What are the different cloud storage services?
The most popular cloud storage services for consumers are Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, and Amazon Photos. Each service provides a certain amount of free storage space, usually around 5-15GB, with options to purchase additional storage. The services allow you to upload files from your computer or mobile device to the cloud and then access those files from any device by logging into your account. Some key differences:
- Dropbox pioneered the personal cloud storage space. It has robust syncing capabilities.
- Google Drive deeply integrates with other Google services like Gmail and Photos.
- OneDrive is bundled with Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions.
- iCloud is the obvious choice for Apple device owners.
- Amazon Photos offers unlimited photo storage for Prime members.
The choice often depends on what other ecosystem you are invested in. For example, if you use a lot of Google services, Google Drive may be the most convenient option. iCloud is specifically designed to work seamlessly with iPhones, iPads and Macs.
How do I access my cloud storage?
To access your cloud storage, you simply need to login to your account on the service’s website or mobile app. For example:
- For Dropbox, go to www.dropbox.com or open the Dropbox mobile app.
- For Google Drive, go to drive.google.com or open the Google Drive app.
- For OneDrive, go to onedrive.live.com or open the OneDrive app.
- For iCloud, open the iCloud app on your Apple device or visit www.icloud.com.
- For Amazon Photos, go to www.amazon.com/photos or open the Amazon Photos app.
Sign in with your account credentials. Once you’re logged in, you will see all the files and folders you have stored in your cloud account. You can access, view, download, etc. your files from any internet-connected device. Some services like Dropbox and Google Drive also let you access your files from File Explorer or Finder as if they were local files.
How do I find my photos in the cloud?
Most cloud services provide quick access to your photos in their web and mobile apps. Here’s how to find your photos on the major services:
Dropbox
On the web, click “Photos” on the left sidebar. On mobile, tap the “Photos” tab at the bottom. This will display thumbnail previews of all your photos uploaded to Dropbox. You can also access your photos inside the Camera Uploads folder.
Google Drive
On the web, photos are located inside the Google Photos folder. On mobile, open the Google Photos app which contains all your Drive photos. You can also search for “photos” in Drive search bar.
OneDrive
On the web, click “Photos” link on the left. On mobile, tap “Photos” tab at bottom. This displays your photo library. Photos are also located in Camera Roll, Screenshots and Public folders.
iCloud
On iPhone/iPad, open the Photos app and select the iCloud Photos section. On Mac, open Photos app and select iCloud tab. On icloud.com, click Photos icon.
Amazon Photos
On the web, click “Photos” tab. On mobile, open Amazon Photos app. You can also view your photos at photos.amazon.com. All your uploaded photos will be displayed.
Additionally, most services let you search for specific photos by keywords, location, people tags, etc. The search bar is your friend for finding a particular photo quickly.
How do I download photos from the cloud to my computer?
Downloading your photos from cloud storage to your local device allows you to free up space on your phone or have backups on an external hard drive. Here are the basic steps for the major services:
Dropbox
On dropbox.com, navigate to Photos or Camera Uploads. Hover over a photo, click the three dots menu, and select “Download.” You can download single photos or select multiple to download in bulk.
Google Drive
On drive.google.com, open the Google Photos folder. Check the boxes next to photos you want to download, then click the “Download” button. Choose to download them as a ZIP file.
OneDrive
On onedrive.live.com, go to Photos section. Click “Select” to choose photos, then click “Download” button. Choose to download as ZIP archive.
iCloud
On iCloud.com, click Photos. Cmd+click (Mac) or Ctrl+click (Windows) to select multiple photos, then right click and choose Download. You can also click Options menu > Download All.
Amazon Photos
On photos.amazon.com, click image then click Download button. You can select up to 50 photos at once to download as a ZIP file.
The downloaded photos will go into your computer’s default Downloads folder or wherever you specify. Make sure to save copies of your downloaded cloud photos onto an external drive as another backup.
How do I upload photos to the cloud?
Uploading photos from your computer or device to cloud storage is just as easy as downloading. Here are quick tips for the top services:
Dropbox
On dropbox.com, click Upload button then choose Photos. Select files and folders on your computer to upload. The Dropbox desktop app also automatically uploads screenshots and camera photos.
