Library6.iPhoto file

Hello,
I have been useing iPhoto exclusively and due to some other problems have ended up repopulating my Library a couple times. I have had to rename and recreate all of the files and albums, respectively. I have had to re-import my pics again in the past few months from my backup on my external HD and have been trying to find if there is a way i can find the names of the pics and the albums I have created previously. I have noted that many of the repsonses discuss 3 folders in the iPhoto Libray folder (Originals, Modified, and Data). I don't have them nor do I have a Library6.iPhoto file. Instead I have some orignial folders in folders named by the year the pictures were taken and a "Library.iPhoto" file. I have a couple questions:
1) Is the missing Library6.iPhoto file where my albums and names for the pics would be?
2) Is there a way to get the names/albums back into my library so I don't have to recreate the wheel?
3) How can I get the three folders?
Thanks
Powerbook Pro G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Hi,
What you're describing is the iPhoto library structure for versions prior to v6. In iPhoto, go to the iPhoto menu and choose Info. A box will pop up to show you which version of iPhoto you are using. Then you can direct your future questions to the forum for the version you have. As for now, it sounds like your library structure is normal and shouldn't be the sole cause of your difficulties.
Good Luck.

Similar Messages

Hope of restoring photos even if Library6.iPhoto file is lost/deleted?

All of my 283 events still visible in iPhoto, neatly named and organized, and I can open them, but I can't open any of the photos or videos inside. When I click on a video thumbnail, nothing happens; when I click on a photo thumbnail, I get a large exclamation mark instead of a photo.
Following some advice on older iPhoto threads, I've tried rebuilding my iPhoto Library by holding down option/alt as I launched iPhoto and checking all the options to rebuild. But doing that seems to have only made things worse, because the thumbnails that used to appear as tiny thumbs of my photos and videos (useless as they were) now are blank/empty squares bordered by dotted lines, though still labeled with their proper filenames.
I've been reading thread after thread about lost iPhoto Libraries, and part of the restoration always has something to do with the files AlbumData.xml and Library6.iPhoto. (What exactly are these files for, anyway?)
I have AlbumData.xml in the package contents of my 'iPhoto Library' (for which I am now prompted to look for an application with which to open it), but I can't find the Library6.iPhoto file anywhere. I think it was lost in some moving I did between my external hard drive and my Mac yesterday.
Supposing it was permanently deleted, is all hope of restoring my photos and videos lost?
(Also, I've just checked the space available on my Mac and it's gone from less than 1 GB to about 96 GB. Cause to panic? ... That's 7689 photos and videos that I kept in iPhoto and never thought to backup. Stupid.)

If you're using iPhoto 09 then there may well be no Library6.iPhoto file. That refers to earlier versions.
I'm afraid this does not look good:
I've just checked the space available on my Mac and it's gone from less than 1 GB to about 96 GB.
That space came back because something got deleted. Mind you I wouldn't expect that 7700 photos and videos would take up that much space. So, I think you've lost more.
And a likely cause:
the space available on my Mac and it's gone from less than 1 GB
Did you get warnings about the available disk space?
OS X needs about 10 gigs of hard drive space for normal OS operations - things like virtual memory, temporary files and so on. Without this space your Mac will slow down as the OS hunts for space on the disk, files will be fragmented, also slowing things down, apps will crash and the risk of data corruption - that is damage to your files, photos, music - increases exponentially.
AS you have no back up, then I'm afraid you're into a Data Recovery scenario. You're going to need an external hard disk, an app like File Salvage and a lot of patience and luck.
Regards
TD

Time Machine recovery of library6.iphoto file in iPhoto 08?

Hello everyone,
Is it possible to use Time Machine to recover a previous (uncorrupted) version of the library6.iphoto file? This is located within the iPhoto Library file, and is only viewable (as far as I know) by right clicking on the file to show package contents.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Vincent

A Time Machine back up is not readable from the FInder. It works in increments. So the first runis the whole object being abcked up, thereafter only the changes are recorded. So, to access the back up you need to restore. This produces the original plus all the changes since.
You have put your Library on a Disk Image. You need to restore the disk image and mount it to view the contents of the Library.

