Is the iPhoto Library Safe?

I currently have my iPhoto library and separate copies of the photos. As this is doubling up on everything, I was wondering how safe the iPhoto library actually is? Is total corruption possible and then if I didn't have separate files elsewhere all would be lost? What are your thoughts?

You're welcome!
yes, the iPhoto Library is a bundled package, disguised as a single file. And iPhoto is maintaining the databases inside, that describe how the edited versions, originals, thumbnails are related. Be very careful, when you access the files inside. Just look, don't modify.
Terence Devlin has written some very useful user tips, that describe the iPhoto Library: See the links below:
iPhoto and File Management
How to Access Files in iPhoto
Exporting From iPhoto

Similar Messages

Where is the iPhoto library stored and how can I browse to it in Finder? The "Photos" option is not showing up on the left hand side.

I created an app using Automator to batch resize my photos. When I take photos with my iPhone 4s the resolution is so big I can't upload them to a web site, so I can select all the photos in an event and resize them down. It's too time consuming to open each one in Preview and resize it manually. This little app works perfectly!
Here's the only thing I'd like to change - when the app starts up it asks which photos I want to resize. I'd love it to default to the iPhoto library so I can choose the most recent event. But I can't for the life of me find it! Normally there's a choice on the left hand side that says Photos and in the automator finder window, it's not showing up. I've looked through all the folders I can think of and can't find it.
Help!

You are not using iPhoto properly and are in danger of losing your photos
iPhoto is a SQP database application and there are NO user servicable parts in the database (by default the iPhoto library) It is extremely important that you NEVER make any changes of any sort to the content (or structure) of the iPhoto library
The only safe (and suppoprted) way to resize photo is to select them and export using the various esize options in teh export dialogue and use those resized photos - this is a bathc process and does not involve Preview nor does it involve seperate processing for each photo
LN

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

Why is the iPhoto Library file so big?

Why is the iPhoto Library File so big?
I cancelled the option in settings that it copies the files to the Library but the LIbrary file grows and grows when I import new photos?
Can someone help me?

You have disabled "Copy items to the iPhoto Library"?
Then the original image files should not be imported; you can check this by selecting one of the recently imported photos and using the command "File > Reveal in Finder > Original File". Does it show you a file outside the library?
Your library will grow in size, when you import and edit photos, even if the originals are not included. iPhoto will store thumbnails of your photos, previews of the edited versions, of the faces, and if you sync your library with iTunes, there will also be an iPod Photo cache, that can be quite large:
iTunes: Understanding the iPod Photo Cache folder
You know, that disabling "Copy items to the iPhoto Library" is quite risky, don't you? Just in case you are not aware of the risks - iPhoto does provide no tools at all, if the connection between your referenced original files and your thumbnails in iPhoto gets broken. Or if you need to move your photos to a different drive, when the drive fails, as will happen one day. You will not be able to migrate the library to a new computer or restoring from your backup will be difficult. You will need third party apps like iPhoto Library Manager to recover from such a situation.
If you need to free space on your mac it is much safer to move the whole library to an external drive, or to split it and relocate the partial library with the older photos to an external drive.
-- Léonie

Previews folder in the iPhoto Library

Hi all, Anyone know what the previews folder is for in the iPhoto library (Show package contents) - and also if it's safe to delete? It's 8gb and would give me some breathing space on my SSD.

This is really, really simple: Don't change anything in the iPhoto Library Folder via the Finder or any other application. iPhoto depends on the structure as well as the contents of this folder. Moving things, renaming things,, deleting them or otherwise making changes will prevent iPhoto from working and could even cause you to damage or lose your photos.
No you can't delete it. It's used by the app when sharing with other apps. Deleting it will corrupt your Library.
If space is an issue you can run a library from an external disk.
Make sure the drive is formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library 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

Opening the iphoto library to view and manage it's content

I know there is a way, by pressing some keys together, either in the finder or on iphoto itself at launching, in order to be able to open the application and, as in the older version, be able to see the folders and the rolls inside them.

Do you mean see the rolls and event folders in the Finder?
There isn't.
There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
*For Users of 10.5 Only*
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!
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and 10.5* ...
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*:
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

How can I designate the disk for the iPhoto library?

how can I designate the disk for the iPhoto library?

Moving the iPhoto library is safe and simple - quit iPhoto and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive - depress the option key and launch iPhoto using the "select library" option to point to the new location on the external drive - fully test it and then trash the old library on the internal drive (test one more time prior to emptying the trash)
And be sure that the External drive is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) (iPhoto does not work with drives with other formats) and that it is always available prior to launching iPhoto
And backup soon and often - having your iPhoto library on an external drive is not a backup and if you are using Time Machine you need to check and be sure that TM is backing up your external drive
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

How can I "see" the folder structure behind the iPhoto-library?

