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How to add images, videos, and files

You can add images, videos, and files to your entries in a few simple ways. Diarly allows attaching unlimited media in the free version.

Add media to entries

On all devices, you can add photos, videos, and other files to your journal. Diarly supports different ways to attach and organize media.

  • Use the Today Photo Gallery to automatically create a gallery from the Photos app, using any photos and videos taken on a same day.
  • Create inline galleries to organize media within your entry.
  • Type /insert image using a slash command.
  • Copy and paste media from other apps.
  • In the Photos app or any other app, select media and share it to Diarly. Then, pick a journal and date to add it.

On iPhone and iPad

  • Tap the image icon above the keyboard when editing.
  • Long-press the app icon and select Take picture.

On Mac

  • Drag files into the editor.
  • Use Format > Insert > File from the Menu Bar or press ⇧⌘V.
  • Right-click in the editor and choose Take Photo to use a nearby iPhone or iPad.

Interact with attachments

  • Resize images using the handles on each side.
  • Tap the menu icon for options like edit, caption, or remove.

How media is stored

To save iCloud space, photos and videos from the Photos app are linked, not copied. A thumbnail is stored in Diarly and the full media loads only when opened.

To insert full-size media by default:

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

Media added from outside the Photos app is always inserted as full-size.

iCloud sync and privacy

Diarly syncs your attachments with iCloud, keeping them up to date across all your devices. If changes are made to the same entry on multiple devices at once, the most recent version will be saved.

💡 While your notes are encrypted, attachments are not encrypted.

Media behavior settings

  • Insert location: When you add a single photo, Diarly includes the location from the file.
  • Auto play GIFs: Animated GIFs play automatically when inserted into an entry.

💡 You can enable or disable these options in Settings > Other options:
When adding images automatically add location and Auto play GIFs.

If you paste a link to an online image, Diarly will insert a preview without attaching the file to your journal.

Adding photos, videos, and other files can bring more context and personality to your entries. For even more creative options, try recording audio or drawing sketches.