How to Merge and Combine Apple Photos Libraries (All Methods Explained)
Over time, it’s easy to end up with multiple Apple Photos libraries — from old Macs, external drives, test libraries, or accidental duplicates.
The good news? Apple Photos gives you several safe ways to merge libraries together. The best method depends on whether you’re using iCloud Photos, how large your libraries are, and whether metadata like edits and albums matter to you.
This guide breaks down four different ways to merge Apple Photos libraries, including pros, cons, and when each option makes sense.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
• How to locate all Photos libraries on your Mac
• Why referenced photos matter before merging
• Four different ways to merge Photos libraries
• Which merge method works best with iCloud Photos
• When third-party apps are worth considering
• How to avoid data loss during a merge
📂 Finding Apple Photos Libraries
Photos libraries usually live in the Pictures folder, but they can also be on external drives or other locations.
You can locate libraries by:
• Searching Finder for .photoslibrary
• Holding Option while launching Photos
• Opening Photos → Preferences → Show in Finder
Knowing where each library lives is the first step before merging.
🔗 Understanding Referenced Photos
Before merging, it’s critical to confirm your photos are stored inside the library.
If “Copy items to Photos library” was disabled during imports, some photos may be referenced — meaning they live elsewhere on your Mac or drive.
Referenced photos should be consolidated before merging to prevent missing files.
📤 Method 1: Exporting and Importing
This is the most common — and Apple-recommended — approach.
You:
• Open the source library
• Select all photos
• Export with metadata and edits
• Import them into the destination library
Pros:
• Simple
• No special tools required
Cons:
• Creates duplicate files temporarily
• Can take significant time and storage
🧩 Method 2: Package Contents (Manual)
This method involves:
• Right-clicking a Photos library
• Choosing Show Package Contents
• Importing files from the Originals folder
Pros:
• Works with corrupted or legacy libraries
Cons:
• Edits, albums, and metadata may not transfer
• Not recommended unless other options fail
Think of this as a last-resort recovery method.
🧰 Method 3: Using PowerPhotos
PowerPhotos is a third-party tool designed specifically for managing Photos libraries.
It allows you to:
• Merge libraries
• Detect duplicates
• Preserve metadata
Pros:
• Most automated option
• Clean previews before merging
Cons:
• Paid software
For users managing many libraries, this can be a huge time saver.
☁️ Method 4: Merging with iCloud Photos
If both libraries use iCloud Photos, you can merge them by:
• Uploading one library to iCloud
• Switching system libraries
• Letting iCloud sync everything together
Important notes:
• Requires enough iCloud storage
• Can take hours or days depending on size
• Always download originals before switching
This method works best for users already invested in iCloud Photos.
⚠️ Important Safety Tips
• Always back up libraries before merging
• Download originals if using iCloud Photos
• Be patient — syncing takes time
• Verify photo counts before deleting anything
Merging libraries is safe when done deliberately.