Introduction
If you are an avid Mac user, you have probably amassed a large collection of photos over time. However, as with any collection, there comes a time when you need to trim the excess. Deleting photos on a Mac may seem like a straightforward process, but it can be confusing for some users. In this article, we offer a step-by-step tutorial on how to delete photos on a Mac, along with additional tips and tricks to make the process easier.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Deleting photos on a Mac can be done through several methods, but the two most common are using the Photos app or Finder. You can choose which suits you best.
Using the Photos App
1. Open the Photos app by clicking on it in your Dock or searching for it in Spotlight.
2. Select the photos you want to delete by clicking on them or use Command + A to select all.
3. Click on “Edit” at the top right corner of the window.
4. Click the “Delete” button. Or you can simply press the “Delete” key on your keyboard after selecting the photos.
5. Confirm you want to delete the selected photos.
Using Finder
1. Open Finder.
2. Navigate to the folder that contains the photos you want to delete.
3. Select the photos you want to delete by clicking on them.
4. Drag the selected photos to the Trash folder in your Dock.
5. Empty the Trash folder to permanently delete the photos.
Video Tutorial
If you prefer to watch a tutorial video, we have you covered. Check out our video tutorial below for a demonstration on how to delete photos on a Mac using different methods.
Comparison of Methods
Both the Photos app and Finder methods have their own strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your needs, you may find that one method suits you better than the other.
Using the Photos App
Pros:
– Easy to use for beginners.
– Convenient for managing and organizing photos.
Cons:
– Deleting photos may take some time if there are a lot of photos to delete.
– The deleted photos may remain in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 30 days, taking up storage before they are permanently deleted.
Using Finder
Pros:
– Provides faster deletion for a large number of photos.
– Can be useful when cleaning up photos for external storage devices.
Cons:
– Does not have some of the advanced photo organization features of the Photos app.
– File names and metadata may not be displayed.
There are additional methods to delete photos on a Mac, including using the Terminal app or third-party apps. The Terminal app is suitable for advanced users who prefer to use command-line interfaces for their tasks. Third-party apps like Gemini or CleanMyMac X automate the deletion process and can save time.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks on how to delete photos on a Mac more efficiently:
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a faster way to select multiple photos in the Photos app:
– Use Command + Click to select multiple photos.
– Use Shift + Click to select a range of photos.
Batch Delete Photos
You can delete multiple photos at once by:
– Holding down Command and clicking on the photos you want to delete.
– Right-clicking on the selected photos, then selecting “Delete [number of] Photos”.
Automate Deletion with Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps like Gemini or CleanMyMac X can simplify the deletion process by automatically detecting and deleting duplicate or similar photos.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you may experience issues when deleting photos on a Mac.
Photos Not Deleting Properly
If you find that your photos do not delete properly, try restarting your computer and repeating the deletion process. Another solution is to force quit Photos and restart the app.
Photos Disappearing After Deletion
If you encounter the issue of deleted photos reappearing after deletion, this may be caused by Photos retaining information regarding the photos in other iCloud-enabled devices. To resolve this issue, turn off iCloud photo sync across your devices.
Security Considerations
It is important to securely delete your photos to ensure your privacy and data protection.
We recommend the use of the “Secure Empty Trash” feature. This feature overwrites the deleted data and ensures it cannot be recovered. To enable Secure Empty Trash, go to the Finder menu > Secure Empty Trash.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deleting photos on a Mac can be done through several methods, including using the Photos app and Finder. Depending on your needs, you may find that one method of deleting photos suits you better than the other. Additionally, using keyboard shortcuts, batch deleting, and third-party apps can help make deleting photos on a Mac more efficient. Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to protect your privacy and properly delete your photos by using the “Secure Empty Trash” function.
