macOS Uploader App

SmugMug's macOS uploader works silently in the background, automatically backing up your photos while you focus on what matters most—creating. Whether you're shooting for fun or for clients, our app seamlessly syncs your photos to SmugMug, lets you organize from anywhere, and even schedules uploads around your busy life. Set it once, forget it forever, and never worry about losing your photos again.

• Steps to get started
• Manual upload
• Auto upload
• Schedule auto upload
• Remove a folder from auto upload

Steps to get started:

1. First, download the app by clicking this link. The link will download a zip file.
2. Double click on the zip file if necessary. Some browsers may do this for you.
3. Locate the new app in your Downloads location, then drag/drop it into your Applications folder.  
   • For quick and easy access in the future, drag the SmugMug app icon into your dock.
4. When you first launch the app, you’ll be prompted to log in to your SmugMug account.

   • 

Back to top

Manual upload with the app:

1. Once logged in, you'll see your Organizer structure on the left side bar.

   • 

2. Select any existing Gallery.
   • Choose from the options available in the lower right.
     • Drag and drop photos and videos either to the current gallery selected, or any gallery in the tree on the left
     • Plus icon: select photos to upload
     • Overflow menu (three dotted icon):
       • Retry failed uploads
       • Determine how duplicate uploads are handled within the gallery - you may need to choose an option for how you want duplicates handled in the current pending upload
       • Clear completed uploads
       • View gallery on SmugMug
       • View gallery engagement stats
     • Share icon: share via your available methods

     • 

   • Right click on a Gallery for these options:
     • Upload photos
     • View on SmugMug
     • Clear completed uploads
     • Retry failed uploads
     • Cancel uploads

     • 

3. Select any existing Folder.
   • Right click on the folder for these options:
     • View on SmugMug
     • Create Gallery
     • Create Folder

     • 

4. Select the + plus icon in the top left of the tree that says MY SITE for these options. This creates a new folder or gallery at the root level of your account.
   • Create Gallery
   • Create Folder

   • 

Back to top

Auto upload with the app:

The MacOS uploader app supports auto uploads from your computer. Have your photos automatically upload to your SmugMug account in the background for extra safekeeping as well!

Auto upload does more than just backup your photos—it can streamline your entire workflow. For example, Lightroom users can create a dedicated "Lightroom Exports" folder and set it for auto upload, automatically syncing edited photos to your SmugMug account. Once uploaded, you can easily reorganize and manage these photos using the web-based Organizer, giving you the flexibility to edit on your device and organize from anywhere.

1. To enable this feature, click the + plus sign next to Auto Upload.
   • TIP: You may need to hover over MY SITE, and click on the carrot to collapse the MY SITE to more easily see the Auto Upload option.

   • 

2. Navigate your computer files to select the folder you want to have auto uploaded.
3. Click the Add Folder button.
4. Your selected folder is then uploaded to your SmugMug site safely and securely in a private folder labeled Automatic macOS Uploads.
5. Any time you add photos in that folder on your computer in the future, those photos will be auto uploaded to your SmugMug site as well.

NOTE: This feature does support nested folders up to five levels deep, but anything beyond that won't be recognized by the auto-uploader. 

Example: 

Okay: FOLDER > Folder > Folder > Folder > Photos
Not Okay: FOLDER > Folder > Folder > Folder > Folder > Photos

IMPORTANT: We recommend you set the app to 'launch at login' so that it opens automatically and can always resume your auto uploads. Visit Settings > General > Add Settings > Launch at Login.

Back to top

Schedule auto upload:

The MacOS app has a convenient scheduling option to help streamline your uploads with your busy schedule. 

1. In the app, select SmugMug from the Mac toolbar.
2. Next, select Settings > Schedule > Enable auto upload schedule.
3. Select your preferred days and times and you're good to go! 

Back to top

Remove a folder from auto upload:

1. To remove a folder from auto upload, in the app, right-click on the folder you no longer want to have automatically uploaded to SmugMug.
2. Select Remove Folder from the pop-up menu. 

Back to top