Does iPhoto copy photos into the iPhoto library or move them in?

I moved about 40GB of photos onto my Macbook when I bought it. It looks like iPhoto duplicated them because the iPhoto library is about the same size as the folder in my finder. Does it copy photos into the library rather than move everything?

Would there be anything in iPhoto that it may not have copied?
It will only have imported (and copied) only those things you told it to.
is there anything in iPhoto that won't be somewhere else on my hard drive?
Anything that was imported directly - from a camera, for instance.
Regards
TD

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After updating to IOS 6.0.1 I cannot copy photos from the iPhoto library to the iPhone. The events appear correctly but the photo count in all the Events is 0

After updating to IOS 6.0.1 I cannot copy photos from the iPhoto library to the iPhone. The events appear correctly but the photo count in all the Events is 0

Same problem here, and it's not isolated.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/20228281#20228281
I believe you will find you can again sync Photos if you delete the "iPod Photo Cache", but predict that any subsequent attempt will fail. In my case, the enxt sync removes all the photos again - I've seen other reports of error messages upon sync. Mine just fails silently. :-)

Does copying files into the iTunes library take up even more space?

Hi everyone, I recently upgraded to Leopard and decided to give Boot Camp a try so I backed up everything onto my external hard drive using Time Machine and created my partition for Windows. In doing so, I know have an empty iTunes library.
I just copied everything to my hard drive using Migration Assistant, and although all of the files were locked because I didn't have enough "permission", i fixed that problem. However, when I tried to copy all of my itunes folders into my library, it said that I did not have enough space on my computer for it.
Dose copying music into the library use even more space than what it already is? I'm confused, because I thought that if i have the music files in my computer already I don't need to make another copy of it to place into iTunes...or maybe I'm just confusing myself.
Could someone please just let me know how I can add my music into my library? I really don't think this should be so difficult, I'm just terrible with computers. Thanks!

Under Preferences -> Advanced you can uncheck "copy music to iTunes folder", this should fix your problem.
Hope this helps.

How can I copy photos from the iphoto to my flash memory

How can I copy photos from my iPhoto to the flash memory? I had tried to drag the photos from the iphoto libraty to the flash memory but failed.

Select the photo(s) and export (file menu ==> export) to a desktop folder and drag that folder to the flash memory
LN

Do I *need* to open iPhoto to get Photostream photos into the iPhoto library?

Hi all,
I don't really use iPhoto that much but since I started using my iPhone 4S as my principle out-and-about camera rather than lugging my DSLR everywhere I have started using it to archive all my mobile snaps using Photostream so that there's one less reason to physically connect my phone to my iMac.
The problem I have is that because I don't have much other reason to launch iPhoto I occasionally forget to do so for over a month which means there's a gap in the images that are downloaded as Photostream only stores the last 30 days (or the last 1000 photos) in the cloud. This has happened at least once and it's a bit of a pain.
I've created an iCal alarm on 'On My Mac' that launches iPhoto overnight once a week, and that's an acceptable workaround for me. However, I wondered if there is a way to have the Photostream constantly downloading to the iMac even when iPhoto isn't running, so that the app can officially import those when I remember to launch it even if I haven't for well over 30 days?

No. iPhoto can't import if it's not running.
Your solution with iCal is as good as any.
Regards
TD

My iPhone 4s won't load photos into the iPhoto libary so I can't take any photos off of my phone. How can i get it to work?

I really need to get the photos off my phone but it wont load onto iphoto. its using up the space in my phone and i want to keep the photos, how can i load them to my computer?? please help

Hi, I just had the same problem with mine. It would only turn on when plugged into wall charger but would not stay on for long when plugged in. It also said I needed to restore and I had no wifi or cell service. I took to Verizon and they said I needed to restore but i would loose all saved data. I did not want to loose all pics and contacts so I took to a place that repairs Iphones in my city. They took one look and said had a bad charging port. They said they could replace it so that I could then back up all data on my computer before I had to restore. Suprisingly to them, once they replaced the port and put a new battery in, it all worked fine again; even wifi and cell service. The fix cost about $60.00 and I did not loose any data! I have ever posted to any online forums before but had to on this because I want people to know that they don't always have to loose all data!!!

