How to edit photos from hard drive directly

Hey guys I am getting so frustrated with apple's Mac operating system compared with windows which is so simple and useful. I want to edit my photos directly from the finder/external hard drive. I don't have time to fuss about importing these into the 'Photo App'. I just want to click on the photo and edit it there and then just like on a windows computer. How can I do this?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Aug 10, 2023 04:17 PM

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7 replies

Aug 11, 2023 09:22 AM in response to MJT78

Go to the App Store and do a search for "Image Editor" and "Photo Editor". You'll get a number of options ranging from free to $50 or more.


Since you're coming over from a PC environment DO NOT install and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac. They are not necessary.


Note: unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint. 


Aug 10, 2023 04:56 PM in response to Yer_Man

It’s not the same… windows is built in. You just double click on the file and edit and save. I basically need it to open like it would if it was imported into the photo app… but I just organize my photos within the hard drive in folders. I have adobe lightroom for more serious editing, but that takes a while to import and organize etc. I just want something simple like in windows.

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How to edit photos from hard drive directly

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