A Thousand Moments — Mac Photos Library Move Record
https://www.athousandmoments.com/move-photos-library-to-external-hard-drive/
Worksheet updated November 1, 2026. Record your own checks; this is not a guarantee.

BEFORE COPYING
Mac / macOS version:
Working library path and name:
Recent known import or edit to recognize:
Independent backup location and last verified date:
Destination drive name / format / free space:
Destination is supported local storage, not the Time Machine device: [ ]
Existing destination contents protected before any erase: [ ]
iCloud Photos enabled? / local download setting / download status:
Referenced originals outside the library? / locations / backup coverage:

COPY
Photos closed and imports/exports finished: [ ]
Library copied without removing the source: [ ]
Copy completed without connection errors: [ ]
External library opened / actual path recorded:
System Photo Library setting reviewed if relevant: [ ]

ACCEPTANCE
Recent import recognized: [ ]
Older and newer originals opened at useful size: [ ]
Video samples played beyond first frame: [ ]
Known albums and edits checked: [ ]
Referenced files accounted for: [ ]
Required full-size iCloud originals downloaded: [ ]
Sample originals exported successfully to separate test folder: [ ]
Library reopened from intended external location: [ ]
Independent backup covers new location and exclusions checked: [ ]
Remaining errors or uncertain items:

SEPARATE CLEANUP DECISION
Keep existing copies until checks and recovery coverage are satisfactory.
Deleting inside a synced library differs from removing an old closed library package.
Do not empty Trash as part of an unverified migration.
Verification date / person / next review: