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How to add images, videos, and files

Adding images, videos, and files to your Diarly entries can significantly enhance your journaling experience. Here, you'll find step-by-step instructions.

Diarly allows attaching unlimited media in its free version.

How to add media to your entries

You can add various types of media to your journal entries in Diarly. Here are the methods available:

  • Use the Today Photo Gallery to automatically create a gallery from the Photos app, using any photos and videos taken on a same day.
  • Easily organize your images with inline galleries.
  • Type /insert image in Diarly to add an image using a slash command.
  • Copy an image from another app and paste it directly into your entry.
  • From the gallery view, tap the icon to select photos.
  • In the Photos app or any other app, select media and share it to Diarly. Then, pick a journal and date to add it.

iPhone and iPad

  • When editing an entry, tap the image icon in the keyboard toolbar.
  • Quick photo capture: Long-press the app icon and select Take picture.

Mac

  • Drag an image or video into the editor from your computer or other applications.
  • From the Menu Bar, go to Format > Insert > File (⇧⌘V) to choose and add a file.
  • Right-click in the editor and select Take Photo to capture an image with a nearby iPhone or iPad.

Interacting with attachments

  • Adjust the size using the resize handles on either side of an image.
  • Tap the menu icon in the top right corner of an attachment for options like editing, adding captions, or removing it.

Storage

As a way to optimize your iCloud storage and make sync faster, photos and videos added from the Photos app will be linked, not copied. A thumbnail will be saved in Diarly, and, only when you want to see the photo or video in detail, the full image will be loaded.

If Diarly can link an item to your Photo Library, it will insert it as a thumbnail by default, saving space.

We recommend using the new thumbnail mode, since it uses less storage and syncs faster. If you prefer to insert the full sized media:

  1. Navigate to the Settings.
  2. Select Other options.
  3. Uncheck Optimize Photos Storage.

Any media added from outside the Photos app is inserted as full-sized.

iCloud sync & privacy

Diarly syncs your attachments with iCloud, updating them automatically when changes are made. If edits occur on multiple devices simultaneously, only the most recent version is saved. Please note that while Diarly encrypts your notes, attachments are not encrypted.

Configuring settings

  • Automatic location insertion: When adding a single photo, Diarly inserts its location.
  • Auto play GIFs: Inserted GIFs play automatically by default.

To disable or re-enable these options, navigate to the Settings, then select Other options, and toggle When adding images automatically add location and Auto play GIFs, respectively.

Inserting links instead of attachments

Pasting a link to an online image allows Diarly to insert a preview of the file without adding it to your diary.

Incorporating photos, videos, and attachments into your diary entries adds depth and personalization to your digital journal. For more creative expression, explore options like adding audio recordings and drawing sketches.