Resolved Add image from a file as Contact photo?

[Janichsan]

Is it no longer possible to add any image file to a contact in the Contact app under macOS? I'm sure it was possible to do in earlier version of the system, but now I can't find such an option anywhere.

To specify: I don't mean pictures in the image library, but abitrary image files somewhere on my drive.

 

[Madonepro]

Just drag the photo over the blank photo spot, and voila.

 

[Janichsan]

Just drag the photo over the blank photo spot, and voila.

Nope. I already tried that but forgot to mention it.

 

[Clix Pix]

Seems as though they've changed things a bit in Monterey (assuming that is the version of MacOS you're using):

Add or change contact pictures in Contacts on Mac

In Contacts on your Mac, add a custom picture to a contact’s card.

support.apple.com

 

[Janichsan]

Seems as though they've changed things a bit in Monterey (assuming that is the version of MacOS you're using):

Add or change contact pictures in Contacts on Mac

In Contacts on your Mac, add a custom picture to a contact’s card.

support.apple.com

To quickly add or change a picture, drag a picture from your desktop or a folder on to the monogram or the current picture in a card, then click Save.

That's what I tried and that's what's not working. What the hell, Apple?

EDIT: Okay, I found it works when I copy the file to the desktop first. From the original folder? Nada. I repeat: What the hell, Apple??

 

[Clix Pix]

Huh, that's interesting! Apple should've spelled out the process so that users would know to do that to copy the file to the desktop first. Glad you were able to figure this out and achieve what you wanted to do!

 

[Madonepro]

Nope. I already tried that but forgot to mention it.

Do you have an iOS device? Copy the image you want over to files, open contacts, and you'll see your contact at the top, click it, click edit, and using the select image or file, add it that way, then it will sync across.

 

[Janichsan]

Huh, that's interesting! Apple should've spelled out the process so that users would know to do that to copy the file to the desktop first.

I guess it's a bug. Apple's guide page mentions explicitly that it should be possible from every folder.

Do you have an iOS device? Copy the image you want over to files, open contacts, and you'll see your contact at the top, click it, click edit, and using the select image or file, add it that way, then it will sync across.

I mean, that might work, but sounds like an overly convoluted work-around for an issue Apple caused. (And – as mentioned – I was able to get it work by now.)

 

[BanditoB]

@Janichsan, be sure to file feedback at apple.com/feedback. That way they'll be aware that there is a problem and can look into it.

 

[Milquetoast]

I got bit by this too under Sequoia - I had evidently forgotten how to do this after not having done it for a long time (yes, it should be easier). What works for me is to drag a .jpg file from a folder onto the photo circle (containing the default initials) on the card itself - not while in icon editing mode. You don't even need to be in card editing mode; you'll see the normal green plus sign indicating that you will be adding a photo to the card. It then takes you immediately into editing mode where you can tweak the photo placement.