👣 Step-by-Step: Import SD Card Photos to Mac

🔌 Step 1 — Insert the SD Card

Plug your SD card into your Mac:

— 💻 If your Mac has an SD card slot, insert the card directly
— 🔌 If not, use a USB card reader or adapter

Once inserted, your card should show up on the desktop or in the Finder sidebar.

🖼️ Step 2 — Open the Photos App or Finder

You’ve got two easy options to transfer images:

➤ Option 1: Use the Photos app

  1. Open the Photos app

  2. Select the SD card in the sidebar

  3. Click Import All or select specific images to import

✅ Imported images will be saved to your Mac’s Photos Library

➤ Option 2: Use Finder

  1. Open Finder and locate the SD card

  2. Navigate to the DCIM folder (or similar)

  3. Drag & drop the image files into a folder on your Mac

✅ This keeps the files in their original format and folder structure

💡 Tip: Want to edit or organize photos after import?

Try organizing them in Photos, or move them into your own project folders in Finder for easier access.

🚫 Mac Won’t Read SD Card?

Try these quick fixes:

— 💳 Make sure the SD card isn’t locked (check the physical switch)
— 🔌 Try a different card reader or USB port
— 🧼 Clean the SD card contacts (carefully!)
— 💾 Format the card on another device — or try accessing it from a different Mac
— 🧠 Restart your Mac and try again

Still stuck? Try Disk Utility to see if the card is detected:

  1. Open Disk Utility

  2. Check the left panel for your SD card

  3. If it appears, try Mounting it or running First Aid

❓ FAQ

🖼️ Can I import only selected photos?

Yes — in the Photos app, just click the ones you want before hitting Import Selected.

📁 Where do the imported files go?

— Photos app → Library
— Finder method → Wherever you choose to save them

💽 What formats are supported?

macOS supports JPG, PNG, HEIC, RAW, and most popular image formats.