As a Mac user, you must have experienced the frustration of trying to locate a particular photo amidst thousands of others. By default, Finder doesn’t display images and this makes it quite difficult to find pictures when you need them. But this doesn’t have to be the case. In this post, we will be showing you how to add photos to Finder on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Photos to Finder on Mac
As mentioned earlier, Finder doesn’t show photos by default, thus causing inconvenience when trying to locate a specific image. By adding photos to Finder on Mac, you can easily preview and locate images without the need for a separate photo management app. Additionally, it can save time by reducing the need for unnecessary clicks and searches.
Method 1: Via System Preferences
System Preferences is a built-in feature on Mac that allows users to modify settings. Follow the steps below to add photos to Finder using system preferences:
1. Click the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen.
2. Click on "System Preferences".
3. Click on "Extensions"
4. Select "Finder" from the list of available extensions.
5. Check the box next to "Photos" to enable it
6. Close System Preferences and open Finder to see your photos
Pros:
– Easy to access
– Quick method
Cons:
– Available on newer versions of Mac OS only
Method 2: Using Drag and Drop
Drag and Drop is a popular method for transferring files between folders on your Mac. It is also an effective way of adding photos to Finder on Mac. To use this method, do the following:
1. Open a Finder window
2. Locate the folder where the photos you want to add are saved
3. Click and hold the selected photos
4. Drag them from their folder and onto the Finder sidebar
5. Release the mouse to drop them into the sidebar
Pros:
– Simple and intuitive method
– Suitable for adding individual photos
Cons:
– Not ideal for bulk adding photos
Method 3: Via iCloud
iCloud is a cloud-based storage system that allows Mac users to store their files online. It is also a viable method for adding photos to Finder on Mac. To add your photos to Finder via iCloud, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings on your Mac
2. Click on iCloud
3. Ensure that iCloud Drive is turned on
4. Access the Files app from the Finder sidebar
5. Navigate to the "Photos" folder
6. Drag and drop the files from the iCloud folder onto your Finder sidebar
Pros:
– Can be useful for accessing photos on other devices too
– Safe and secure cloud storage
Cons:
– Requires an active internet connection
– Can be costly
What to Do If You Can’t Add Photos to Finder on Mac
If you experience difficulties adding photos to Finder on Mac, try out the following fixes:
– Ensure you have the latest version of Mac OS
– Open the Photos app and check if the photos are present there. If they are, drag them onto the Finder sidebar
– Connect your device to your Mac
– Restart your device and your Mac
Bonus Tip
Download a third-party app like "Unclutter" to manage your photos effectively on Mac.
5 FAQs
Q: What formats of photos can be added to Finder on Mac?
A: The Finder on Mac supports multiple photo formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIF, and RAW formats.
Q: Can I add videos to Finder on Mac using these methods?
A: Yes, the methods above can add videos to Finder on Mac as well.
Q: Can I delete photos from Finder on Mac without deleting them from my device?
A: Yes, you can. Deleting photos from Finder on Mac does not delete them from your device.
Q: Will adding photos to Finder on Mac affect my device’s performance?
A: No, adding photos to Finder will not impact your device’s performance.
Q: Can I import photos from my camera directly to Finder on Mac?
A: Yes, connect your camera to your Mac and follow the instructions on the screen to import the photos.
Final Thoughts
Adding photos to Finder on Mac is an easy and convenient way to organize your photos without having to use a third-party app or software. Using the methods described above, you can add your photos to Finder and manage them effectively. Be sure to try out the additional bonus tip and you’ll have a clutter-free experience while locating your favorite pictures.