How to Delete Photos on Mac but not on iCloud

Every user has their system synced with iCloud on multiple aspects such as files, images, calls, etc. If you are looking to delete photos on Mac but on iCloud, you can try out some of the easiest methods to do so.

To delete photos on the mac, all you need to do is to disconnect sync with the Photos app. That is all. For this, you can open the Apple ID on your Mac and choose iCloud. Here, you will find multiple apps synced to iCloud. Simply uncheck the Photos app. After this, start deleting whichever photos you want to delete.

This article provides details on how you can remove photos from your Mac but not from iCloud. 

How to Delete Photos on Mac but not on iCloud?

If iCloud Photos is turned on on your Mac then your storage is bound to get full sooner or later. That’s why deleting photos from your Mac while still keeping them on your iCloud drive is a good idea.

Read the instructions provided below to know more about the process.

• Sign in to your Mac and open System Preferences from the dock. Additionally, you can also click on the Apple logo in the Menu bar and select System Preferences from the list. It doesn’t end there, as you have yet another way to access System Preferences using a Spotlight search. Use the Command-Space key to launch the search bar, type in “system preferences” without the quotation marks, and hit the return key on the keyboard to open the app. 
• Now head to the Apple ID section and click on iCloud from the left menu.

• Towards the right side, you will find a list of apps and services that are associated with your iCloud Drive. Uncheck the box next to the Photos app. Now whichever photos you delete from your Mac won’t be deleted from your iCloud drive. 

Read How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software

How to Disable iCloud Photos on Mac?

Disabling iCloud Photos on your Mac is a rather straightforward process. Read the instructions provided below to know more about the process. 

• Sign in to your Mac and open the Photos app from the dock. If you cannot find the app on the dock you can take the help of a Spotlight search to do the same. Use the Command-Space key to launch the search bar, type in “photos” without the quotation marks, and hit the return key on the keyboard to open the app. 
• Once the photos app is open, move over to the Menu bar and click on the Photos tab. 
• Select Preferences from the list or you can also use the Command-Comma shortcut to do the same. 
• Click on the iCloud tab and make sure you uncheck the box next to the iCloud photos option. 

Now your Mac will stop syncing the photos from your iCloud account. However, you still need to delete the images to free up space. Use the instructions given below to do that. 

• Sign in to your Mac and open the Photos app from the dock. If you cannot find the app on the dock you can take the help of a Spotlight search to do the same. Use the Command-Space key to launch the search bar, type in “photos” without the quotation marks, and hit the return key on the keyboard to open the app. 
• Click on the Library tab from the side menu and select the images you want to remove. 
• Draw out the contextual menu by right-clicking on the pictures and choosing Delete from the list. Subsequently, you can also use the Delete key to do the same. 
• Head over to the Recently deleted tab from the side menu and select the Delete all button from the top of the window. 
• Choose Delete when asked for confirmation. 

Read How to Disconnect Your iPhone From Mac

How to Delete the Photo Albums on Mac?

Deleting a photo album from your Mac is extremely easy. Read the instructions provided below to know more about the process. 

• Sign in to your Mac and open the Photos app from the dock. If you cannot find the app on the dock you can take the help of a Spotlight search to do the same. Use the Command-Space key to launch the search bar, type in “photos” without the quotation marks, and hit the return key on the keyboard to open the app. 
• From the menu on the left side, click on the downward-pointing arrow next to the My Albums section to expand it. 
• Now, select the album you want to delete and right-click on it to display the context menu. 
• Select Delete Album from the list and click on Delete when you see the warning message pop up on the screen. 

Read How to Zoom in on Mac With Mouse

How Can I See my iCloud Photos Online?

To view your iCloud photos online, you need to go to the iCloud website and log in using your Apple iD and password. Read the instructions provided below to know more about the process. 

• Sign in to your Mac and open your preferred browser. 
• Head over to the iCloud website at iCloud.com. 
• Enter your details to access your iCloud drive. 
• You will find all your photos present here. 

Read How to Turn Off iCloud Photos on Mac

Can I Recover Deleted iCloud Photos on Mac?

If you want to get all the deleted photos back, you’re in luck—iCloud stores your photos and videos for thirty days after deletion. Read the details provided below to know more about the process.

• Sign in to your Mac and open the Photos app from the dock. If you cannot find the app on the dock you can take the help of a Spotlight search to do the same.
• Move the cursor over to the menu bar and click on Photos. Choose Preferences from the list. Subsequently, you can also use the Command-comma shortcut to do the same. 
• Select the iCloud tab and choose Download Originals to this Mac. 

Conclusion

That’s it for this article folks. As you saw there are several ways you can remove photos from your Mac but not your iCloud Drive. Furthermore, be sure to check out all the other tips and tricks mentioned in this article.

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