Why You Should Stop Storing Photos as Files and Use Mac Photos Instead
Why You Should Use the Photos App Instead of Storing Photos as Files
Overview of Benefits
- Gary introduces the topic, explaining that many users miss out on benefits by storing photos as files instead of using the Photos Library.
- The Photos App allows for easy viewing and manipulation of images, including zooming in/out and full-screen viewing.
Organizing and Searching Photos
- Users can filter photos by months or years, making it easier to navigate through large collections.
- The app features powerful search capabilities, allowing searches by date, location, or even objects without prior tagging.
- Automatic recognition of people and pets enhances organization; users can search for specific individuals or groups within their photos.
Customization and Tagging
- Users can create multiple albums without duplicating photos; each album links back to the original image.
- Keywords can be added to photos for better organization; titles and descriptions enhance searchability.
Flexibility in Organization
- Users have the option to organize photos by default categories (Months/Years), or they can customize with albums and keywords based on personal preference.
Editing Features
- The editing tools in the Photos App allow for non-destructive adjustments like light/color correction, cropping, and applying filters while preserving original images.
- Advanced editing options include AI tools for blemish removal on newer Macs; older models feature a Retouch Tool under Adjustments.
Video Editing Capabilities
- Videos can also be stored and edited within the app; users can trim videos or adjust color settings similarly to photo editing.
- Third-party apps may integrate additional editing tools directly into the Photos App interface.
Image Editing and Management in Photos App
Editing Images with External Tools
- Users can select an image in the Photos app, navigate to "Image," and choose "Edit With" to open it in external editing tools like Pixelmator Pro.
- After making edits (e.g., changing exposure), users can save changes, which will reflect back in the Photos Library. Reverting to the original is always an option.
Adjusting Metadata
- Users can adjust photo metadata such as date and time directly within the app, allowing bulk adjustments for multiple photos simultaneously.
- Location data can also be modified by dragging a pin on a map or typing a new location, facilitating accurate geotagging of images.
iCloud Integration
- Enabling iCloud Photos allows seamless access across multiple devices (Mac, iPad, iPhone), ensuring photos are stored locally or optimized for storage space.
- This feature ensures that photos taken on an iPhone sync automatically to the Mac's library, providing convenience while traveling.
Shared Albums and Libraries
- Users can create Shared Albums that allow specific people with iCloud accounts to view selected photos or make them public via a link.
- The Shared Library feature enables families to share photos collectively without needing to send copies back and forth.
Advanced Photo Features
- The Photos app supports special formats like live photos and portrait mode adjustments, enhancing user experience with unique editing capabilities.
- It also handles RAW formats from cameras, allowing users to develop these files using built-in editing tools.
Exporting Options
- Users concerned about file accessibility can export originals or modified versions of their images through various options under "File Export."
- Simple drag-and-drop functionality allows easy transfer of images into other applications like Mail or Messages.
Managing Photo Libraries
- Users have the option to reference external files instead of importing them into the Photos Library; however, this limits availability on iCloud.
- Multiple photo libraries are possible but not generally recommended unless for specific use cases.
Additional Features
- The app includes features like creating slideshows from photos and exporting them as videos.
- Visual Lookup identifies objects within images (e.g., birds), enhancing user interaction with their photo collections.
Exploring Features of a Photo App
User Interaction with the App
- Users can click on various elements within the app to access information about birds and landmarks, enhancing their experience.
- The app allows users to experiment without any commitment; they can try features by adding photos from recent trips.
- Users do not need to remove files from their original locations when experimenting with the app's functionalities.
- This flexibility encourages users to play around with the app, making it more user-friendly and accessible for exploration.