Keep copies on two different media in separate physical locations, and remember that a Takeout archive can lag changes made while it is being created.
Make separate copies
The Library of Congress advises identifying and organizing the digital files to save, keeping copies on at least two different storage media, and storing them in separate physical locations. It also advises migrating saved copies to a current storage medium about every five years.
Set up a Google Photos export
In Google Takeout, select the data to include and choose an export type. A one-time archive creates a single archive; scheduled exports create archives every two months for one year. For Google Photos, scheduled exports can cover new and updated data when Photos is the only selected product.
Check the downloaded copy
Download the archive when Google provides its link. Google says downloading does not delete data from its servers. However, an archive may not include changes made between the export request and archive creation, including added or deleted photos or albums. Keep the downloaded copy as one copy in your preservation plan, rather than treating the export as proof that every recent change is included.
A compact copy routine
- Select and organize the photos to preserve.
- Create a one-time or eligible scheduled Takeout archive, then download it.
- Keep copies on two different media in separate physical locations.
Sources & scope
An AI-assisted guide checked against the linked primary sources. Source review dates are not announcement dates.