Just bought a 2tb external hard drive with the intention of moving my iPhoto data files on it. I have so much of my 500 gigs being used up by images and video. Questions: Will this foul up my iPhoto app? Do I need to point iPhoto to this new location?

Just bought a 2tb external hard drive with the intention of moving my iPhoto data files to it. I have so much of my 500 gigs being used up by images and video. Questions: Will this foul up my iPhoto app?
Do I need to point iPhoto to this new location?
Thanks!

Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?
A Managed Library, is the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing. The files are then stored in the Library package
A Referenced Library is when iPhoto is NOT copying the files into the iPhoto Library when importing because you made a change at iPhoto -> Preferences -> Advanced. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.
Assuming a Managed Library:
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

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