SyncGallery
Start with one person's collection
For example, Anna owns a folder in Google Drive and adds the photos she wants to share. She invites Mark's Google account with viewing access. Mark signs in with his own invited account; no one shares a password.
Use the provider's account-based sharing controls for a private invitation. A public link is a different choice: anyone who receives it may be able to access the collection.
Keep the recipient's copy separate
Mark selects the shared folder in SyncGallery and chooses a dedicated destination on his phone. A download-only rule receives photos without uploading his edits or deletions back to Anna's folder.
Check whether cloud updates should replace downloaded files, whether cloud deletions should remove local copies, and whether local cleanup should be undone by later downloads. These are separate settings.
Add more people without mixing their rules
Each family member can own a folder and share it with the others. Use one local folder and rule per collection, with names that make the owner clear.
Review each first download. Later downloads can run with automatic sync enabled and the saved schedule. Revoking access cannot recall independent copies someone already downloaded.
Questions before you start
Can we use OneDrive instead?
Yes, with the required account access. SyncGallery requires sign-in for OneDrive shared-folder sync, even when a link can be viewed in a browser without signing in.
Does every person need editing access?
No. Viewing access with a download-only rule is appropriate when a recipient should only receive a collection.
Try the in-app sharing-link workflow
The tutorial uses a link created inside SyncGallery rather than the private account invitation described above. Link access and sign-in requirements depend on the provider. Follow the alternative in-app sharing-link walkthrough.