macOS processes › Photos and media
What is photolibraryd on Mac?
photolibraryd manages your Photos library database and gives Photos and other apps access to your pictures. It's busy during imports, iCloud Photos syncing and library upgrades.
What it does
The Photos app, and any app that uses Apple's photo picker or photo library access, go through photolibraryd to read and change the library. It keeps the library database consistent and works with cloudphotod for iCloud Photos and with the analysis processes.
Why it gets busy
- Importing photos or videos, especially large batches.
- Upgrading or repairing the library after a macOS update.
- iCloud Photos syncing many changes.
- Another app reading your whole library, like a backup or photo editing app.
Why is photolibraryd using so much CPU?
photolibraryd is busy when the Photos library is being imported into, synced or upgraded. Let that work finish; it's normal after updates and big imports.
Is it safe to quit?
Quitting it while Photos is writing can interrupt an import or sync, and macOS restarts it anyway.
How to calm it down
- Let imports and library upgrades finish before quitting Photos.
- If Photos asks to repair the library, let the repair finish without force quitting.
- Review apps with access to your photos in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Photos and remove ones you don't use.
In SystemWatch
In the website edition of SystemWatch you can see photolibraryd's open files, which shows whether it's working on your main Photos library or another one.
