Copy items to the iPhoto Library option doesn't seem to work

Hi, I'm using 7.1.1 and if I:
1. De-select the create "Copy items to the iPhoto Library" option in Preferences/Advanced
2. Create a new library
It doesn't seem to work. The images are still being copied into the library -- that is, if I show the package contents of the library, the data directory has the photos. Additionally, if I do something like open, modify in photoshop and save one of the imported files, it doesn't show up in iPhoto. Likewise if I modify the file in iPhoto and then look at the photo in the file system using Preview or Photoshop, the iPhoto changes don't appear.
Is this a bug? Is it not supposed to work like this? I believe that if I say "don't copy the files into the library" it means that it uses my original photos in their original location and that changes I make in iPhoto modify and manipulate the original files.
I've tried this on two different machines and get the same results. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!

markand:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. It's not a bug. You don't understand correctly how iPhoto works in the "referenced" library mode. The Data folder contains the thumbnail files that iPhoto creates and needs to operate. The Originals folder will contain alias files linked to the source files at their location. Any edits, by iPhoto or by Photoshop configured correctly will result in a modified file in the Modified folder of iPhoto. *You should not open, rename, move or edit any file in the library package from the Finder.*
Using Photoshop to edit photos in iPHoto must be done by selecting PS as the editor to use in iPhoto's General Preferences section. Then follow the instructions below to edit photos correctly:
Using Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements) as Your Editor of Choice in iPhoto.
1 - select Photoshop as your editor of choice in iPhoto's General Preference Section's under the "Edit photo:" menu.
2 - double click on the thumbnail in iPhoto to open it in Photoshop. When you're finished editing click on the Save button. If you immediately get the JPEG Options window make your selection (Baseline standard seems to be the most compatible jpeg format) and click on the OK button. Your done.
3 - however, if you get the navigation window that indicates that PS wants to save it as a PS formatted file. You'll need to either select JPEG from the menu and save (top image) or click on the desktop in the Navigation window (bottom image) and save it to the desktop for importing as a new photo.
This method will let iPhoto know that the photo has been editied and will update the thumbnail file to reflect the edit..
If you want to use both iPhoto's editing mode and PS without having to go back and forth to the Preference pane, once you've selected PS as your editor of choice, reset the Preferences back to "Open in main window". That will let you either edit in iPhoto (double click on the thumbnail) or in PS (Control-click on the thumbnail and seledt "Edit in external editor" in the Contextual menu). This way you get the best of both worlds
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

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After a library has been created with the "Copy items to the iPhoto library" option unselected, can it later be made to create those copies?

iPhoto 9.4.3
iPhoto Library Manager 3.6.8
MacBook Pro - OS X 10.7.5.
I have a large number of iPhoto libraries, organized with iPhoto Library Manager, that I created with the "Copy items to the iPhoto library" option unselected because I wanted easier access to the individual files. I am now going to be migrating to a new computer and have run into some problems with iPhoto losing the path to the file, and as a result showing me the exclamation point of doom. What's more, the program doesn't seem very intelligent about rebuilding those lost connections, and I have to go back through and correct it manually almost one at a time. How do I get around this problem?
If I rebuild my new computer from a Time Machine backup (I usually enjoy taking this opportunity to start from a clean slate, but...), will the paths all be preserved without me needing to abandon my organization system?
Or is there some way to ask iPhoto or Library Manager to create and organize copies of all the photos in the library that are not currently present within the library?
On a tangentially related note, what's the best way to save keywords (and ideally also faces) added in iPhoto to the photos' meta data?
Much obliged.

