Iphoto exports photos smaller than actual size

Question

this problem just recently started, and i haven't changed anything (settings, os, way i import photos, etc...). basically when i upload photos on line, or open them up in another program by opening them through this process:
file - open - photos - iphoto library - data - *folder name* - *image title*
the photos all come out to be about 3x2 inches or so. most of them should be around 6x4 or so... i would just like to find a way to upload/open a file from iphoto, without having to take the photo out of iphoto, save it at a different file name into a different location, and having to open it up from that location. it adds too much work and uses up too much hard disk space, because i upload a lot of photos online.
anyone know?

Answer 1

The problem is that you're not exporting at all; you're grabbing the file from the iPhoto library. Since you're going into the Data folder, you're getting the thumbnail that iPhoto creates to make viewing your library efficient.
The correct way to do this is to choose the photos you want from within the iPhoto application (not the library folder in Finder). Select File > Export > File Export, where you can create a folder on your desktop for the exported copies. In the export dialog you will also have the option to rename the copies or resize them for better performance in email or websites. When you have used the exports you can delete them; iPhoto keeps your original files safe inside the library.
Okay, I know you said you want to leave them in the library. But you can save disc space by deleting your exports after you've finished uploading them.
The reason I'm reluctant to tell you how to do it your way is that one of the most common causes of iPhoto damage is when people mess around inside the iPhoto library folder in Finder. Any changes made while you're in there will break the link between your file and the iPhoto database. At worst, you can corrupt your whole database and have to start over with a fresh library.
That being said, you should know that the full-sized photos are contained in either the Originals folder (unedited photos here) or the Modified folder (edited and rotated photos here). The advantage to exporting is that iPhoto knows which one to copy; to find it yourself you have to go looking around a bit.
And, just to be safe, you can use Finder to make a duplicate of the file Library6.iPhoto, located just inside the iPhoto Library folder. (It's a relatively small file.) Keeping a current copy of this file will allow you to easily restore your library in the event of database corruption. I make a new duplicate every time I close iPhoto and keep the 2 most recent copies as back-up.