Connect cloud storage or import Apple Photos

Use Cloud Storage to browse an account you own or are permitted to use. You need provider access, network connectivity, and local space for downloads. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive authorization and availability are controlled by their providers.

Connect and download

1. Open Cloud Storage in the header, or choose Cloud Import from the import menu.
2. Choose the provider/account connection workflow and complete its sign-in in the intended account. Review the access requested by the provider.
3. Browse to the desired folder. Confirm the account and folder, especially when work and personal accounts have similar names.
4. Select the files or folder to import and choose the offered local destination. Start the download and inspect the result.
5. Open the local copy in the normal grid before using tools that need originals. A remote preview is not a downloaded source file.
6. For a mirrored folder, use its refresh/cache actions to retrieve updates. Confirm local and remote results rather than treating cached thumbnails as current remote state.

Import from Apple Photos

On macOS, choose the Apple Photos import action and select items through the system picker. iCloud-backed items may need downloading before local staging completes. Choose the offered organization/destination settings and inspect partial-download or recovery messages. This is selection through Apple Photos, not an arbitrary iCloud-server browser. The staged file is a local copy, separate from the Photos library asset.

Upload or return results

Select the intended finished images and use the configured cloud upload/delivery action. A Google Drive mirrored-set workflow can create a new results subfolder with numbered copies and Copy Link/Open Drive actions, leaving originals intact. Confirm those files at the provider. A folder link may still require recipient permission; IBP does not make every folder public automatically.

Verification and problems

Test with a small non-sensitive file first. Check account, destination, file count, and whether the recipient can actually open a shared result. If authorization expires, reconnect the intended account; do not place credentials in image metadata. For incomplete downloads, retain the remote originals and inspect failed items before retrying. For preview-only collaboration use Edit Binders and Share Boxes; for Media Browser Pro and WordPress use Newsroom connections.