How to Delete Photos from Your MacBook

As a long-time Mac user, I’ve realized how quickly photos can clutter our devices. From precious memories to screenshots for work, these images pile up faster than we expect. In this guide, I’ll share my tried-and-true methods for decluttering your MacBook by efficiently deleting photos.

Why Can’t I Delete Photos on My Mac?

There are several reasons you might have trouble deleting photos on a Mac. Often, photos are stored in multiple locations, which can cause confusion. Additionally, the Photos app might not always offer the option to delete certain images. If you face this issue, try deleting the photos from another device, like your iPhone or iPad, to rule out syncing problems.

Fortunately, Macs are intuitive. To delete a photo, you can find it in Finder and drag it to the trash bin in the dock. Alternatively, you can right-click the photo and select “Move to Trash.”

4 Ways to Delete Photos from MacBook

Removing photos may sound simple, but following these steps ensures you’re deleting them from all locations, including iCloud. Here’s how to manage and delete photos from your Mac efficiently.

1. Delete Duplicates Using the Photos App

The Photos app is my go-to tool for managing images. It even has a built-in feature to find and delete duplicate photos, helping you clean up unnecessary files.

Steps to Delete Duplicates:

1. Open the Photos app from the dock.
2. Import photos by clicking File > Import and selecting images from your Mac.
3. In the left sidebar, click on Duplicates.
4. Highlight the duplicate images and click Merge Items to remove them.

2. Delete Duplicates with Smart Folders

Smart Folders in Finder allow you to set parameters that automatically sort files, including photos, making it easier to identify and delete duplicates.

Steps to Use Smart Folders:

1. Open Finder from the dock.
2. Navigate to the location where you want to create the folder (the Pictures directory is ideal).
3. Click File > New Smart Folder.
4. Set parameters by clicking the + icon and choosing what criteria to search by (such as file type or date).
5. Once the images appear, right-click and select Delete or drag them to the trash.
6. Don’t forget to empty the trash bin to permanently delete the photos.

3. Remove Photos via Finder

Using Finder to delete photos is straightforward and offers flexibility. However, if your images aren’t well-organized, sorting through them might take some time.

Steps to Delete Photos via Finder:

1. Open Finder from the dock.
2. Navigate to the images you want to delete.
3. Select the photos by highlighting them.
4. Right-click and select Move to Trash or drag the images to the trash bin.
5. Empty the trash bin to permanently remove the images.

4. Delete Photos in the Photos App

Deleting photos within the Photos app is slightly different than using Finder. Many users find this confusing because the app can sync files across multiple Apple devices, and not all photos are stored locally on your Mac.

Steps to Delete Photos in the Photos App:

1. Open the Photos app from the dock.
2. Locate the photos you wish to delete by using the filters at the top or left sidebar.
3. Select the photos you want to delete, either one at a time or by highlighting multiple.
4. Right-click and select Delete (you cannot drag images from the Photos app to the trash bin).
5. To permanently delete the photos, go to the Recently Deleted folder and choose to remove them.

See More: How to Fix Mac Not Booting into Recovery Mode

FAQs

How do I completely wipe everything from my Mac?
To erase everything, open System Settings, go to General, and select Transfer or Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Note that this won’t affect content stored on iCloud.

Does erasing my Mac delete everything?
Yes, erasing your Mac will permanently delete all data on the device. However, photos and other files may still remain in your iCloud if it’s set to sync.

Does deleting photos from my Mac also delete them from iCloud?
If iCloud syncing is enabled, deleting photos on your Mac will also delete them from iCloud and all connected Apple devices.

Final Thoughts

Managing photos on your Mac doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding where your photos are stored and following these methods, you can keep your Mac clutter-free and running efficiently.

The key is finding a routine that works for you. Whether you’re a casual user or a photography enthusiast, these techniques will help you maintain an organized photo collection. And if manual deletion feels too time-consuming, consider using third-party software to help clean up your computer.