How to Transfer Photos from Mac to iPad with or without iTunes?

Whether it's for backing up or sharing photos between different devices, knowing how to transfer photos from Mac to iPad is a very useful skill. The first method you may think of is getting help from iTunes, but some Apple users may not like to use it.

Fortunately, this article will introduce several methods for transferring photos from a Mac to an iPad, covering both solutions using iTunes and those that do not require iTunes. Let's take a look.

Part 1. How to Transfer Photos from Mac to iPad with iTunes

At the thought of transferring photos from one Apple device to another, the first reaction for many people is to use iTunes. It is an official tool provided by Apple that helps users easily transfer photos from a Mac to an iPad. However, using iTunes to sync photos can lead to data loss on the target device. Existing media files on the iPad will be replaced by the items being synced.

If you don't mind, here is how to transfer pictures from MacBook to iPad using iTunes:

Step 1. Before we start, you should make sure you are using the latest iTunes version.

Step 2. Then, start the latest iTunes. Plug your iPad into a Mac with a USB cable.

Step 3. Choose "Photos" on the left sidebar to tick the "Sync Photos". Then, set or create a folder to export photos to iPad.

Step 4. You are required to choose "All photos and albums" or "Selected albums". Next, press "Apply" to transfer pictures from Mac to iPad.

In macOS Mojave and earlier, you can use iTunes to transfer photos from a Mac to an iPad. For Macs running macOS Catalina and later, iTunes has been replaced by Finder for this purpose. To copy photos from a Mac to an iPad using Finder in macOS Catalina and later:

Step 1. Open Finder and connect your iPad to your Mac with a USB cable.

Step 2. Unlock your iPad and trust the computer; enter your passcode if prompted.

Step 3. In Finder, select your iPad and choose the category you want to share, such as Photos, Music, Movies, or TV shows.

Step 4. Check the "Sync" option and select the files you wish to transfer.

Step 5. Click "Apply" to begin transferring the files to your iPad.

Part 2. How to Transfer Photos from Mac to iPad Without iTunes

Now that we've covered the limitations of iTunes, let's explore how to sync photos from Mac to iPad without using iTunes. Here, we have four methods to consider.

Way 1. How to Import Photos from Mac to iPad Using Mac to iPad Transfer

If you don't want to use iTunes, the most effective and easiest way is using Mac to iPad Transfer. It is a powerful data management tool that helps users transfer data between iOS devices and computers. It supports various file formats and features a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for users who need to transfer photos in bulk without relying on iTunes.

Highlights of Mac to iPad Transfer:

• Transfer photos from your Mac/PC to your iPad quickly and safely.
• Move a variety of data, such as photos, music, contacts, movies, playlists, voice memos, music videos, books, and more, between your computer and iPad, iPhone, or iPod.
• Easily import iTunes content to your iPhone or computer.
• Fully compatible with all iPad, iPhone, and iPod models, including the latest iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2.

Here is how to transfer pictures from Mac to iPad using Mac to iPad Transfer:

01Click the download button below to download the Mac version of this tool to your computer. Then, launch it.

Free Download for Mac

Free Download for PC

02Plug your iPad into your MacBook with a USB cable. After the automatic detection, several data categories will show on the interface below.

03Hit "Photos" and touch "+" in the top menu, browse for the pictures on your Mac that you want to upload, and transfer them to your iPad.

Tips: After you complete photo transfer from Mac to iPad, do you want to know how to transfer files from iPad/iPhone to Mac? Click here >>

Way 2. How to Send Photos from Mac to iPad via AirDrop

Android mobile harbors a feature of Bluetooth, which can be used for Android transfer. However, this feature is called AirDrop when it comes to iDevices. To use AirDrop, you will need to open Wi-Fi beforehand, and make sure the two iDevices are in the same network. However, AirDrop is only suitable for transferring small files. (Is AirDrop stuck on waiting?)

Here is how to transfer photos from Mac to iPad via AirDrop:

Step 1. On your Mac, navigate to "Finder" > "Go" > "AirDrop" to enable Wi-Fi & Bluetooth to switch on AirDrop on Mac. Then opt for "Allow to be discovered by" as "Everyone" or "Contacts Only".

Step 2. On your iPad, slide up from the bottom of the device screen to enter into Control Center. Next, hit "AirDrop" and set the iPad to be discovered by "Everyone" or "Contacts Only" as above.

Step 3. To transfer photos from your Mac to your iPad:

• Drag the photos to the recipient's icon in the AirDrop window and click "Send".
• Alternatively, open the photo you want to share, click the "Share" option, select "AirDrop", choose your iPad's name, and click "Done".

Way 3. How to Copy Photos to iPad from Mac with iCloud Photos

iCloud Photos is a convenient way to sync photos across all Apple devices. Simply enable iCloud Photos, and your photos will automatically sync to your iPad. Ensure you're using the same Apple ID on both devices and that there is sufficient iCloud storage available for your photos. (iCloud storage is not enough?)

Here is how to export photos to iPad from Mac with iCloud Photos:

Step 1. On your iPad, Open "Settings" > tap your name > select "iCloud". Choose "Photos" and make sure "iCloud Photos" is enabled.

Step 2. On your Mac, click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences" > go to "iCloud" and sign in.

Step 3. Click "Options" next to "Photos" and check the box for "iCloud Photos". This will upload all the photos in the Photos app on your Mac to iCloud.

Once syncing is complete, you can access these photos from the Photos app on your iPad.

Way 4. How to Put Photos from Mac to iPad Through Email

Sending photos via email is also a simple and straightforward method, suitable for quick transfers of a small number of photos. It doesn't require additional software or hardware support, but it may be limited by attachment size restrictions.

Here is how to send photos from Mac to iPad with iTunes:

Step 1. Open the Mail app on your Mac and compose a new email.

Step 2. Attach the photos you want to transfer to the email and send them to your own email address.

Step 3. Open the Mail app on your iPad, download the attachment, and save it to the Photos app.

Final Thoughts

The above 5 methods aim at how to transfer photos from Mac to iPad. Have you got the point? These solutions are summed up from the most commonly used ways of transferring photos between iDevices by Apple users. I believe you must be able to try them with ease. After all, sending photos and other files between Apple devices is relatively simple. Of these methods, personally, I prefer the first method - Mac to iPad Transfer. It supports the transfer of many files other than photos, and it is easy to operate, and there is almost zero negative feedback.

I hope these methods help you transfer photos from your Mac to your iPad smoothly. Whichever method you choose, I hope you enjoy a convenient experience.

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