Google Drive
On drive.google.com, drag and drop files from your computer into Google Photos folder. You can also click New then File Upload. The Backup and Sync app mirrors photos/videos from computer folders.
OneDrive
Click Upload > Files in the OneDrive web interface. Choose photo files/folders to upload. The OneDrive desktop app can automatically upload your Camera Roll folder.
iCloud
On iCloud.com, click Photos icon then Upload to upload files from computer. On iPhone, enable iCloud Photo Library in Settings to automatically sync camera photos.
Amazon Photos
On photos.amazon.com, click Upload and choose photo files or drag and drop. The Amazon Photos app also auto-uploads photos on mobile devices.
Most cloud services also let you upload photos directly from mobile apps. Enabling auto-upload from your camera roll is an easy hands-off way to backup all your device’s photos.
How do I share photos from the cloud?
Cloud storage makes sharing photos with others no matter where they are super simple. Here’s how to share from the big providers:
Dropbox
Select photos/albums and click Share button. Choose to invite people to a shared folder or create shareable link. Can set permissions and password protect.
Google Drive
Inside Google Photos folder, check boxes next to photos then click Share button. Enter people’s emails or create shareable link. Can adjust link share settings.
OneDrive
Select photos then click Share button. Type contacts’ emails or names. Can set share permissions and password protect.
iCloud
Tap Share button in Photos app and choose photos. Click Add Name and type contacts to share album. Can choose who can make edits.
Amazon Photos
Click photo then select Share. Choose friends or groups, or get a shareable link. Can set expiration date for view-only links.
Sharing individual photos is great for sending to one or two people. For sharing broader access to your entire photo library, check if your cloud service offers shared albums, family plans, or partnerships like Amazon’s Prime Photo Sharing.
How do I manage storage space for photos?
As your photo library grows over time, storage limits can become an issue. Here are tips to manage your cloud photo storage:
- Leverage free storage tiers (15GB on Google, 5GB on Dropbox, 5GB on iCloud).
- Optimize photos to reduce file sizes – most services do this automatically.
- Delete blurry, duplicate, unneeded photos.
- Download photos to local storage then delete cloud copies.
- Use external drives to back up cloud contents and make space.
- Upgrade to paid cloud storage plans with more space when needed.
- Take advantage of promotional storage offers and referrals.
- Pool family cloud accounts together (Google Family, iCloud Family Sharing).
With a few careful housekeeping steps, you can keep your cloud photo library organized and avoid hitting storage limits over time.
What are the best practices for cloud photo security?
While cloud services make accessing your photos convenient, there are also security risks to be aware of. Follow these best practices:
- Enable two-factor authentication on your cloud account for stronger login security.
- Use strong, unique passwords for cloud accounts and update periodically.
- Review account activity and alerts for suspicious logins.
- Be cautious of public WiFi when accessing cloud accounts.
- Share photos only with trusted individuals.
- Check sharing and link settings to disallow public access.
- Limit app permissions to only what’s needed.
- Turn on device-level encryption such as bitlocker or FileVault.
Protecting your cloud photo library goes beyond basic password hygiene. Take a layered approach for robust security.
What are alternatives to mainstream cloud services?
Mainstream options like Google Photos, iCloud and Dropbox dominate the consumer cloud storage market. However, there are alternative services to consider:
- pCloud – Based in Switzerland, offers robust security and control over data.
- Sync.com – Zero-knowledge encryption and privacy focus.
- Photobucket – One of the first photo-focused cloud services.
- SmugMug – Tailored features for photographers.
- Flickr – Yahoo-owned photo community and storage.
- Imgur – Popular image hosting site.
- 500px – Photo platform with licensing options.
Evaluating factors like privacy, price, features, and ease of use is important when choosing any cloud provider for your photos.
Conclusion
Storing photos in the cloud comes with great convenience but also some risks. Understanding the leading services’ options for accessing, downloading, uploading, sharing, managing, and securing cloud-based photos enables you to use them effectively. Following best practices helps keep your memories safe. With the proliferation of the smartphone photography era, cloud services are a virtual darkroom for our collective digital memories.
| Cloud Service | Free Storage | Max File Upload Size |
|---|---|---|
| Dropbox | 2GB | 20GB |
| Google Drive | 15GB | 5TB |
| OneDrive | 5GB | 100GB |