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Photos Library is a great tool for managing and organizing your photos on a Mac. However, there may come a time when you need to delete some photos from your library, either to save space or to remove unwanted images. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that you can use to delete photos from your Photos Library on Mac. Whether you want to delete a single photo or a batch of photos, we have you covered. Let’s dive in!
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To delete photos from your Photos Library on Mac, you will need the following:
1. Mac computer with the Photos app installed.
2. Access to the Photos Library.
What Requires Your Focus?
Deleting photos from the Photos Library requires your focus and attention, as deleting a photo from the library will remove it permanently. Therefore, it is important to review the photos you want to delete and ensure that you don’t accidentally delete any valuable or important images. It is recommended to create a backup of your Photos Library before deleting any photos, just in case you change your mind or encounter any issues.
Method 1: How to Delete Photos Using the Photos App
The Photos app provides a simple and straightforward way to delete photos from your Photos Library. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your Mac.
Step 2: Select the photo(s) you want to delete by clicking on them. You can select multiple photos by holding down the Command key while clicking on each photo.
Step 3: Once the photo(s) is selected, click on the "Delete" button in the toolbar at the top or press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.
Step 4: A prompt will appear asking if you want to delete the selected photo(s). Click on "Delete [number] Photos" to confirm.
Step 5: The photo(s) will be moved to the "Recently Deleted" album within the Photos app. These photos will be automatically removed from your Photos Library after 30 days.
Pros:
1. Easy and convenient way to delete photos from your Photos Library.
2. Allows for selective deletion of multiple photos at once.
3. Provides a safety net with the "Recently Deleted" album, allowing you to recover deleted photos within 30 days.
Cons:
1. Photos are not immediately removed from your Photos Library, but rather moved to the "Recently Deleted" album, taking up storage space until they are permanently deleted.
2. Deleting large batches of photos may take some time, depending on the number of photos and the speed of your Mac.
Method 2: How to Delete Photos via Finder
If you prefer to manage your photos directly through Finder, you can delete them using the following method:
Step 1: Open Finder on your Mac.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Pictures" folder, which is where the Photos Library is located by default.
Step 3: Open the "Photos Library.photoslibrary" package.
Step 4: Inside the package, navigate to the "Masters" folder.
Step 5: Here, you will find all the photos stored in your Photos Library. Select the photo(s) you want to delete and move them to the Trash by either dragging and dropping them or using the keyboard shortcut Command + Delete.
Step 6: Open the Trash and click on "Empty" to permanently delete the selected photo(s).
Pros:
1. Provides direct access to the files stored in the Photos Library, allowing for easy deletion.
2. Suitable for users who prefer managing their files through Finder rather than using the Photos app.
Cons:
1. Deleting photos in this manner does not utilize the Photos app’s safety net of the "Recently Deleted" album, so there is no grace period for recovery if you change your mind.
2. Requires manual navigation of the Photos Library package, which may be unfamiliar to some users.
Method 3: How to Delete Photos Using iCloud Photos
If you use iCloud Photos to sync your photos across multiple devices, you can also delete photos directly from the iCloud Photos interface. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open a web browser and visit the iCloud website (www.icloud.com).
Step 2: Sign in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password.
Step 3: Click on the "Photos" icon to access your iCloud Photos.
Step 4: Select the photo(s) you want to delete by clicking on them. You can select multiple photos by holding down the Shift key while clicking on each photo.
Step 5: Once the photo(s) is selected, click on the trash bin icon in the toolbar.
Step 6: A prompt will appear asking if you want to delete the selected photo(s) from all your devices. Click on "Delete" to confirm.
Pros:
1. Allows for deletion of photos from all devices with iCloud Photos enabled, ensuring sync across devices.
2. Can be accessed from any web browser, providing flexibility and convenience.
Cons:
1. Requires an active iCloud account and iCloud Photos enabled on your devices.
2. Deleting photos via iCloud Photos does not move them to the "Recently Deleted" album in the Photos app, so they are immediately deleted without a grace period for recovery.
