Change where photos and videos are stored on Mac
When you import photos and videos into Photos, theyβre copied to the photo library in the Pictures folder. To save storage space, you can store photos and videos outside the photo library (for example, on an external storage device) and still view them in Photos. Files stored outside your library are called referenced files.
Store imported files outside the photo library
Go to the Photos app
on your Mac.Choose Photos > Settings, then click General.
Deselect the βCopy items to the Photos libraryβ checkbox.
Now, when you import photos or video, Photos leaves the files in their original location and accesses them as referenced files.
If you store files outside the photo library, keep in mind that:
If you use iCloud Photos, photos and videos that are outside the photo library arenβt stored in iCloud and wonβt be accessible to any other Mac or device that uses iCloud Photos.
If you disconnect the device where the files are located, or move or rename the files in the Finder, Photos wonβt be able to locate them.
Referenced files arenβt automatically backed up along with the rest of your files when you back up your photo libraryβyou must back them up manually.
Find a referenced file in the Finder
Go to the Photos app
on your Mac.Select a referenced file, then choose File > Show Referenced File in Finder.
Copy referenced files into a photo library
You can copy referenced files into your photo library so theyβre easier to back up and are automatically stored in iCloud if iCloud Photos is turned on.
Go to the Photos app
on your Mac.Select the files that you want to copy into the photo library, then choose File > Consolidate.
Click Copy.