Google Photos has traditionally been a treasure trove for storing memories in the form of pictures and videos. However, with changes to its storage policy since summer 2023, users either need to pay for additional storage or take actions to export their libraries to avoid exceeding the new 15GB limit. This article offers a comprehensive guide on how you can effectively export your Google Photos library with ease, and explores alternatives for image backup.
Preparing for Google Photos Export: what You Need to Know Before Starting
The Paradigm Shift in Google’s Storage Policy
In an unexpected move in summer 2023, google ceased its offer of unlimited free storage on Google Photos. Instead, a cap of 15 GB has been placed – shared across Google Drive, gmail and Google Photos. It is important to note that any photos saved before June 1st, 2021 will not be affected by this change.
The Role of Google Takeout
To aid in exporting your data from its platforms, including Google Photos, google provides a service known as Google Takeout. Launched in 2011, this platform simplifies the process of transferring your precious memories onto another medium.
After understanding these pivotal details about the new policy and tools at hand, our next step guides you through the process.
The Step-by-Step Process to Download Your Complete Google Photos Library
Connect to your account
Prior to starting the download process using Google Takeout, ensure you are logged into your respective account where all images are stored. This first step is crucial as it gives you access rights for exportation.
The next stage delves into customizing settings for optimal downloading.
Customizing Export Settings for an Optimal Download
Choose your desired file type and resolution
In Google Takeout, you can personalize settings to suit your requirements. This includes choosing the file type of the exported data and its resolution. Tailoring these settings ensures that your images retain their original quality after export.
Once customization is complete, it’s a waiting game.
Waiting for the Download Link: what Waiting Time to Expect ?
Predicting download time
The waiting period varies based on your internet speed and the amount of data being processed. However, once completed, google will provide you with a link to download your exported photos.
After receiving this link, let’s explore how we can transfer these memories onto an external support.
Transferring Photos and Videos to External Support: instructions
Backing up to an external device
To create a secondary backup of your cherished memories stored in Google Photos, transferring them onto an external device is recommended. Make sure the space available on the external device is enough for all your files.
While Google Photos has been a go-to for many users, there are other platforms worth considering as well.
Exploring Alternatives to Google Photos for Backing Up Your Images
A plethora of options
Post shift in Google’s storage policy, users have considered alternatives for storing their images. With multiple options available such as Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive, it’s worth exploring before making a decision.
Finally, some additional tips to handle your photo library effectively post-exportation.
Additional Tips for Efficiently Managing Your Library After Export
Maintaining organization after exportation
After exporting your photos, it’s essential to organize them in a way that makes it easier for you to find and manage these memories. Using tags, creating separate folders for different events or dates can help maintain an efficient system.
Google’s change in storage policy has undoubtedly changed how we manage our photo libraries. However, with Google Takeout and other alternatives available, this transition need not be daunting. Remember to prepare adequately before the process, customize your settings optimally, allocate necessary external support and explore other platforms too. By doing so, we can continue to cherish our digital memories effectively for years to come.
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