Syncing Photos With iCloud Selective photo syncing with iCloud on Mac Studio M1

Question

Level 1

10 points

Syncing Photos With iCloud Selective photo syncing with iCloud on Mac Studio M1

I have 36,000 photos on my M1 Studio and am wondering if there is a way to select which photos I would like to sync in iCloud. I really don't care to upload all 36,000 photos because of storage as well as cost.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Syncing Photos With iCloud

Mac Studio, macOS 26.0

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 9:51 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Richard.Taylor

Level 6

17,233 points

Oct 24, 2025 10:37 AM in response to mustang153

There are two ways to go (or a combination.)

Use multiple Libraries. While iDevices can have on only one Library, Macs can have several--but only one, the System Library, can connect to iCloud and synchronize with other devices. I have a "Favorites" Library that is, obviously, smaller and is synced with iCloud and my iPhone and iPad.
Use a Shared Library. This divides your Library into two, and you can swap back in forth between them.

Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library on Mac - Apple Support

While I don't use a Shared Library, that are some here who make great use of it.

Reply