Is there a way to copy referenced video clips into the iMovie library?

When I import video clips into an iMovie event it seems that iMovie uses only a reference to the file. When files are moved things get horrible broken soon. I noticed that iMovie does actually copy video clips into your library when you convert your library from iMovie'11 to iMovie'13. Is there a way to copy video clips into the iMovie library when importing them so that they don't get lost?

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14747

How do i get my Nikon photos from viewNX 2 into the iPhoto library?

1. How do I get my Nikon photos from ViewNX 2 into the iPhoto Library?
2.I tried by copying them and moving to the iphoto folder. Now the Iphoto applicationwon't open because it is locked. the help item says to open it with command option keys down to get the iphoto library First aid window. it does not come up.

How did you add the photos to the iPhoto Library folder? The way to import photos is to drag them onto the iPhoto icon in the Dock or into the open iPhoto window.
it does not come up.
What does not come up? What happens when you try to launch iPhoto with those two keys held down?
Try the following again being sure to hold those keys down before launcing iPhoto and until the window opens:
Apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Since only one option can be run at a time start with Option #3, followed by #4 and then #1 as needed.
Fix #2
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 - click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option.
4 - In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
5 - Click on the Create button.
Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

I upgraded MacbookPro 2009 from 10.6.8 to Yosemite. Beforehand I made a backup copy of my Iphoto library onto an external hard drive. Lets call it BU. I also deleted half of my photos from the default library on my laptop, lets call it DE. I then in

I upgraded MacbookPro 2009 from 10.6.8 to Yosemite 2 weeks ago. My iphoto is now a nightmare. i went to our local apple retailer but they could not help either. Perhaps someone can help. Beforehand the OS upgrade I made a backup copy of my Iphoto library onto an external hard drive. Lets call it BU with 50GB. I also deleted half of my photos from the default library on my laptop, lets call it DE, now with about 20GB, to gain space. I then upgraded to Yosemite.
I have also installed since a long time Iphoto Library Manager 3.8.6. (this may be the cause of the problem as it was not upgraded and perhaps thus not compatible with iphoto 9.6 which I have now after the upgrade to Yosemite) It all worked fine before the upgrade, switching in iphoto between the two libraries DE and BU.
It also worked fine after the upgrade for a few days. At one stage Iphoto asked me to upgrade the iphoto version as it otherwise could not read the photos when I tried to load the BU library into iphoto. I did click yes to upgrade iphoto. As a result I became a brand new but totally empty library, no photos.
BU was still on the external disc, however the "Master" file was empty. We fortunately discovered all photos were in another file called Old Master, also under BU. We made another copy of the Old Master file onto the external disc. Lucky we did, because shortly afterwards we could not open anymore the BU file thus had no access to anything in there. Now I have 17000 photos in a file called Old Master on my external disc and another smaller library DE on my laptop. When I tried to import the photos from Old Master into a new iphoto library it was very messy. All events dates were mixed up, many photos were imported twice. I have no idea whether all my 17000 photos have been imported.
Can anyone suggest what is the most time efficient way? How do I best import my 17000 into a new library ensuring I don't loose any in the process. I do not wish sorting through 17000 photos for a week or so. Shall i also get a new iphoto library version now? Thank you for anything that may work.

Yes, the Old Master file has a folder for each year where I find all photos from that specific year. I am attaching a screen shot of the file.
In the meantime i have managed to download all photos (it did not download any video files though in mpg, avi, 3gp, m4v,mp4 and mov format) to a new iphoto library. Unfortunately the photos are quite mixed and often doubled up. I ma considering to purchase iphoto library which checks all duplicates in iphoto. this will save me a lot of time. What do you think?