Method 4: How to Delete Photos Using Third-Party Apps
Apart from the native Photos app and Finder, there are several third-party apps available that offer advanced features for managing and deleting photos on a Mac. Some popular options include "Gemini Photos" and "CleanMyMac X." Here’s a general guide for using third-party apps to delete photos:
Step 1: Download and install the desired third-party app from a trusted source.
Step 2: Open the app and grant any necessary permissions.
Step 3: Follow the app’s instructions to scan and analyze your Photos Library.
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, the app will display a list of photos that can be deleted. Review the list and select the photos you want to delete.
Step 5: Confirm the deletion process as per the app’s instructions.
Pros:
1. Third-party apps often offer additional features and advanced scanning capabilities for identifying and deleting duplicate or similar photos.
2. Can provide a faster and more efficient way to delete large numbers of photos compared to manual methods.
Cons:
1. Some third-party apps may require a purchase or subscription for full access to all features.
2. It is important to choose a reputable and trusted third-party app to ensure the security and privacy of your photos.
Why Can’t I Delete Photos from Photos Library?
There could be several reasons why you may encounter difficulties in deleting photos from your Photos Library on Mac. Here are some common issues and their potential fixes:
1. Permissions issue: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to modify and delete files in the Photos Library. Check the permissions of the "Pictures" folder and the "Photos Library.photoslibrary" package in Finder.
2. Locked files: If a photo is locked or marked as read-only, you will not be able to delete it. Right-click on the photo and select "Get Info" to check the file’s properties. Uncheck the "Locked" or "Read-only" attribute if it is enabled.
3. Syncing with iCloud Photos: If you have iCloud Photos enabled, make sure your Mac is properly synced with your iCloud account. Check your iCloud settings in System Preferences and ensure that the Photos app is connected to your iCloud account.
4. Corrupted Photos Library: If your Photos Library is corrupted, it may prevent you from deleting photos. Try repairing the library by holding down the Option and Command keys while launching the Photos app and selecting the appropriate repair option.
Implications and Recommendations
When deleting photos from your Photos Library, it is essential to consider the implications and take necessary precautions. Here are some recommendations:
1. Backup your Photos Library: Before deleting any photos, create a backup of your Photos Library. This ensures that you have a copy of your photos in case of accidental deletions or data loss.
2. Review photos before deleting: Take time to review the photos you want to delete, ensuring that you don’t delete any important or valuable images. Consider organizing and archiving photos based on their importance or sentimental value.
3. Utilize the "Recently Deleted" album: If you are unsure about deleting certain photos, move them to the "Recently Deleted" album in the Photos app. This provides a grace period of 30 days during which you can recover deleted photos if needed.
5 FAQs about Deleting Photos from Photos Library
Q1: Can I recover photos that I have deleted from the "Recently Deleted" album?
A: Yes, you can recover photos from the "Recently Deleted" album within 30 days of deletion. Simply open the Photos app, go to the "Recently Deleted" album, select the photos you want to recover, and click on the "Recover" button.
Q2: Can I delete multiple photos at once?
A: Yes, you can select multiple photos and delete them at once using the Photos app or third-party apps. Hold down the Command key while selecting each photo you want to delete, and then click on the "Delete" button.
Q3: Can I delete photos permanently without using the "Recently Deleted" album?
A: Yes, you can delete photos permanently by using the "Delete" option directly from the Photos app, Finder, or third-party apps. However, note that photos deleted in this manner do not have a grace period for recovery.
Q4: Can I delete photos from iCloud Photos without deleting them from my Mac?
A: Yes, you can delete photos from iCloud Photos without deleting them from your Mac. When you delete photos from iCloud Photos, they are removed from all your devices connected to the same iCloud account, but they remain in the Photos Library on your Mac.
Q5: Can I delete photos from the Photos Library without affecting the original files?
A: Yes, deleting photos from the Photos Library does not delete the original files stored in the "Masters" folder on your Mac. The Photos Library acts as a catalog or database of your photos, while the actual files are stored separately.
Final Words
Deleting photos from your Photos Library on a Mac can be a simple and straightforward process, provided you take the necessary precautions and use the recommended methods. Whether you choose to delete photos using the Photos app, Finder, iCloud Photos, or third-party apps, ensure that you review your photos before deletion and create a backup of your Photos Library. Happy organizing and deleting!
