Backing up iPhoto Library with DropBox

I moved my iPhoto library to DropBox in order to have a complete online backup of iPhoto (in addition to my local Time Machine backup and my SuperDuper bootable backup). The backup took a while since I have a large iPhoto library (20,000 photos, about 80 GB). What happened was that the size of the iPhoto library doubled on DropBox to 160 GB. There are a number of reasons for this (I found it too late), primarily because DropBox doesn't handle the symlinks well and creates duplicate copies of the photos in Folders called Originals, Modified, and Masters. Also my computer slowed down when I added a lot of photos to iPhoto, as it was syncing literally a couple of thousand files for every 100 pictures I added.
It seems like what I could do as an alternative to backing up the entire library is to just back up the Masters Folder to DropBox. However, I can't move the Masters Folder out of iPhoto to DropBox without breaking the iPhoto Library structure. I think I could use a symlink from the Masters Folder to DropBox, but I am not exactly sure how to do this (or whether this would work). I could also do some kind of automator script to copy the Masters folder to DropBox, but this doens't seem very efficient. I have scoured the web forums on this issue, but just don't see a good solution. It seems like a pretty fundamental issue to people with a lot of photos in iPhoto.

And the answer is that so far no one has found a good solution to cloud backup for the iPhoto library that I have seen here - If you want only the photos you could copy the masters folder to DropBox and then use image capture to get your photos off your camera adding each batch to DB and then importing to iPhoto
I go at it differently - two daily backups (Time Machine hourly and Carbon Copy Cloner making a bootable clone of my system daily) plus an occasional TM backup to an off site drive (at our vacation home) and rotating through three 32 GB SD cards so I have a year or more of the original photos on SD cards at all times
TD uses SmugMug to backup his photos along with a similar but more disciplined off site backup
LN

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Move iPhoto library from dropbox

Hi community! I made the mistake of storing my iphoto library on dropbox, but I now want to put it back on my harddrive. How do I do this?

iPhoto could not locate the library.
It was in the Dropbox folder on your hard drive, right? Where did you drag the library to when you dragged it from the Dropbox folder?
If you know where it is not launch iPhoto with the Option key selected and select the library in the window that opens:
Or click on the Choose button, navigate to where the library is located and select it.
OT

I have an iPhoto library with only Jpeg's in it. I just installed Aperture 3.5 and imported several RAW photos. Shouldn't I now have an Aperture library?

I have an iPhoto library with only Jpeg's in it. I just installed Aperture 3.5 and imported several RAW photos in Aperture. Shouldn't I now have an Aperture library?

Should I create an Aperture library and import all of my photos from iPhoto to the new Aperture library? Then delete my iPhoto library entirely? Just trying to get my library structure correct from the get-go as I plan to shoot only in RAW.
That is not an easy question. There are still a few glitches with the unified library approach. For example, the new iWork applications will not yet show the Aperture library in the Media Browser, only the current iPhoto library. If you are using iWork with your photolibrary, keep it an iPhoto library.
And it is unclear, what will happen, when Aperture or iPhoto will be upgraded to newer versions. Right now you need the latest iPhoto version to be able to upgrade older iPhoto libraries, if you want to open them in Aperture. So probably you will need to upgrade iPhoto as well, if you keep your library an iPhoto library, when both Aperture and iPhoto will be upgraded to Aperture 4 and iPhoto 12.0 or similar. In the long run it will be safer to convert the library to an Aperture library, if you do not want to keep updating iPhoto, but that can wait.
If you want to convert the iPhoto library to an Aperture library, back up your iPhoto library.
Then create a new Aperture library (with File > Switch to Library > Other/New ) and then import your iPhoto library into Aperture using the command "File > Import > Library" and select your iPhoto library.
You will need plenty of space on the drive with the new library. Merging a library into another one will temporarily a lot of working space and may take a long time - several hours for a large library, without visible progress.

Problem synching iPhoto library with iPhone

I was using OS X Lion synching my iPhoto library with my iPhone 3GS with IOS 4 and everything was working perfect.
When I updated to IOS 5 start the problem, because doesn't sync all the photos. It's leaving around 100 photos without synchronization.
At the end of any sync process (regardless if I do it through wifi or USB) show a message saying that was unable to sync certain number of photos.
Any sugestions?
Thank.

