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

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Level 1

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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.

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Original Title: Syncing Photos With iCloud

Mac Studio, macOS 26.0

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

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Richard.Taylor

Level 6

16,627 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.

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