To export an imported photo in its original file format, select it in Photos on your Mac and choose File > Export > Export Unmodified Original. Choose any naming, folder, and metadata options, then select a destination and click Export Originals. This is different from the regular export command, which creates a file in a format and size you choose.
Export an unmodified original from Photos
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Open Photos on your Mac and select one or more photos or videos.
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Choose File > Export > Export Unmodified Original.
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In the export options, choose how to name the files and whether to organize them into subfolders. To include assigned IPTC information and keywords, enable Export IPTC as XMP; Photos writes that information to a separate XMP sidecar file.
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Click Export, choose a destination in Finder or on an external storage device, then click Export Originals.
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Apple describes this command as exporting photos in the file format in which they were imported into the library. The naming options include Photos titles, existing filenames, or sequential names. The command is for the unmodified imported file, not an edited rendition, and Apple does not promise that every Photos database field or organizational feature is included. Apple Photos User Guide: Export photos, videos, and slideshows.
Choose the right export command
| What you need | Photos command | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Imported file in its original format | File > Export > Export Unmodified Original | Exports the unmodified original file in its imported format. |
| A new file in a format you select | File > Export > Export [number] Photos | Lets you choose an output type such as JPEG, HEIC, TIFF, or PNG and adjust applicable size, quality, and color-profile settings. |
If your goal is an edited copy, use the regular export command and select the output format and settings you need. Do not use it when you specifically need the imported original. Apple also notes that you can drag items to Finder, but the Export commands provide more control over format, filenames, and subfolders. Apple Photos User Guide.
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What happens to Live Photos and metadata?
Live Photos
Exporting a Live Photo as an unmodified original produces two separate files: a still-image file and a video file. With the regular export command, you can instead export a Live Photo as a still image. Choose based on whether you want to preserve the motion component or only need a still.
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To carry assigned IPTC information and keywords alongside exported originals, enable Export IPTC as XMP. Photos creates a separate XMP sidecar; this is an explicit export option, not a guarantee that every kind of metadata is embedded in the image file.
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Export originals when using iCloud Photos
You can export from the System Photo Library without manually downloading each item from iCloud first. If your Mac is set to store optimized versions, selecting an item for viewing or editing causes Photos to download the complete original from iCloud. Choose a Finder folder or an external storage device as the export destination. Apple Support: Download iCloud photos and videos.
ProRAW files and storage space
Apple says ProRAW uses the DNG format, and an original, unedited ProRAW photo has a .dng extension. Use Export Unmodified Original to export the original ProRAW file. Apple states that ProRAW files are 10 to 12 times larger than HEIF or JPEG files, so account for the additional storage when exporting a collection. Apple Support: About Apple ProRAW.
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Where to save the exported files
A regular Finder folder is enough; an external drive is optional. If you are exporting a large collection, select a destination with enough free space, particularly if it includes ProRAW files. Photos lets you choose an external storage device directly as the export destination. Apple Support: Download iCloud photos and videos.
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