Importing from one Iphoto Library to another

Hi,
Just wondering if you can help.
I have two Iphoto libraries and would like to consolidate them into one.
However, I want to import them in their current albums rather than as individual files as there is 31,000 of them and it will take forever to put them back into albums.
Is there anyway to do this?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Audrey

Like this with iPLM as Larry suggested.
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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Importing from one iphoto library to another--how to?

I want to go into a large iphoto library and break it up into several smaller ones.
I currently have two iphoto libraries which, it turns out, are much bigger than the optimal size. One is 25 gigs and the other 71 gigs.
I was told that 5000 pictures should be the max, and the SMALLER of the two has about 6000 pictures and movies. It works fine.
The 71 gig library, however, has had some problems, and run slowly. I want to break it up into several smaller libraries.
I know how to create a new library. And how to close one and open another. But how do you move images from one libary to another?
thanks
t

You can split the library by duplicating it and then delete those photos from the second copy that you don't want in it. If you want to move photos between libraries and keep the keyword, titles, comments, albums and event intact then use iPhoto LIbrary Manager that Niel suggested.
Happy New Year
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 or later), 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. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. 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.
Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Importing from one iPhoto library to another and retaining metadata.

I have an iPhoto 11 library stored on DVD. Each image in the Library has a number set as its title, 1 through to 350.
The actual names of the images in the filesystem have the format 'P1010004.jpg'.
I want to export the images from iPhoto so that they use the title for the filename so that they're numbered 1.jpg, 2.jpg etc (effectively renaming all the files to use the image title instead of the camera generated title). I know this possible using the File > Export dialog.
With the DVD inserted, the library appears in iPhoto in the 'Shared' section in the left-hand pane. I can navigate through the library on the DVD and the titles and metadata are appearing correctly when I click on 'info'
When I try to export directly from the DVD, the 'File > Export' option is disabled / greyed out. So I presume I need to import these images to my local library to allow me to then export them.
However, when I try and copy the images to my local library by dragging the images from Shared library to my local library (all within the iPhoto window), the image title data is lost, the title becomes the filename 'P1010004'.
I've tried copying the Image Library from the DVD to my local drive, then opening iPhoto with the 'alt' key to select this library, however iPhoto won't open it and the following error appears: You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto. However, I know that the DVD was created by iPhoto 11, the same version I'm using.
Can anyone please tell how I can import these images to my local library and retain the metadata.
Thanks,

I'm just wanting to export to a local folder.
I've looked at iPhoto Library Manager but it didn't seem to want to load Library I'm trying to merge, and I'm not convinced that iPLM is fully compatible with the latest version of iPhoto.
What I really don't understand is that iPhoto immediately recognises the library stored on the DVD, and it automatically pops up in the 'Shared' list on the left hand side.
However, if I first copy the Library from the DVD to my local drive, then try and open iPhoto with this library using the ALT key, I get the following error:
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. Do you want to quit and use the latest version of iPhoto, or do you want to create a new photo library?
... which is strange because I'm using the latest version of iPhoto, and I know the iPhoto Library on the DVD was created using iPhoto 11.

Moving photos from one iPhoto library to another

Is there a way to move photos from one iPhoto library to another? I tried to use export, and that puts the photos in the other iPhoto library (I can see the photo if I open Hard drive>user>pictures>iPhoto Library but when I open iPhoto it is not in that Library's library.
If I have not made myself clear, please ask and I'll try again.
Dave

sudkcore
Is there really no other way than via third party software??
Yes there is, detailed above: export from one, import to another.
I love using iPhoto but this is a real drawback.
Wow, really?
I have bought an external disk so i can free the space on my laptop by moving photos and now I have to buy some software in order to do that??
You don't have to buy it. What's more the free version of iPhoto Library Manager will move up to 20 pics at a time. And the paid version is only $20.
BTW: you can run an entire library from the external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library Folder 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.
Regards
TD

Moving events from one iPhoto library to another

I want to move some events from one iPhoto library to another. Does anyone know that this is possible and if so, how do I do it?

iPhoto cannot do it . The full version of iPhoto Library Manager can transfer events between libraries, or Aperture can do this.
You can download iPhoto Library Manager here: iPhoto Library Manager
If you want to save the money for additional tools, doit manually:
Export the photos from each event you want to transfer to a folder.
Import the folders with images to your other iPhoto library.
You have to make up your mind, if you want to move the original files to your other library or the edited versions. Only exporting the original files instead of the edited files will preserve the full quality. Actually, you want to export both. Using iPhoto library Manager will ensure, that both will be transferred and paired as one photo.

