Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
Below are the to transfer your library, ranging from official Google tools to manual downloads. Method 1: Using Google Takeout (Best for Large Libraries) Google Takeout is the official way to export all your data. It’s perfect for transferring thousands of photos without breaking the link between albums and metadata (like dates and locations). how to transfer google photos to macbook
If you’re running out of Google cloud storage, switching to a local backup, or simply want offline access to your memories, moving your photos from Google Photos to your MacBook is a smart move. Unlike a simple drag-and-drop, Google Photos uses a unique folder structure that requires a few specific methods. Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner
Download the zip files to your MacBook, then double-click each to extract the folders. Inside, you’ll find your photos organized by album and year. Note: Photos compressed by Google (High quality) will be restored to original size, but live photos and edited versions may appear as separate files. Method 2: Google Drive for Desktop (Best for Ongoing Sync) If you want a continuous connection between Google Photos and your Mac’s Finder, use Google Drive for Desktop. It’s perfect for transferring thousands of photos without
Go to photos.google.com on your Mac’s browser.
Find the zip in your “Downloads” folder, double-click to unzip, then drag the photos into the Photos app or a Finder folder. Warning: Google strips metadata (like location and original date) when downloading individual photos. For archival purposes, use Method 1. Method 4: Using an iPhone Sync (If You Still Have Original Photos on Your Phone) If your photos are still on your iPhone and you use Google Photos only as a backup, you can bypass Google entirely.