Within iPhoto (iLife 8) I can right click on a picture and, through Show File, find it in its respective subfolder. BUT, when I go to finder and highlight the iPhoto library in Pictures, I only get information about the total library (size, location etc,) but not its underlying folder and subfolder structure(as was customary in iPhoto6). What changes in settings do I need to make to show the folder-structure?
Thanks in advance
Veit

Viet
What changes in settings do I need to make to show the folder-structure?
None, you can't do it.
With iPhoto 7 (iLife 08) the old iPhoto Library Folder is now a Unix Style Package File. The change was made to the format of the iPhoto library because many users were inadvertently corrupting their library by browsing through it with other software or making changes in it themselves. You can look inside there simply by right-clicking on the iPhoto Library and going 'Show Package Contents'.
However, 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. There are no user serviceable parts in the iPhoto Library.
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.
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

Can't open the iPhoto library as a folder?

When I browse to the iPhoto "Library" it shows up as an application icon but not as a folder. So I can't browse through the folder. Also if I want to import a picture file from the library, say in FB or from a mail client, I cannot open the "library" and browse- it opes the entire library as an attachment?Any advice on how to make it a "browseable" folder again? (didn't this USED to be the case?) is most appreciated.

Browsing through the iPhoto Library has never been supported with iPhoto. It was possible but not supported.
Since iPhoto 7 (iLife 08) the old iPhoto Library Folder is now a Package File. This is simply a folder that looks like a file in the Finder. The change was made to the format of the iPhoto library because many users were inadvertently corrupting their library by browsing through it with other software or making changes in it themselves.
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!
(Note the above illustration is not a Finder Window. It's the dialogue you get when you go File -> Open)
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.
All of the above are a: Faster and b: Safer than rooting through the old folders of the Library.
Regards
TD

Every time I open Iphoto I get the following message: "A photo has been found in the iPhoto library that was not imported. Do you want to import it? Yes or No" Any suggestions?

Every time I open Iphoto I get the following message: "A photo has been found in the Iphoto library that was not imported. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Quit iPhoto and to to the iPhoto library (by default in your pictures folder) - right click (control click) on it and select show package contents - find the folder named import (on importing) and drag it to the desktop - DO NOT MAKE ANY OTHER CHANGES - launch iPhoto and you will be fine.
Open the import(ing) folder and if there is nothing in it that you need move it to the trash and empty the trash
LN

The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it. iPhoto can try to repair the permissions.

Hi, I have the following message when opening iPhoto:
The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it. iPhoto can try to repair the permissions.
I select repair, enter my password and I get the following:
The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it.
This happened a few weeks ago and I have been fumbelling around trying to fix it. I have no backup servers or shared access. My iPhone and iPad 'used to' pump pictures via iCloud but this has stopped.
I am adminstrator with open & edit rights.
I'm using a MacBook Air rinning OX 10.9 (Software OS X 10.9 (13A603)
PLEASE HELP!

Similar problem but not quiet the same:
Please bear with me as I am very new to this subject.
1: Using a MacBook Air OSX 10.7.5 and it is WiFi connected to a Time Capsule.
2: Overnight I have done a complete back-up. Checked the data files and all correct.
3: I can open the files on the TC except for the iPhoto Library as I want to check visually that they are there. All 2,388.
4: The iPhone Library on the TC will not allow me to look in.
5: the iPhoto Library on the MBA allows me access and I can view etc all the 2,388.
Q1: So why can I not look into the TC's iPhone Library? Or how do I open that library so I can look in?
Q2: how can I export data back from the TC to the MBA if ever I needed to do that?
Thanks for helping out a virgin in these matters.

I am trying to transfer my photos from old mac to new mac. I copied the iPhoto library to an external hard drive, then imported it to the new iPhoto. It turned my 2000 photos into 12,000!! What happened?

And how do I turn off FACES?

I copied the iPhoto library to an external hard drive, then imported it to the new iPhoto. It turned my 2000 photos into 12,000!!
According to you youo did not do what I instructed - you said you imported the old library into th enew library which can easily take a 2000 photo library and turn it into 12,000 including two ro three versions of each photo pus all the face thumbnails
The correct procedure has NO importing involved
drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac
That is it
LN

Iphoto locked up, I forced quit and now when I try to open iphoto it gives me a Caution note...The iphoto library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it. What do I do now?

I had to force quit from iphoto...
then I tried to reopen iphoto and it gave me a Caution message.
The iphoto library is locked, on a locked disc, or you do not have
permission to make changes to it....
What do I do to be able to get to my photographs?

Try Rebuilding the iPhoto library and post back with results. BTW if you don't get an answer on this forum there is an iPhoto forum too.

I don't know what has happened but I can't open iPhoto. When I try to open it I receive a caution "The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it." How do I solve this??!!

I don't know what has happened but I now can't open iphoto. I get a caution when I try which says the iphoto library is locked! It was working perfectly fine this afternoon until I tried to upload some photos from my camera and my computer started to run very slow and wasn't recognising my camera. I tried to quit iphoto and then when I came back in to it, this was the message I received. As far as I am aware I didn't alter any settings or put on any locks. Please help!!

What version of iPhoto? Assuming 09 or later...
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

Is the iPhoto Library Safe?

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