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Backing Up your Photos to iCloud
Do you have a burgeoning photo collection? Photos are repositories of cherished memories. When you look at them, you are reminded of the specific moment or the time spent with loved ones. You cannot afford to lose these precious photos, and this is why most users turn to iCloud and other cloud-based storage solutions.
For Apple users, iCloud is a convenient and reliable option. But it is not the only one. This guide delves into iCloud’s features and limitations and also explores a variety of cloud-based storage alternatives so you can safely back up your photos.
Apple’s iCloud: A Brief Understanding
Apple’s iCloud is a cloud storage service that integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. The features offered are:
- Backups are automatic, and you can sync the backups across your Apple devices. This ensures your images are updated.
- The cloud storage service is user-friendly, and the images can be accessed through the web or from any Apple device.
- Albums and photos can be shared easily with loved ones without comprehensive options for comments and collaboration.
- iCloud uses end-to-end encryption so your photos are secure.
- The cloud storage service offers 5GB of free storage, and there are paid options for additional storage plans.
So, how to back up photos on Mac using iCloud? Click the Apple menu > System Preferences (or System Settings) > click Apple ID > iCloud > choose Photos in the sidebar > click the switch next to Sync This Mac. All your photos will get automatically uploaded to iCloud. Since photos take up a large amount of storage, your computer may experience a system slowdown during the transfer process.
While iCloud is a good cloud storage option, you might consider alternatives because of the following reasons:
- iCloud can be expensive, especially if you require a lot of storage space.
- Apple’s iCloud is criticized for its lack of transparency about how it collects and uses user data.
- The cloud storage service is only compatible with Apple devices. Hence, if you use a mixture of non-Apple and Apple devices, you may want to consider other cloud storage services.
Now, let’s explore the iCloud alternatives to consider.
Popular iCloud Alternatives to Consider
Google Photos
This is a popular alternative offering a generous amount of storage for videos and photos. This cloud service provides seamless and user-friendly cross-platform access, making it suitable for iOS and Android users.
You can use Google Photos to organize your images, create albums, and share them with your loved ones. Also, this is a cost-effective solution.
Dropbox
If you are looking for a user-friendly, versatile, and cross-platform cloud storage service, Dropbox is a good option. This cloud service offers users control over the management and organization of their files. Also, there is a Camera Uploads feature that syncs photos to the cloud automatically. The free storage space is limited, but you can expand the space by upgrading to a paid plan or through referrals.
Amazon Photos
This cloud service with unlimited storage is available for Amazon Prime members. You can store all your photos and videos in their original quality. Utilize its Family Vault feature to share videos or photos with near and dear ones.
SmugMug:
Are you seeking a niche photo-sharing platform? SmugMug is worth checking out. The platform is designed for creatives and photographers interested in showing off their work. The platform also offers customization options, and users can sell digital downloads and prints.
This might not be your traditional storage solution, but it is an excellent option for photographers who want to showcase their work. You can upload your photos for display and have the peace of mind that your photos are protected.
Flickr:
Flickr is a known name in the photography community. This reputed photo-sharing platform also provides cloud storage options. Users get 1,000 GB of free storage space so they can properly organize their pictures into albums. You can also share your photos with the entire Flickr community or privately with your near and dear ones.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Do you use the comprehensive series of creative tools by Adobe? If so, you can consider Adobe Creative Cloud. This service offers 20 GB of free space and integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Thanks to this integration, you can easily sync your edited images across devices and even collaborate with others.
Summing Up
So, there you have it. The guide offers information on iCloud being a good cloud-based storage option, but it has its drawbacks. Whether you are simply looking for a cheaper alternative or a service with professional features for your photography work, you can check out the list mentioned above. Ensure to select the right option that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Also, do your due diligence and independent research because this list isn’t exhaustive.
Do you recommend any iCloud alternatives? Leave a comment.
