Library sync

Click ⟳ beside a source to sync it, or let changes in Apple Photos trigger an automatic sync.

Hold ⌥ while clicking ⟳, or use the source menu, to rescan from scratch. Before the first refresh, the source row shows uncatalogued photographs and estimated download size. Clicking refresh authorises the work; there is no separate first-run consent sheet. New photographs arriving from a phone do not trigger a large original download.

Changes made while Frames is closed are checked on launch. This includes overnight additions and completed card imports.

Access. If permission is missing, the row explains the problem and ⟳ requests access. Granting access starts sync and change monitoring. If refused, the row points to System Settings › Privacy & Security › Photos.

Changes and missing photographs. Sync adds and updates entries, marks departures and refreshes previews. Missing photographs keep their catalogue entries. If they return, their ratings and verdicts are restored.

Previews are rendered again only when the source modification time changes. Other Photos updates, such as a favourite change, do not require rendering. Work is processed in small batches to keep rating controls responsive. If Photos change history is no longer available, a full scan also refreshes known photographs and their previews when needed, preserving ratings and edits.

Failures. Failed renders are retried up to three times. Photographs without a local rendition are deferred separately. Errors remain on the source row until the next attempt.