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Can I use an external hard drive to store my Photos library?

Can I use an external hard drive to store my Photos library?


Posted on Jan 2, 2021 12:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 2, 2021 12:04 PM

Hi - You can completely move the library to external storage with the disadvantage that you must have the external storage connected whenever you want to use photos. (in fact you should have it connected whenever you log in) You can then still use the photos app to view, manage and edit your photos.


The external storage must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled), and not be (or have been) used for time machine. It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked. It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar. It stands to reason that if you want any sort of reasonable performance it should be a fast drive with a fast connection.


See

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 2, 2021 12:04 PM in response to vikki181

Hi - You can completely move the library to external storage with the disadvantage that you must have the external storage connected whenever you want to use photos. (in fact you should have it connected whenever you log in) You can then still use the photos app to view, manage and edit your photos.


The external storage must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled), and not be (or have been) used for time machine. It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked. It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar. It stands to reason that if you want any sort of reasonable performance it should be a fast drive with a fast connection.


See

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517

Can I use an external hard drive to store my Photos library?

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