FAQ

Are iCloud libraries supported?

Yes.

Is the "Optimize Mac Storage" setting supported?

Yes, the app functions correctly with "Optimize Mac Storage" enabled. During the backup process, it will automatically download any photos missing from the local photo library by fetching them from iCloud to ensure a complete backup.

Are Shared Libraries supported?

Yes, the app supports backing up shared libraries. It includes both the shared library and your personal library, which are backed up together.

What are the limits on the size of the supported photo library?

The app is designed to handle very large libraries, including collections of 2TB or more. The backup process is incremental and resumable, so you don't need to complete an entire backup in a single run. As a very rough estimate, a backup of a large library with "Optimize Mac Storage" disabled should complete within a few hours. If "Optimize Mac Storage" is enabled, the process may take a few days to complete, as the photos are stored in iCloud and need to be downloaded during the backup process.

What media types are supported?

All media types are supported. This includes:

  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Live Photos
  • Portraits
  • Panoramas
  • Time-lapse
  • Slo-mo
  • Cinematic
  • Burst
  • Animated

What meta data is supported?

The following meta data is saved in the backup and possible to restore:

  • Non destructive edits (both the original and edited item are saved)
  • Albums
  • Location (including locations modified in the Photos app)
  • Capture Time and Date (including dates modified in the Photos app)
  • Favorites

What meta data is not supported?

  • Smart Albums
  • Memories
  • Title, Caption and Keywords
  • People
  • Hidden Items
  • Shared Albums

What happens if I delete a photo from the photo library?

To give you flexibility in managing your backups, the app provides three options for handling deletions: Ignore, Move, or Delete. 'Ignore' means that any deletions in your photo library will not affect the backup, so the item remains in the backup. 'Move' transfers deleted items to a “Deleted Items” folder within your backup, allowing you to retrieve them if needed. 'Delete' mirrors deletions from your photo library by also removing those items from the backup, ensuring that the backup matches your current library. This action is not reversible, so ensure you want to permanently delete these items before selecting this option.

What format is the backup?

Photos and videos are backed up in their original format, preserving the original filenames. The files are organized in directories in the YYYY/MM/DD format (e.g., 2024/11/03/IMG_4334.JPG). This structure supports easy transfer to other platforms or software that recognize standard file formats and directory structures.

Are multiple photo libraries supported?

The app works with the System Photo Library. It is possible to change the System Photo Library in the Photos app settings.

Does Photos Backup Anywhere handle photos not managed by the Photos app?

The app is designed to back up photo libraries created by Apple's Photos app. If you're not using the Photos app, you would need to create a new photo library by importing your existing photos. Once imported, Photos Backup Anywhere will automatically back up your library to a folder you choose.

How often are items backed up?

When a backup is running, the app scans the photo library every hour and backs up any new items that have been added or changed.

Will it automatically mount network volumes or NAS shares?

Yes, it will auto-mount network volumes like NAS shares on startup.

Can I make multiple backups in different locations?

Yes. Just change the backup destination to start a backup in a different location. If a backup already exists in the location, it will be resumed.

Can I move a backup to a different folder?

You can move the backup to a new folder, external drive, network location (NAS), etc., without problem. However, the backup needs to be run on the same Mac for continuing the backups.

Can I share a backup between different devices (i.e., can I back up to the same destination from different Macs)?

No. The backups are tied to the Mac that made them because the app uses a unique identifier tied to the specific Mac's library.