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To export the imported file from Photos on a Mac, select the photo, then choose File > Export > Export Unmodified Original. Set any naming or folder options, choose a destination, and click Export Originals. This preserves the file format in which the item was imported; it does not create a newly formatted export.
Export photos in their original format
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Open Photos on your Mac and select one or more items.
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Choose File > Export > Export Unmodified Original.
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In the export options, choose how to name files: use Photos titles, existing filenames, or sequential names. Choose a subfolder organization option if you want Photos to group the exported files into folders.
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To export assigned IPTC information and keywords alongside the images, enable Export IPTC as XMP. Photos writes this information to a separate XMP sidecar file.
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Click Export, choose a Finder folder or an external storage destination, then click Export Originals.
Apple describes this command as exporting photos in the original file format in which they were imported into the library. It is the appropriate choice when you want the imported original rather than a file rendered in a different format.
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Choose the right export command for your goal
| Goal | Photos command | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the imported original format | File > Export > Export Unmodified Original | Exports the imported original file format. |
| Create a file in a chosen format | File > Export > Export [number] Photos | Lets you choose an output type such as JPEG, HEIC, TIFF, or PNG, with applicable size, quality, and color-profile options. |
The regular export option is useful when another app or service needs a particular format or size. It is not the route for exporting the imported original. Apple also allows dragging items from Photos to Finder, but the Export command offers more control over format, naming, and subfolders.
What happens to edits, Live Photos, and metadata
Edits
Export Unmodified Original exports the unmodified original, not an edited rendition. If you need a version with your Photos edits, use the regular Export [number] Photos command and select the output format and settings you need.
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Live Photos
An unmodified-original export of a Live Photo creates two separate files: a still image and a video. If you use the regular export command, you can instead export the Live Photo as a still image.
Metadata and library organization
The Export IPTC as XMP option writes assigned IPTC information and keywords to a sidecar file. The export options also let you choose filenames and subfolder organization. Do not assume that the original-file command carries every Photos database field or library feature: Apple documents the original format and these specific export options, not a guarantee for every piece of metadata or organizational data.
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Export originals when using iCloud Photos
You can export from the System Photo Library without manually downloading items first. If your Mac uses optimized storage and keeps smaller versions locally, selecting an item for viewing or editing causes Photos to download its complete original from iCloud. You can export to a Finder folder or an external storage device; an external drive is optional.
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Apple ProRAW uses the DNG format, and an original, unedited ProRAW photo has a .dng extension. In Photos, use File > Export > Export Unmodified Original to export the original ProRAW file. Plan for storage accordingly: Apple says ProRAW files are 10 to 12 times larger than HEIF or JPEG files.
Quick Recap
Apple guidance
- Apple Photos User Guide: Export photos, videos, and slideshows
- Apple Support: Set up and use iCloud Photos
- Apple Support: About Apple ProRAW
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