User Guide

Set destinations once, preview each card before copying, and keep a clear record of what SD Card Import already imported.

Quick start.

Most users only need to install once, set destinations once, and review the preview each time a card is inserted.

1

Install

Install SD Card Import through the App Store, then select your source and destination folders in the app. Apple handles installation, updates, and purchases.

2

Set folders

Open Settings and choose photo and video destination folders. You can also enable automatic source ejection. To recognize previous imports on another Mac, enable “Store portable import receipts on source drives”. This saves a hidden import-history file inside the .sd-import folder on writable sources.

3

Import

Insert a card, allow the scan, and review the preview. Files recognized from the history on your card are labeled Other Mac; choose Import Anyway only if you want to copy those files again. Keep the card connected until copying finishes, then eject it safely.

Import from a card.

SD Card Import can appear automatically when a card mounts, or you can open the app and choose Import From Card....

  1. 1

    Connect a card.

    Insert an SD card or connect a camera card reader.

  2. 2

    Review the scan.

    Check what is new, already imported, unsupported, or conflicting.

  3. 3

    Start the copy.

    Confirm the destinations and leave the source connected until the import completes.

  4. 4

    Eject safely.

    Choose Eject Source in the import results, or enable automatic ejection in Settings. Automatic ejection runs only after an error-free import.

Safety notes

  • SD Card Import copies files; it does not erase the card.
  • If you enable import history on source drives, SD Card Import writes only its history inside the hidden .sd-import folder on the source. Locked and read-only sources still import, with a warning that this history cannot be saved.
  • Files already imported are skipped on future runs. Import Anyway is available only for files recognized from the history on your card. If a source file changes after scanning, SD Card Import requires a rescan instead of using outdated history.
  • SD Card Import does not overwrite different files at an existing destination. Ordinary filename conflicts get a suffix. Insta360 recording conflicts are skipped to preserve filenames; choose a different destination before copying.
  • Keep the app installed in Applications to use background card prompts.

Keyboard shortcuts

  • Command-I: open Import.
  • Command-1 through Command-3: Import, History, Settings.
  • Control-Tab: next panel.
  • Command-R: refresh History.
  • Command-,: Settings.

If import does not start automatically.

Make sure Prompt when a card is mounted is enabled in Settings > General, open SD Card Import manually, then choose Import From Card.... For persistent issues, export diagnostics and contact support.

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