Not with iPhoto by itself. If you have the lastest version of Aperture and iPhoto referenced libraries can be converted to managed with Aperture.
You can convert to a managed library with iPhoto Library Manager by rebuilding the library with iPLM. This will create a new, managed library with all your photos in it and with all Events, albums, keywords, titles, descriptions and places intact. However, books, calendars, slideshows and cards will not be retained. They will end up as albums containing the photos.
OT

Need help with "Copy items to the iPhoto Library" option

I originally unchecked the "Copy items to the iPhoto Library" option because I wanted to keep my own file structure; however, I now want to get rid of my file structure and just import all pics into iPhoto library without losing all the editing and face recognition work I did. If I create a new library, I will have to redo all the editing which is a massive amount of work. I have a 50+GB library.
iPhoto 11 on MacBook Pro - Lion OS.

Unless you can hack an sql database, there is no way to do what you want, I'm afraid.

Copy items to the iPhoto library selection doesn't work?

Hello,
I'm new to OS X, and new to Macs in general, so this may be a n00b question . . .
In iPhoto '11 (9.5, 902.7), I have cleared the "Copy items to the iPhoto library" entry in Preferences, then imported all my photos. However, the size of the iPhoto Library file is still enormous (40 GB), and it's the same size as when I imported the photos with the checkbox enabled.
So does this checkbox function as designed and I'm just not doing it right?
Thanks,

1 unchecking this option is very strongly NOT recommended. Doing so builds up massive problems for the future. And it accomplishes nothing
2. Checking or unchecking itpt does nothing to the existing library. It only affects future imports
I strongly suggest that you start over with a new library leaving the copy preference checked
LN

What exactly does "Copy items to the iPhoto library" do?

Ok, so I recently switched to a Mac and will never go back.
Now, I want to understand how iPhoto works and can't figure out what "Copy items to the iPhoto library" does.
I imported one pic each way (checked and unchecked), and whether or not I have this checked, I see that the original file seems to be stored within the iPhoto library in the Pictures folder.
I have used iTunes, and I realize iPhoto is more complicated, but still, I can't figure this out.

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
It does exactly what it ays.
and whether or not I have this checked, I see that the original file seems to be stored within the iPhoto library in the Pictures folder.
I think if you look closely, with the option unchecked you'll notice that the Originals folder contains an alias to the file. (The file size is a hint )
Some comments on running iPhoto in referenced mode: On import iPhoto 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.
However, you need to be aware of 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.
+Always allowing for personal preference, 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 10.5 users: You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Apple-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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. 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.
Or, if you want to access the files with iPhoto not running, then create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use THIS
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.
Your choice, obviously, but best to be aware of all the ramifications. By all means post back if you require more info.
You can set Photoshop (or any image editor) as an external editor in iPhoto. (Preferences -> General -> Edit Photo: Choose from the Drop Down Menu.) This way, when you double click a pic to edit in iPhoto it will open automatically in Photoshop or your Image Editor, and when you save it it's sent back to iPhoto automatically. This is the only way that edits made in another application will be displayed in iPhoto.
Regards
TD

Switching to "Copy items to the iPhoto library"

I created a new iPhoto library out of several folders of photos on my hard drive with "Copy items to the iPhoto library" unchecked. I've changed my mind about this method of organizing those photos. Can I now have iPhoto import them in the traditional way? I could simply create a new library but I don't want to lose the keywords.

You can use AliasHerder
AliasHerder to replace the alias files in the library with the source files.
OT

Copy items to the iPhoto library!

Hello everybody,
didn't have up to now checked "Copy items to the iPhoto library" and maintained them manually. Now I would like to copy all items to the iPhoto library. Is there any way for doing this?
Thank you in advance,
Doychin

Rebuilding didn't really work. It takes forever and comes with a lot of mistakes and not imported pictures. Anyway it might work for smaller libraries. I tried it 3 times and lost a lot of time!
Thank you for the help!

Copy items to the iphoto library does not seem to do anything

My understanding is that if I un-check "copy items to the iphoto library" images would be not be copied from the source and its just a reference.
But when I pull my external flash drive out I still see the thumbnail and can still open the image in full resolution.
So to me this makes it appear the check box is doing nothing.
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