Apple Photos Library Migration - Part One

1. Prepare the Working Environment

• Ensure the external drive is formatted as APFS to host the Photos Library.
• Create a new, blank Photos Library on the external drive using Photos’ Option + New Library feature.
• Verify sufficient free space for unzipped Takeout data, temporary processing, and the final library.

2. Unzip Google Takeout Archives

• Expand all ZIP files into a single temporary root folder.
• Maintain Google’s folder structure to preserve metadata matching.

3. Install Metadata Tools

• Install ExifTool to merge JSON metadata into media files.
• Ensure command-line utilities like find and xargs are available (built into macOS).

4. Merge Metadata

• For each JSON file from Takeout, write creation date, GPS location, titles, and descriptions into the corresponding image/video using ExifTool.
• Optionally archive or remove JSON files after merging.
• Verify metadata on sample files using Finder Info.

5. Clean Up and Normalize

• Check for duplicates using ExifTool, folder hashing, or third-party apps like PowerPhotos.
• Ensure filenames are legal and extensions consistent.

6. Import into Photos Library

• Use Photos’ built-in import tool in manageable batches to avoid UI freezes.
• Confirm correct chronological ordering, GPS mapping, and titles.

7. Validate the Client Library

• Open Photos with Option-key selection to confirm the library loads correctly.
• Ensure Smart Albums, keyword search, and location search work.
• Do not set this as a System Photo Library if iCloud is not used.

8. Deploy the Library to the Client

• Copy the final library to the client’s APFS drive or Pictures folder.
• Fix permissions if transferring between user accounts.
• Have the client open Photos while holding the Option key to select the new library.

9. Configure Time Machine Backup

• Use a second disk exclusively for Time Machine backups.
• Ensure the Photos Library is included in the backup set.
• Run an initial full backup to secure the client’s library.