How to Create a New System Library on Apple Devices

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If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you’ll notice that it can have only one Photos Library at a time. However, on a Mac, you have the option to create and store multiple Photos Libraries. This is a great way to organize your images, especially if you want to keep certain photo collections private or unlinked from iCloud so they don’t sync with your iPhone.

To get started, you need to create a new Photos Library on your Mac. You can even choose to save this Library on an external drive, which helps save space on your Mac. Just make sure the external drive is formatted either in APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Also, connect the drive directly to your Mac with a cable—avoid using network drives or cloud storage for this purpose. It’s important that the drive hasn’t been used with Time Machine before, as that can cause problems. Recent versions of macOS won’t open a Photos Library on a drive formatted for Windows or non-Mac systems because of potential damage to the database.

Once you have the drive ready, close the Photos app if it’s open. Hold down the Option key, click on the Photos app icon, and select “Create New” from the dialog that appears. At this point, you can choose your external drive as the location for the new Library. When the new Library opens, it will be empty, but you’re ready to start importing or syncing photos.

Next, you need to tell your Mac to recognize this new Library as your system Library. To do this, go to Photos > Settings > General, and click on “Use as System Photo Library.” If this option is grayed out, it means the Library is already set as your system Library. Remember, only the system Library can connect to iCloud and sync your photos online.

After setting the new Library as your system Library, go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud, and turn on Photos. Be sure to select “Download Originals” to download the full-resolution images to your Mac and keep them safe. If you choose “Optimize Mac Storage,” you’ll only get compressed, lower-resolution versions, which are not ideal for backups.

Once everything is set up, give it some time. The Photos app will sync with iCloud and start filling your new Library with full-sized images. Make sure your new Library contains all your photos before deleting any older copies from other Libraries or devices.

To open a specific Library, just hold the Option key and click on the Photos icon or double-click on the Library file directly. This way, you can easily switch between multiple Libraries whenever you need.

This method keeps your photos organized, makes data management easier, and gives you better control over what syncs across your Apple devices.