Have you tried deleting some data off...may be some music/videos (as long as you have them backed up elsewhere)? I'd try clearing off a couple of GB & then try syncing the photos again. I had the same issue a while ago...it said that not everything could be synced...I was fairly low on HD space but not near zero etc.
Ben

Moved iPhoto library to Dropbox, didn't free up any space on HD

I was running very low on HD space so I moved my 13 gb iPhoto library to Dropbox. After transfering, I opened iPhoto and defined the new photo library as the appropriate Dropbox folder. Everything is working well with iPhoto. All my photos and videos load just fine and the file sources are the Dropbox folder.
The problem: my HD has barely any more space than before. It's hard to tell precisely because the free space measure is dynamic, but it looks as if moving the library cleared about 1 gb at most, and certainly nothing even close to 13 gb.
I've emptied the trash on my computer, with no change. I have searched forum discussions, but I can't figure it out.
I appreciate any help!
-SMB

In the latest version of dropbox, you'll select the icon from the magic menu in upper right at the bottom of the list is the "cog wheel" icon. Click it, and select "Preferences" Under "Advanced" click "Selective Sync" You will see all the folders (By default all of them) that are synced locally to your internal drive as well as in the cloud. By unchecking the folder that your iPhoto library is in, it will no longer store that 13 GB file on your hard drive, but instead keep it at DropBox only. Hope that explanation makes sense. I have over 110 GB of Dropbox and am considering moving my 30 GB iPhoto there permanently. I'm on too many machines and editing all over the place so an external drive could not keep up with me

Since my last software update, my iphoto 11 will not import any photos from any source. The circle just spins...when I go to force quit, it says iphoto not responding. Backed up iphoto library, uninstalled and reinstalled iphoto. Still not working. Help!

Since my last software update, my iphoto 11 will not import any photos from any source. The circle just spins...when I go to force quit, it says iphoto not responding. Backed up iphoto library, uninstalled and reinstalled iphoto. Still not working. Help!

Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one. .
Regards
TD

Opened iPhoto Library with version 8.1.1 now can't open with version 7.1.5

Is there any way to open my iPhoto library with the older version?
If not, how can I import the photos out of the old into the new? Where do the photos live?
I am trying to avoid updating iLife bc I need to use my older version of iWeb. Maybe it's possible to upgrade iLife without changing version iWeb? bc when I use new version of iWeb with older domain file it keeps coming up with error msgs that say it can't save certain objects.
Thanks.

Is there any way to open my iPhoto library with the older version?
Afraid not.
If not, how can I import the photos out of the old into the new? Where do the photos live?
This is possible, but it's a lot of work. Some things that are easier: updating iLife, restoring from your back up.
Maybe it's possible to upgrade iLife without changing version iWeb? bc when I use new version of iWeb with older domain file it keeps coming up with error msgs that say it can't save certain objects.
Yes you can do a customised install and not update iWeb. Alternatively you could just try and solve the iWeb problem. Have you posted it on the iWeb forum?
Regards
TD

How to share administrator iPhoto library with other users on same iMac?

How to share administrator iPhoto library with other users on same iMac?

This is the part I'm referring to:
If you want the other user to be able to see the pics, but not add to, change or alter your library, then enable Sharing in your iPhoto (Preferences -> Sharing), leave iPhoto running and use Fast User Switching to open the other account. In that account, enable 'Look For Shared Libraries'. Your Library will appear in the other source pane.
Any user can drag a pic from the Shared Library to their own in the iPhoto Window.
Remember iPhoto must be running in both accounts for this to work.
The library stays in the Pictures folder for this.

How to share an iPhoto library with an iPad?

Hi everyone. Just wondering how do you share an iPhoto library with an ipad over a network? I want to use my ipad to browse photos when I'm at home over my network since I can't fit all my photos onto my ipad. I can't seem to figure it out. Help is appreciated!

You can not - they have nothing in common except the name - you can share photos using PhotoStream - you can not sare an iPhoto library
LN

I just created a new iPhoto library with holding the option key down and then opening iPhoto with version 7.1.5. I changed the name of the first library to iPhoto library 1 and now I all my photos are gone. My operating system is Mavericks.

I just created a new iPhoto library with holding the option key down and then opening iPhoto with version 7.1.5. I changed the name of the first library to iPhoto library 1 and now I all my photos are gone. My operating system is Mavericks.

launch iPhoto wile holding down the option key and select the original library - when you create a new library of course it is empty
And you seriously need to backup your iPhoto library and purchase and install iPhoto '11 version 9.5.x from the App store and download and run the iPhoto library upgraded \then run the new iPhoto - 7.1.5 is not fully compatible with Mavericks
LN
PS you also need to update your profile - it states that you have OS X 10.6.8

How share Iphoto library with Aperture 3?

I would like to know if it's possible to share the iphoto library with aperture 3 without duplicate the photo. could be possibile to modify one photo with aperture and view the correction with iphoto? is it possible to have one library for the same and open it with one or the other sofwtare?
thanks a lot,
V.

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
is it possible to have one library for the same and open it with one or the other sofwtare?
It's not possible.
iPhoto cannot understand the Aperture Library.
Some things you can do: Have two separate libraries pointing at the same set of photos.
Share the Aperture Previews with iPhoto.
But there is no way to have edits made in one Library show up in the other automatically.
possibile to modify one photo with aperture and view the correction with iphoto?
Aperture is not an pixel editor like Photoshop, you cannot use it as an external editor for iPhoto.
Regards
TD

Managing iPhoto Library with multiple accounts

I want to share my iphoto library with multiple user accounts on the same machine. Any suggestions how to do this so when new photos / events are added & created they are accessible to all?
Thank you.

