Version: 1.0
Platform: macOS 26.0+
Developer: Codeform
About PhotoVault Backup
PhotoVault Backup is a simple, focused utility that creates local backups of your Apple Photos library. Export your entire library or filter by date range, with organized folder structures and real-time progress tracking.
Features
- Export all photos or filter by year/month
- Export specific albums (user albums and smart albums)
- Optional video export
- Choose between date-based or original camera filenames
- Automatic folder organization (YYYY/MM/ structure)
- Real-time progress with time estimates
- Storage validation before export
- Handles iCloud downloads automatically
- Preserves original file formats
- Optional backup reminder via Reminders app
System Requirements
- macOS 26.0 or later
- Access to Photos library
- Sufficient storage space for backup
Getting Started
1. Grant Photos Access
- Launch PhotoVault Backup
- Click "Request Access" when prompted
- Allow full Photos library access
2. Configure Export
- Choose export scope (All Photos, Specific Year, Specific Month, or Specific Album)
- Toggle "Include Videos" if desired
- Toggle "Use Original Filenames" to keep camera names (e.g., IMG_1234.jpg)
- Review estimated export size
3. Select Destination
- Click "Select Export Folder"
- Choose where to save your backup
- App will remember this location
4. Start Export
- Click "Start Export"
- Monitor progress and time estimates
- Cancel anytime if needed
- After completion, optionally set a backup reminder for next month
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are my photos exported?
Photos are exported to the folder you select, organized into year/month subdirectories:
Export Folder/
├── 2024/
│ ├── 01/
│ └── 12/
└── 2025/
└── 01/What file formats are supported?
All Photos library formats are preserved:
- Images: HEIC, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.
- Videos: MOV, MP4, etc.
What happens if files already exist?
You'll be prompted to choose:
- Overwrite: Replace existing files
- Skip: Keep existing files and skip duplicates
Does this work with iCloud Photos?
Yes! The app automatically downloads iCloud photos during export.
How long does export take?
This depends on:
- Number of photos/videos
- iCloud download speeds
- Storage device speed
- Time estimates are shown during export
Is my data safe?
Yes! PhotoVault Backup:
- Works completely offline
- Makes no network connections
- Stores no data except your folder preference
- Your photos remain entirely under your control
Troubleshooting
Photos library access denied
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Photos
- Ensure PhotoVault Backup is checked and set to "Full Access"
- Restart the app
Insufficient storage space
- Check available space at your destination
- Try a smaller export scope (specific month)
- Free up space or use external storage
Export seems stuck
- Check if iCloud downloads are in progress
- Check network connection (for iCloud downloads)
- Cancel and restart export if needed
App won't launch
- Ensure you have macOS 26.0 or later
- Try restarting your Mac
- Reinstall from the Mac App Store
Contact & Support
Email: hello@luissantanderart.com
Website: https://codeform.cl
For bug reports or feature requests, please include:
- macOS version
- PhotoVault Backup version
- Description of the issue
- Screenshots if applicable
Privacy
PhotoVault Backup does not collect any personal data. See our Privacy Policy for details.