deleted:

The photos are not permanently deleted when they are moved to the Trash. They remain in the Trash until you manually empty it.

7.2.3 Recovery:

You can recover photos from the Trash by dragging them back to their original location or using the “Put Back” option.

7.3 Emptying the Trash

7.3.1 Permanently Deleting Files:

To permanently delete the photos and free up storage space on your MacBook, you need to empty the Trash.

7.3.2 How to Empty the Trash:

Right-Click on the Trash Icon: Right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock.
Select Empty Trash: Select Empty Trash from the context menu.
Confirm Deletion: A warning message will appear asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the items in the Trash. Click Empty Trash to confirm.

7.3.3 Alternative Method:

Open Finder: Open Finder on your MacBook.
Click Finder in the Menu Bar: Click Finder in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Select Empty Trash: Select Empty Trash from the menu.
Confirm Deletion: A warning message will appear asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the items in the Trash. Click Empty Trash to confirm.

7.4 Securely Erasing Free Space

7.4.1 Overwriting Data:

Even after emptying the Trash, the deleted photos may still be recoverable using data recovery software. To securely erase the free space on your hard drive, you can use a disk utility like Disk Utility or a third-party secure erase tool.

7.4.2 Using Disk Utility:

Open Disk Utility: Open Disk Utility on your MacBook (located in /Applications/Utilities).
Select Your Hard Drive: Select your hard drive in the sidebar.
Click Erase: Click the Erase button in the toolbar.
Select Security Options: Click the Security Options button.
Choose Security Level: Choose a security level (e.g., “Most Secure”) to overwrite the data on the free space.
Click OK: Click OK to start the secure erase process.

7.4.5 Third-Party Tools:

Several third-party tools can securely erase free space on your hard drive. These tools offer more advanced features and options than Disk Utility.

7.5 Verify Storage Space

7.5.1 Check Available Space:

After deleting the duplicate photos and emptying the Trash, verify that the storage space on your MacBook has been freed up.

7.5.2 How to Check Storage Space:

Click the Apple Menu: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select About This Mac: Select About This Mac from the menu.
Click Storage: Click the Storage tab in the About This Mac window.
Review Available Space: Review the available storage space on your hard drive.

7.5.3 Resolve Discrepancies:

If the available storage space does not reflect the amount of data you deleted, restart your MacBook and check again.

7.6 Cloud Storage Considerations

7.6.1 iCloud Photos:

If you are using iCloud Photos, the deleted photos will also be removed from iCloud. This will free up storage space in your iCloud account.

7.6.2 Syncing:

The changes will be synced across all your devices that are connected to iCloud Photos.

7.6.3 Other Cloud Services:

If you are using other cloud storage services like Google Photos or Dropbox, the deleted photos will also be removed from those services.

By understanding what happens after deleting duplicate photos, you can ensure that the files are permanently removed, your storage space is properly freed up, and your photo library is clean and organized.

8. FAQ: Delete Duplicate Photos on MacBook

8.1 How do I find duplicate photos on my MacBook?

You can find duplicate photos using the built-in Photos app (macOS Ventura and later) or third-party apps like Gemini 2, PhotoSweeper, and Cisdem Duplicate Finder.

8.2 Does the Photos app have a duplicate finder?

Yes, the Photos app on macOS Ventura and later versions has a built-in duplicate finder. Look for the Duplicates album in the sidebar.

8.3 Is it safe to delete duplicate photos?

Yes, it is generally safe to delete duplicate photos, but always review the duplicates carefully before deleting them to avoid accidentally deleting important photos.

8.4 How do I permanently delete photos from my Mac?

To permanently delete photos, empty the Trash after deleting them from the Photos app or using a third-party app. You can also manually delete photos from the Recently Deleted album in the Photos app.

8.5 Can I recover deleted photos?

You can recover deleted photos from the Recently Deleted album in the Photos app (within 30 days) or from the Trash. After emptying the Trash or after 30 days in the Recently Deleted album, the photos are permanently deleted.

8.6 How do I prevent duplicate photos from being created?

To prevent duplicate photos, import photos carefully, organize photos properly, manage iCloud Photos effectively, be mindful of backups, avoid unnecessary copies, and periodically review your library.

8.7 What happens to my photos if I delete them from iCloud Photos?

If you delete photos from iCloud Photos, they will be removed from all