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

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.
Im sure it is but I cant tell what its doing.
Also if it is making a copy to my HD where is it going?
If its going to the iphotolib although I unchecked it and told it not to, where is it, I opened Show Package Contents but cant find my images.
Ed,

If you uncheck that preference (which is very strongly NOT recommended) then the originals are referenced rather than copied and the original must always be available on the eact same path
I suggest you reconsider as you will have many problems if you build a referenced library
LN

How do I get iPhoto to not copy photos into its own folder, read originals?

I was wondering how you could get iPhoto 6 to 'read' photos from it's original file.
I normally keep my photos in their own folder, separate from the iPhoto file. Now I kind of want to have them all organized nicely in the iPhoto file so I don't have duplicates floating around. I wiped the iPhoto Library (they were duplicates) and as I import them, they copy right back into an 'iPhoto Library' file. I want them to stay in my own folder 'My Photos'.
Is this possible? =S

Simply go to iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> Advanced and uncheck 'Copy Files to the iPhoto Library on Import'.
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.
*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.
Regards
TD

How do I put photos in the iPhoto Library onto my external hard drive?

I used an old iMac for years and I would go into the hard drive in the Originals folder and drag each folder onto the external hard drive. That way I could easily find the different shooting sessions. Now with my new Mac I find an iPhoto Library folder but none of the pictures are there. In asking other questions over the last 6 weeks I've learned that if you click certain keys on the keyboard you can bring up the folders to view. Am I supposed to do this or is it asking for trouble? What is the best way to get my individual folders in iPhoto onto my external hard drive? Thanks so much.

Deborah
used an old iMac for years and I would go into the hard drive in the Originals folder and drag each folder onto the external hard drive
*It is strongly advised that you do not move, change or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library Folder as this can cause the application to fail and even lead to data loss*
That way I could easily find the different shooting sessions.
The Events feature will do that for you now in the iPhoto Window.
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 THIS
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto. With 10.5 you can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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.
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

I photo and the iphoto library

Guys -
Being fairly new and inexperienced with the whole iphoto thing i think i have mad "a fatal error". Allow me to explain...
I have put a several dozen pictures into iphoto and begun organising events. all going well..
There were some pics i didnt want so deleted them - and found them in iphoto trash - so i deleted them too. Thought everything was fine so i was browsing in the finder and found the option "all photo" clicked there and the deleted ones were there too..this is where i did something stupid - inadvertantly - i selected them all and deleted them - sent them to trash - and then emptied trash - Ahh - i know what your all saying! When i realised what happened i couldnt open iphoto any more - i think i deleated that too! So had to reinstall iphoto from the install disc - that went well - now - when i use the finder and browse to iphoto library the library size is nearly 50mb - which COULD suggest my pics are still there - but when i open iphoto now my events are shown with the correct number of pictures in each event - but no pics - is there a way of importing the iphoto library containing this 50mb - back into iphoto - ive tried the iport function and i browse to the iphoto library but cant select it. Any ideas of have i just been a numpty and lost all my pictures??!!

I wish that 'All Images' link in the SideBar did not exist at all. It's causing more grief than it is worth.
That's a saved search. It's no way to access your images - especially if you use iPhoto. Please ignore it from now on.
If your iPhoto Library is 50 mb then you have maybe 30 photos in there? Does that sound right?
SOme background: iPhoto is a database. This is why your Events are reporting the correct number of images - they are entered in the db, but I'm afraid you trashed your images.
iPhoto will not import from the active Library - to prevent duplication.
I think the best you can do now is start over. You're posting in the v6 forum, but as you refer to Events (a v7 feature) I'll guess that you're using that.
To create and populate a new library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Events and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Move the iPhoto Library to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder *and only the originals folder* drag the individual Event Folders to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library on your desktop.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

"MOVE" not Copy items to the iphoto library

when I check this option in the preferences it copies the photos to iphoto and it leaves me with 2 copies! Why?!?! I just want to move them into the iPhoto library permanently, but if I uncheck the box it just links to it!
How do I "MOVE" items to the iphoto library?

It's the nature of the beast. Just delete the original version of the photos after they've been copied into the library. The result, just one copy on the HD.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) 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 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger 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.

Does iPhoto copy photos into the iPhoto library or move them in?

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