This wikiHow teaches you how to delete photos from a Mac computer. You can do this quickly and easily using the system recycle bin or the Photos app. After you have moved the images to be deleted to the trash, you will simply have to empty it. This way the photos will be permanently deleted from the Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use the System Recycle Bin
Step 1. Open a "Finder" window
It features a blue and white smiley icon. It is visible on the Mac Dock at the bottom left of the screen.
Step 2. Go to the folder where one of the photos you want to delete is stored
Use the left pane of the "Finder" window to navigate to the directory containing the images to be deleted. Most often, pictures are stored on the Mac in the "Pictures", "Documents" or "Downloads" folder. Alternatively, click on your Mac name and go directly to the folder on your hard drive where the photos are, if you know the exact path.
If you are having difficulty in identifying the images to be deleted, try to perform a search using the appropriate bar located in the upper right part of the "Finder" window
Step 3. Click on the file related to the photo to be deleted without releasing the mouse button
This way the photo will be selected and you can drag it across the screen or move it to a new folder simply using the mouse.
Step 4. Drag the photo file to the Mac trash
The system trash icon is visible directly on the Dock. You will normally find it at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 5. Hold down the Control key on your keyboard while clicking on the trash can icon
Alternatively, you can click on the trash can icon using the right mouse button. If you are using a mouse with a single button or trackpad, you will need to use two fingers to simulate using the right button. This will bring up the context menu of the Mac trash.
Step 6. Click on the Empty Trash option
A warning message will be displayed. Remember that by emptying the trash all the files it contains will be permanently deleted, so only do this if you are completely sure.
Step 7. Click the Empty Trash button to confirm
This way all the contents of the recycle bin will be permanently deleted from the Mac.
Once the recycle bin has been emptied, you will no longer be able to restore the data it contained
Method 2 of 2: Using the Photos App
Step 1. Launch the Photos app
It features a multicolored icon depicting a stylized flower. You can find it in the "Applications" folder. To access the "Applications" folder, open a new "Finder" window by clicking on the blue and white icon with a smiley face, then click on the item Applications listed in the left pane of the window. Now double-click the app icon Photo to start it.
Step 2. Click on the Photos tab
It is the first item listed in the left pane of the window within the "Library" section. This will display the complete list of all the images in your "iCloud Photos" library.
Step 3. Select the images you want to delete
You can click on a single photo to select it or you can draw a selection area by dragging the mouse cursor on the screen to select multiple images at the same time. Alternatively, hold down the ⌘ Command key while clicking on the icon of all the images you want to include in the selection.
Step 4. Press the Delete key
Once you have selected all the photos you want to delete, press the "Delete" key. A warning message will be displayed.
Step 5. Click the Delete button
It is blue in color and is located within the pop-up window that will appear at the top of the Photos app window. This way the selected images will be permanently deleted from the Mac and from all devices synchronized with your iCloud account.
