Are you struggling with multiple Photos libraries on your Mac or external drives? It’s a common situation, especially if you’ve been using Photos for a long time or have imported photos from different devices. Fortunately, merging these libraries into one cohesive collection is achievable using iCloud Photo Library. This guide will walk you through the process of How Do You Merge Photos libraries, ensuring you consolidate your precious memories effectively.
Understanding iCloud Photo Library for Merging
iCloud Photo Library acts as the bridge to combine your separate Photos libraries. By enabling iCloud Photo Library on each of your libraries, you essentially upload them to the cloud. iCloud then intelligently merges these uploads into a single, unified library. This method is particularly useful for users who want to consolidate photos from different sources into one accessible location.
Step-by-Step Guide to Merge Photos Libraries
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to merge your Photos libraries using iCloud:
1. Start with the Smaller Library
If you have libraries of varying sizes, it’s more efficient to begin with the smaller one. For instance, if you have one library with 100GB of photos and another with 200GB, start the merging process with the 100GB library. This approach can optimize your iCloud storage usage during the merge.
2. Designate as System Photo Library
Open the smaller Photos Library you intend to upload first. Navigate to Photos > Preferences > General. Click the button labeled “Use as System Photo Library.” You’ll notice that this option might already be grayed out if it’s already set. This step is crucial as it designates the library that will sync with iCloud.
3. Activate iCloud Photo Library
Next, go to Photos > Preferences > iCloud. Check the box next to “iCloud Photo Library” to turn it on. If you have sufficient iCloud storage available, you’ll have the option to select “Download Originals to this Mac.” Choosing this ensures that original, full-resolution photos are kept on your Mac in addition to being stored in iCloud. Allow ample time for all photos and videos from this library to fully upload to iCloud. The upload duration will depend on the size of your library and your internet connection speed.
4. Repeat for Subsequent Libraries
Once the first library has finished uploading, close it and open the next Photos Library you want to merge. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for this library. Wait for this second library to upload to iCloud and then download and merge into the library already in iCloud. iCloud will intelligently identify and merge the content from both libraries.
5. Library Location and Storage
It’s highly recommended to perform this merging process with your Photos Libraries located on a drive that has ample storage space for the final, merged library. Ensure you have enough iCloud storage to accommodate the combined size of all libraries you intend to merge.
Important Considerations
- iCloud Storage: Merging libraries requires sufficient iCloud storage to hold the combined photos and videos. Ensure you have enough space or consider upgrading your iCloud storage plan if needed.
- Upload Time: The upload process can take a significant amount of time, especially for large libraries or slower internet connections. Be patient and allow the process to complete fully for each library.
- Merged Library Size: The resulting merged library will be the sum of the content from all libraries you’ve combined. Make sure your Mac has enough local storage if you choose to download originals.
By following these steps, you can effectively merge your Photos libraries using iCloud Photo Library, creating a single, organized collection of all your photos and videos.
