Import photos from storage devices and DVDs using Photos on Mac
If you have photos or videos saved on a hard disk or other storage device, you can import them into Photos.
Import from a hard disk, optical disc or flash drive
Connect the device to your Mac.
In Photos, choose File > Import, then select the items you want and click Review for Import.
To set where to import the items, click the Album pop-up menu and choose a location.
Note: If you participate in an iCloud Shared Photo Library, choose Your Library or Shared Library from the Add To pop-up menu.
If you selected a folder that contains other folders, choose Library (you can’t import a group of folders into an album).
Do one of the following:
If you selected multiple photos or videos, click Import All New Photos, or select the ones you want to import and click Import [number] Selected.
If you selected a folder of items that contains other folders organised in a way you want to maintain, select the Keep Folder Organisation tickbox, then click Import All New Photos.
Imported photos appear in the Imports and Photos albums in the sidebar.
Tip: You can also import photos by dragging files or folders from the Finder to the Photos window or to the Photos icon in the Dock.
Import from a card reader or SD card
Insert the card into your computer’s SD card slot, or connect a card reader to your computer and insert the card into the card reader.
In Photos, choose File > Import, then select the photos or videos you want and click Review for Import.
Note: If you participate in an iCloud Shared Photo Library, click the Library pop-up menu in the toolbar and choose the library to import into.
If you selected multiple photos or videos, do one of the following:
Import all new photos: Click Import All New Photos.
Import a selection of photos: Click the photos you want to import, then click Import Selected.
If a message asks whether you want to delete or keep the photos on your card after importing them, click Delete Items or Keep Items.
To cancel importing, click Stop Import.
When all photos have been imported, eject the card from your computer or card reader.
Imported photos appear in the Imports and Library albums in the sidebar.