Can I pre-designate a download location for iMessage photos?

iMAC OS Tahoe 26.6.2

iMessages - Downloading photos by clicking on the download image next to the pic.

I could only find the pic by double clicking the image > Clicking on "Open with Preview" on the top right of the pic, then clicking on the Image name at the top. A window opens with "Name, Tags, and Where."

You can click on the "Where" drop down and choose a location such as Desktop, and it will move the image to the desktop.

Instead of doing all of that, is there a way to pre-designate a location in iMessage where downloaded Pics will go to, such as a file folder that has been made up on an external hard drive, or a folder on the desktop?

Posted on Oct 15, 2026 9:07 AM

1 reply

Phil0124

Level 10 (242,520 points)

Oct 15, 2026 9:41 AM in response to Cooper-MAG

The download arrow next to a photo in Messages should simply save the photo in your Photos Library in the Photos app. Unfortunately, there is no way to change this behavior.

You can always drag the photo directly onto the desktop or into a folder in Finder if you want to save it in a speciifc location outside of the Photos app.

click here ➜ Messages User Guide for Mac - Apple Support