How do you move a quicktime movie from one iphoto library to another?

How do you move a quicktime movie from one iphoto library to another?

1 - export it from Library A via the File ➙ Export ➙ File Export menu with Kind = Original.
2 - import it into Library B as you normally would.
OT

Is there a way to move photos directly from one iPhoto library to another iPhoto library?

Is there a way to move photos directly from one iPhoto library to another iPhoto library?

Not using iPhoto - Aperture can or iPhoto Library Manager can
LN

How do I transfer selected photos from one iPhoto library to another?

How do I transfer selected photos from one iPhoto library to another?

iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ -
Generally it is not advised to have multiple Photo libraries - but if you do you need IPLM to manage them
LN

Transferring from one iPhoto library to another

How do I import photos from an older iPhoto library to a new one, without creating duplicates?
If I import the old iPhoto library folder, I end up with duplicates (both the modified photos and the originals). If I import just the folder for modified photos, then I can't "revert to original."

nvanderkolk:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. Does the new library have photos in it or is it new? If new and empty, move it to the trash and copy the old library folder into the Pictures folder. Download and run BatChmod on the iPhoto Library folder with the settings shown here, putting your administrator login name, long or short, in the owner and group sections. You can either type in the path to the folder or just drag the folder into that field. Then launch iPhoto and let it convert the old library to the new version complete with keywords, comments, albums, etc.
If the new library has photos in it and you want to keep the keywords, comments, etc. from the old library intact then try the following:
1 - rename the old library and put it in the Pictures folder along with the new library.
2 - run BatChmod on the old library folder as described above.
3 - launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, opt to select a library and select the old one. Let iPhoto convert it.
4 - download and use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager to merge the two libraries. This will keep all your metadata intact.
If you don't need the keywords, etc. of the old library then all you need to do is drag the Originals folder from the old library folder into the open window of the new library. That will import the originals into events (if you have the Events preferences set like this) that correspond to the rolls you had in the old library.
Do you Twango?
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 written 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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Importing keywords from one iPhoto library to another iPhoto library

I start a new iPhoto library at the beginning of every year. I've made a collection of keywords in the previous years library that I would like to import into the new iPhoto library. I've tried assigning all of the keywords to one picture, exporting it from the old library and importing it to the new library, but it didn't take the keywords with it. Is there anyway to import this keyword list so that I don't have to recreate it?
Thanks,
Claire

Claire
You're on the right track, but you'll need iPhoto Library Manager to do it. It's the only way to move files from one library to another while maintaining metadata. So, assign all the keywords to one pic, then transfer it to the new library using iPLM. It's a $20 shareware, and all round good app. You can read about it here:
http://homepage.mac.com/bwebster/iphotolibrarymanager.html
Regards
TD

How to fix lost connections to original high-resolution pictures in iPhoto and how to import an iPhoto Book from one iPhoto library to another

