← All ToolsGuide
This guide covers how to export your Google Photos library and import it into any destination — not just Apple Photos. The same approach works for iCloud, Lightroom, Amazon Photos, OneDrive, a local hard drive, or any other photo storage.
Step 1 — Download your Google Photos library:
1. Go to takeout.google.com and sign in.
2. Click "Deselect all", then scroll to "Google Photos" and enable it.
3. Choose your settings:
- File type: .zip (or .tgz for large libraries)
- Maximum archive size: 50 GB (larger = fewer files to download)
- Export frequency: "Export once"
4. Click "Create export". Google will email you when it is ready.
5. Download all ZIP files from the email (large libraries split into multiple files).
Step 2 — Audit metadata before importing:
Google exports photos WITH their JSON sidecar files (.json). Most photo apps ignore these sidecar files, so dates and GPS data may be missing or wrong after import.
Use the Google Photos Metadata Audit to match media files to sidecars and download a manifest of the dates, locations, titles, and descriptions available for review. The beta does not write sidecar values into image files. Apply any needed changes with a metadata editor and verify a small sample before importing the full library.
Step 3 — Import into your destination:
- **Apple Photos (Mac)**: File → Import → select the folder.
- **Lightroom Classic**: File → Import Photos and Video → select the folder; enable "Don't import suspected duplicates".
- **Amazon Photos**: use the Amazon Photos desktop app → Upload folder.
- **OneDrive / iCloud Drive**: drag the folder into the desktop app or web uploader.
- **Local storage**: copy the original photos, sidecars, and audit manifest to your chosen hard drive or NAS.
Step 4 — Verify your timeline:
After importing, spot-check a few photos from different years to confirm the dates are correct. If any photos land on today's date, compare them with the audit manifest and original JSON sidecars before editing the source files.