3 min read
How to Use Photo Editing Extensions in Photos on Mac
Learn how to download, manage, and apply third-party photo editing extensions in the Mac Photos app, including version controls and copying restrictions.
To use third-party photo editing extensions in the Photos app on a Mac, you can access compatible apps directly from the editing toolbar Apple Support. These third-party apps may provide specialized filters or other photo adjustments Apple Support.
Downloading and accessing photo extensions
Go to the Photos app on your Mac, double-click a photo or video, and click Edit in the toolbar Apple Support. Next, click the Extensions button in the editing toolbar Apple Support. If you need to find an app, you can choose App Store from this menu and search for apps to add to Photos Apple Support. Once you follow the onscreen instructions to download and open an app, it appears when you click the Extensions button Apple Support.
Applying and saving third-party edits
When you click the Extensions button in the editing toolbar and choose an app, the extension or application opens with your photo active Apple Support. Make your changes within the extension window, save the photo, and close the third-party app window Apple Support. The main Photos window then shows your changes, where you can click Save Changes Apple Support.
Managing extension visibility
To organize which editing tools appear, double-click an item in the Photos app, click Edit, and click the Extensions button Apple Support. Choose Manage from the menu, then click the Info button located next to Photos Editing Apple Support. You can turn each app extension on or off from this screen Apple Support. After you click Done in the Photos app, click Edit again to return to the editing view; only the apps that are turned on will appear when you click the Extensions button Apple Support.
Comparing edits and preserving originals
When you change a photo or video, Photos keeps the original so that you can always undo your changes and revert to the original look Apple Support. To create a different version to edit, select the item and choose Image > Duplicate 1 Photo, or press Command-D Apple Support.
To temporarily see the original unedited image, click and hold the Compare button in the toolbar, or press and hold the M key Apple Support. Release the button or key to see the item with your edits again Apple Support. If you want to undo all your changes, select the photo or video and choose Image > Revert to Original, or click Revert to Original in the editing toolbar Apple Support.
Restrictions on copying extension adjustments
After editing an item, you can copy the edits you have made and paste them onto multiple items at a time Apple Support. However, you cannot copy and paste settings applied from third-party extensions, nor can you copy settings from the crop tool, retouch tool, or red-eye tool Apple Support.
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