You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can I transfer my organised photo albums from Photos v3 to Photos v8

I have recently purchased a new computer which runs Photos v8. I have organised all my photos on my old computer (which uses Photos v3) into specific folders. Can I copy/transfer the folders across to the new computer without losing the organised file structure?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 17, 2023 11:48 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 17, 2023 2:40 PM

If these images are in a Photos Library then yes. Simply copy the Library from the old machine to the Pictures Folder on the new machine.


Caveat: If you're using a managed library this will work. It won't with referenced library.

4 replies

Feb 18, 2023 12:58 AM in response to WhirlwindMonroe

A Managed Library, is the default setting, and Photos copies files into the Photos  Library when Importing. The files are then stored within the Library package


A Referenced Library is when Photos is NOT copying the files into the Photos Library when importing because you made a change at Photo -> Preferences -> General. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.

Can I transfer my organised photo albums from Photos v3 to Photos v8

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.