How do I merge photos in iCloud?

Answered by Robert Flynn

To merge photos in iCloud, you need to follow a few simple steps. Please note that these instructions are specifically for macOS devices.

1. Double-click the Photos library: Locate and double-click the Photos library on your macOS device. This will open the Photos application.

2. Open Preferences: In the top menu, click on “Photos” and then select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu. This will open the Preferences window.

3. Set as System Photo Library: In the Preferences window, click on the “General” tab. Here, you will see an option labeled “Use as System Photo Library.” If this option is dimmed out, it means that the currently selected library is already set as the System Photo Library. If it is not dimmed, click on the “Use as System Photo Library” button.

4. Wait for photos to upload: After setting the Photos library as the System Photo Library, your photos will begin uploading to iCloud. The uploading process may take some time, depending on the number and size of your photos. You can monitor the progress by scrolling to the bottom of the Photos view. There, you will see a progress bar indicating the status of the upload.

5. Check the merged photos: Once the upload is complete, your photos will be merged in iCloud. You can access them from any device connected to your iCloud account. Simply open the Photos application on your iOS device or visit iCloud.com and log in to your account. You will find all your merged photos in the iCloud Photos library.

It’s worth mentioning that merging photos in iCloud may take some time, especially if you have a large photo library or a slow internet connection. Be patient and allow the process to complete.

In my personal experience, I have found the merging process in iCloud to be seamless and convenient. It allows me to access all my photos from any device, making it easy to organize and share them. I particularly appreciate the ability to set a System Photo Library, as it ensures that all my devices are synced and updated with the latest photos.

To summarize, merging photos in iCloud involves setting the Photos library as the System Photo Library and waiting for the photos to upload. Once uploaded, you can access your merged photos from any iCloud-connected device.