Photo Shortlist
Help with
Photo Shortlist.
A few answers to help you keep choosing with confidence.
Does saving choices delete photos?
No. It saves your selections in Photo Shortlist. Removal happens separately in Review choices, after you confirm the displayed batch.
Does choosing an album only remove photos from that album?
No. Confirmed removal affects your Photos library. If you use iCloud Photos, it also affects devices syncing that library. The filter controls which eligible photos appear for review.
Can I recover a removed photo?
Open Apple Photos, choose Recently Deleted, select the photo and choose Recover. Photos normally keeps deleted items there for 30 days, unless they are permanently deleted sooner. Recovery happens in Photos, not Photo Shortlist.
Photo Shortlist cannot access my photos.
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Photos and check Photo Shortlist’s access. Return to the app and try again.
Opening the app does not immediately request permission. Choose Find similar photos, or use the explicit access action in Filters, to begin.
Why is a photo downloading?
Automatic downloads are enabled by default. Photo Shortlist can ask Photos to download the detail needed for a photo you’re viewing. Choose Manual in Settings to download individual photos yourself.
Download to find more matches is a separate action. It allows discovery downloads within your current album and date selection.
What happens to edited photos and Live Photos?
The app compares the current version shown in Photos, including edits. An original and its edits belong to one photo; they are not separate entries.
A Live Photo remains one Photos asset. Removing it removes the whole asset, including its motion. Use its Live badge to play motion when available.
Why can’t I save choices yet?
Keep at least one photo and let every photo in the group finish loading. Follow the message beside Save choices; you may need to scroll, download or retry a photo.
Can I keep more than the suggested aim?
Yes. The aim helps guide comparisons. Your final Keep checkboxes are freely adjustable, as long as you keep at least one photo.
Can I come back to a group later?
Your unfinished work and saved choices are stored on this Mac. You can close the app and resume later. Skip photos… also lets you leave a group for later or set photos aside.
Why are some saved choices outside my selection?
A saved comparison can contain photos outside the selected album or dates. Review shows matching photos, but changing a partial comparison requires All photos · All dates so you can consider the whole group.