MacLife - UK (2019-12)

HOW TO Make your photos fail–safe

Consolidate the library
To copy any imported items that aren’t
stored in the Library, go to File > Consolidate.
Photos will now look for any images that
haven’t been copied to the library, and will
copy them across for you.

Adjust the settings
You can also modify the export settings,
so for example you might want to use a
subfolder for each Photos Moment, to replace
photos’ file names with titles, or to export in
JPG format for other devices.

Export your images

If you have a large external drive you

can simply select the images you want to back

up and then select File > Export. Use the

“Export Unmodified Original” option to keep all

of your images in their original unedited form.

Do it regularly

It’s wise to include your Photos library

in your standard backup routine. We

recommend using external storage with a

third–party backup app, such as the excellent

SuperDuper, so you don’t forget to back up.

JARGON BUSTER

Disc rot can make CDs and

DVDs unreadable. It can be

caused by chemical or UV

exposure, manufacturing

flaws, pitting, or scratching.

GENIUS TIP

If you make an external,

bootable backup with an

app such as SuperDuper

or Carbon Copy Cloner,

you can use other Macs

as if they were yours.

Check your collection
You can’t back up things you don’t have,
so go into Photos’ Preferences and make sure
that iCloud Photos > Download Originals to
this Mac is checked in the iCloud tab, or your
Mac won’t have all your images.

Keep it organized

Make sure “Copy items to the Photos

library” is selected in Preferences > General.

If this isn’t checked, photographs that you

import from elsewhere on your Mac will

remain in their original location.

How to do anything on your Mac, iPhone & iPad

Image rights: Apple. maclife.com DEC 2019 79