I have another question, do you know anything about using the "referenced library" approach instead? Would this work better?
When you use a Referenced Library you are responsible for file management of your photos, not iPhoto. So when you say "work better", what do you mean?
How to do it:
Simply go to iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> Advanced and uncheck 'Copy Files to the iPhoto Library on Import'.
What Happens:
Now iPhoto will not copy the files, but rather simply reference them on your HD. To do this it will create an alias in the Originals Folder that points to your file. It will still create a thumbnail and, if you modify the pics, a Modified version within the iPhoto Library Folder.
Some things to consider:
There are a number of potential pitfalls using this system.
1. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
2. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them on systems prior to 10.5 and iPhoto 08. Even with the later versions issues can still arise if you move the referenced files to new volumes or between volumes.
3. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
My own opinion:
I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
If disk space is an issue, you can run an entire iPhoto Library from an external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library as an entity from your Pictures Folder to the External Disk.
3. Hold down the option (or alt) key while launching iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and navigate to the new location. From that point on this will be the default location of your library.
4. Test the library and when you're sure all is well, trash the one on your internal HD to free up space.
If you're concerned about accessing the files, There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
*For Users of 10.5 and later*
You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Command-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and later* ...
Many internet sites such as Flickr and SmugMug have plug-ins for accessing the iPhoto Library. If the site you want to use doesn’t then some, one or any of these will also work:
To upload to a site that does not have an iPhoto Export Plug-in the recommended way is to Select the Pic in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export and export the pic to the desktop, then upload from there. After the upload you can trash the pic on the desktop. It's only a copy and your original is safe in iPhoto.
This is also true for emailing with Web-based services. However, if you're using Gmail you can use iPhoto2GMail
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.
If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser.
*If you want to access the files with iPhoto not running*:
For users of 10.6 and later:
You can download a free Services component from MacOSXAutomation which will give you access to the iPhoto Library from your Services Menu. Using the Services Preference Pane you can even create a keyboard shortcut for it.
For Users of 10.4 and later:
Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser
Other options include:
1. *Drag and Drop*: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
2. *File -> Export*: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.
3. *Show File*: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.
Regards
TD

Combine iPhoto library with two sessions.

On my new iMac, I made tree sessions and would like to combine the iPhoto library with two, non Admin sessions.
Is this possible?
Thanks

Do you mean merge libraries?
If you have Aperture 3.3 or later and iPhoto 9.3 or later you can merge libraries with Aperture.
Otherwise the only way to merge Libraries is with the paid ($20) version of iPhoto Library Manager

Sharing iPhoto Library with PCs on Same Network?

Hi,
I work in a rug showroom, and I love how easy it is to organize photos of our inventory in iPhoto. Most of our photos are high-res, so the built-in e-mail function is extremely useful. However, I'm the sole Mac in a showroom full of PCs, and I'm getting sick of having to do all of the e-mailing for everyone in the showroom. So, my questions are:
1. Is there a simple way to share my iPhoto library with the PCs on our network?
2. Is there an application for PC that is like (or just is) iPhoto that will allow me to share with a PC?
3. Is there a better solution? (Unfortunately, we're not getting any new computers...)
Thanks in advance for your help!

lahmadin
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
1. Is there a simple way to share my iPhoto library with the PCs on our network?
No, iPhoto has no such capability. You could try share the images from the iPhoto Library Folder but that could easily lead to your library being corrupted. I would not recommend it.
2. Is there an application for PC that is like (or just is) iPhoto that will allow me to share with a PC?
Google's Picasa is frequently mentioned a similar to iPhoto, but it doesn't have a Mac version.
3. Is there a better solution? (Unfortunately, we're not getting any new computers...)
What's your budget? Check out apps like iView or Extensis Portfolio
Regards
TD

I can't open my backed-up Iphoto Library on my new Mac with upgraded iLife. How can I retrieve all my pics??

Having backed-up my old iMac using time machine, thinking to open up my iPhoto Library to retrieve all pics from Time Machine, but iPhoto doesn't let me open it. First a pop-up appears: "The photo library needs to be upgraded to work with this version of iPhoto. Your photo library will not be readable by previous versions of iPhoto after the upgrade. The upgrade process for very large libraries may take an hour or more to complete." When I click Upgrade another pop-up appears "You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto. You have made changes to your photo library using a newer version of iPhoto. Please quit and use the latest version of iPhoto." But I am using the latest version iLife 11. Is there a way to open up the library in a different way, so I can get my pics back???

It sounds like the restored database is damaged.
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.

Backing up iPhoto Library with DropBox

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