Hi there,
I am using a MBP Pro with 8 GB cache and 1 TB HDD from beginning of 2011 with OS X Yosemite and iPhoto version 9.6 (910.29).
I created an iPhoto Book to print which contains my best pictures of 2013 and 2014. Then I got an error message when I wanted to print the book, saying (translated from German):
Book could not be created.
With photo p233432343.jpg there was an error. The original version of that photo with full resolution could not be found or is damaged. Please replace the photo or delete it from your book.
When I enquired further, I found out, that many, many pictures in my iPhoto library have that problem - only the thumbnail picture is found by iPhoto, but not the one with the high resolution. When looking at the photos in detail one sees that they are not sharp because obviously the photo book only refers to the thumbnail. When I went into the iPhoto Library using Finder, I saw that the original high res photos are still there. As there are an estimated 3000 photos with a lost connection (some still have, it but about 1/2 of my photos don´t), it does not make sense to import those photos manually. This photo book is just the tip of the iceberg, so to say.
Then I looked for solutions in some forums. I had two lPhoto libraries, one on my HDD (120GB) and one on an external HDD (175GB). Assuming there might be problems, I have deleted (moved) the one on my HDD, because the "right one" is the one on my external HDD and started iPHoto again using the alt key. But that did not work either.
I then tried to repair my iPhoto library using iPhoto Library Manager, and merged and rebuilt libraries. The library that came out was crap - all folders that had lost connections to the high resolution pictures now have zero photos in it. Also it is lacking the projects, including the photo book I created.
Then I went to find out if there is a way to import the iphoto book project from the old, corrupt library into the new, repaired library but could not find anything. It can only be exported as a file structure or website. As the file structure is missing the high res pictures, that does not even solve the "little" problem of the photobook.
I would REALLY appreciate your help on the two questions:
1- Can you advise what I need to to do to to get the connection to the high resolution photos established again ? As it is more than 3000 photos, I use an automated way of reestablishing that connection. Probably an answer to this question would make question 2 irrelevant.
2- Do you know if there is a way to export and import a book project created in iPhoto from one library to another ?

1 - Select the thumbnail of one of the problem photos and use the File ➙ Reveal in Finder ➙ Original menu option. This will take you to the folder containing the original file with that file selected by the Finder.
You can also use Find Any File to search for that file (get the file name from the Info pane in iPhoto). You will find the thumbnail version and maybe an edited version also. Made sure what is found is the large, original version and note were it's located. Search all of your drives with FAF just in case.
If you don't fine the full sized version then the only recourse is to use a file recovery application like SubrosaSoft FileSalvage on your drives to see if any of your full sized photos can be recovered. If you find enough files to make the purchase of the software worthwhile buy it and recover the files. However, since it may have been quite a while since you discovered the missing originals it seems unlikely you'll be able to recover any due to being overwritten.
2 - book projects are just entries in the library databases and can't be exported to another library.

How can I export a project (a book) from one iPhoto library to another?

I have a photo book in an iPhoto library that was on a laptop. I'd like to export it from that library and import it into my iPhoto library on my iMac. Is there any way to do that? Thanks!

No
Books do not exist. They are just database entries. So you must move the entire database (the iPhoto library by default) to move a book. You can make a smaller database by duplicating the current one and deleting everything except the book and it's photos. You can make and save a PDF of a book
LN

Can I move "keepsakes" from one iPhoto library to another?

For one reason or another a specific "keepsake" photobook was created in an iPhoto library that only contained a subset of all my photos. Now I would like to integrate this specific photobook into the iPhoto library that contains ALL my photos, such that all keepsakes are together.
Is there a way, even a work-around or a round-about way that this specific keepsake photobook can be moved into the overall library?
Thanks for any pointers/suggestions/advice.
Cheers,
Veit

No, there is no way to move a keepsake from one Library to another.
Regards
TD

How do I add photos from one iphoto library to another library

I own 2 macs and want to take the photos from one library and add them to a different library on a different Mac. How do I do it? I've copied the iphoto library from computer 1 to computer 2 but haven't yet done anything with the file.

Best solution is to use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager to move photos between libraries
You can move one version of the image with selected metadata by exporting from one library and importing it to the other library - Exporting From iPhoto
LN

How do I transfer events from one iphoto library to another?

I have 2 iphoto libraries. How do I transfer some events from one to the other?

Either:
1. Export from Library A to the Finder and then import to Library B - this means you won't get the edit history of the images nor will you get all the metadata
or
2. Use iPhoto Library Manager for the job, which will get all versions and all metadata
or
3. If you have Aperture, use that.

Importing from one Iphoto Library to another

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