How to Play Live Photos on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

//

Michael Collins

Playing live photos on your Mac is a simple process that can bring your memories to life. With a few clicks, you can watch the moments you captured in motion, complete with sound. Let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial on how to play live photos on Mac.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Play Live Photos on Mac

Before we get into the steps, it’s important to know that playing live photos on your Mac can add an extra dimension to your photo viewing experience. You’ll be able to see and hear the moments just as they happened.

Step 1: Open Photos App

Open the Photos app on your Mac to get started.
The Photos app is where all your pictures and live photos are stored. You can find it in your Applications folder or by using Spotlight Search (Command + Spacebar).

Step 2: Select Live Photo

Click on the live photo you want to play.
Live photos have a small icon in the top left corner that looks like a set of concentric circles. This icon indicates that the photo has live content.

Step 3: Hover Over Live Photo

Hover your cursor over the live photo to play it.
When you move your mouse over the live photo, it will come to life and start playing automatically. You don’t need to click anything.

Step 4: Click on the Live Photo Button

You can also click the live photo button to play it.
The live photo button looks like a set of concentric circles and is usually located in the top left corner of the photo when viewing it.

Step 5: Enjoy the Moment

Sit back and enjoy watching your live photo.
Live photos can be a fun way to relive a memory. They capture a few seconds of video and sound before and after you take the photo, giving you a snippet of time to watch over and over.

After completing these steps, your live photo will play on your Mac. You can pause it, replay it, or move on to the next one. It’s a great way to relive your memories in a more dynamic way.

Tips for Playing Live Photos on Mac

  • Ensure your Mac’s operating system is up to date for the best live photo experience.
  • You can edit live photos in the Photos app just like regular photos—crop, adjust color, add filters, and more.
  • If you have a Force Touch trackpad, you can press firmly on the trackpad to play a live photo.
  • Live photos take up more space than regular photos, so keep an eye on your storage.
  • Share your live photos with friends and family. They can play them on their own Macs or iOS devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a live photo?

A live photo is a feature on Apple devices that records what happens 1.5 seconds before and after you take a picture.

Can I play live photos on devices other than a Mac?

Yes, you can play live photos on any Apple device that supports the feature, like iPhone, iPad, and some iPod models.

Will live photos play automatically?

Live photos will play automatically when you hover your cursor over them in the Photos app on your Mac.

Can I turn a live photo into a still photo?

Yes, you can extract a still image from a live photo in the Photos app.

Can I take live photos with my Mac?

No, you cannot take live photos with your Mac, but you can view them if they were taken with another Apple device.

Summary

  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Select the live photo you want to play.
  3. Hover over the live photo to play it.
  4. Click on the live photo button to play it.
  5. Enjoy watching your live photo.

Conclusion

Live photos are a fantastic way to make your memories more vivid and engaging. They add a new layer of depth to your photos, capturing sound and movement that bring you right back to the moment. Playing them on your Mac is a breeze and only enhances the viewing experience. Remember to keep your device up to date, manage your storage wisely, and don’t forget to share these little treasures with your loved ones. Following this guide, you’ll be reliving your favorite moments in no time. Whether it’s a laugh, a dance, or the rustling of leaves, live photos on Mac allow you to cherish these instants in all their glory.