? Corrupted Library6.iPhoto file?

I updated iPhoto to 7.1.2 a few days ago. On opening iPhoto the next AM I noticed that all my pictures from summer 2006 to present are missing when running iPhoto; those before summer 2006 remain. It was a few days since I had looked at pictures before the upgrade. Fortunately, all my pictures appear to be in the correct place and are viewable with Preview when I click on the photo file (user/Pictures/iPhoto Library/) on the internal hard drive. Whew!
I've reviewed the forum for the last 2 hours and assume that I have a corrupted database file. Not sure if it is the Library6.iPhoto file or albumData.xml file. I have tried copying both of these from my SuperSuper backup volume (done last Sunday evening automatically before I knew I had a problem) on my external hard drive without correction of the problem. Should I also try to copy over the Library.iPhoto file? I didn't see this recommended elsewhere.
Prior posts recommended copying over the Library6.iPhoto file if a backup was available, and if no improvement, to rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager. Before jumping into this, I want to make sure that is what others would recommend. I've got the program downloaded and see the command to rebuild. It will save the new library as "rebuilt library" in the pictures folder. Is this my best action?
If I rebuild, shouId I then throw away my old "iPhoto Library", then change the name of the rebuilt library to "iPhoto Library"?
What are the ramifications of rebuilding the library? Although I have a lot of albums, I only have a couple slideshows, only 1 web gallery item, and no cards. I assume I'll have to rename events; no big deal.
I am a little surprised rebuilding the library is not built into iPhoto somewhere. Good thing someone wrote a program.
Given this corrupted file, should I be checking my drive for other problems? Permissions are correct and the disk verified fine with disk utility.
Thanks,
Justin

jcgraff
Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
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 back.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
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 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

Corrupted Library6.iPhoto file. New Library from ext. drive?

My Library6.iPhoto file is corrupted. How do I create a new 'Library' when all the 'original' stills are on an external drive and will not fit on my 'desktop'?
Ben

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.
Do you Twango?

Package Contents of iPhoto 08 shows Library6.iPhoto

When I right click on my "iPhoto Library 08" and "show package contents", I have the usual array of Originals folder, modified and data folders.
BUT, I also have 2 listings as follows:
1. Library.iPhoto 4 kb
2. Library6.iPhoto 15.9 MB
I'm a bit confused.
My iPhoto Library 08 is 7.2 GB
Any understanding on this would help.
Deb

2. Library6.iPhoto 15.9 MB
My iPhoto Library 08 is 7.2 GB
The Library6.iPhoto file is the database that iPhoto uses. It's got a lot of pointers and stuff that no one except the iPhoto engineers know how to interpret. There are several other folders and packages in your iPhoto library that contain all your data, and if you look (but don't touch!), you'll find there is gigabytes of data in them.
You probably found the 7.2 GB by hitting the little "i" while selecting your Events in iPhoto application. That is the total of the photos, if you exported the photos from iPhoto. That's a good representation of how much space you would need if you gave all of your pictures to someone else without actually sharing the iPhoto library itself.
nathan

Old Toad's automator workflow to backup Library6.iPhoto database

Dear Old Toad,
I just today downloaded your workflow to backup the iPhoto database file, and am having problems making it work.
When I run it, either from the dock or the script menu, it launches Automator but then closes without doing anything. I don't get a confirmation screen, and no copy of the database is created.
So I opened it in Automator to see if editing it would help, even though my library is already named iPhoto Library and stored in user/pictures. When I dragged it onto the Automator window, there was only 1 action (Get Specified Finder Items) instead of the 4 that show up in the ReadMe. When I dragged it onto the Automator app to open it, I got nothing.
I downloaded it via Firefox 3.0.1 and got a 1.1MB zip, and I tried downloading it twice in case it had corrupted in the download, but no change with the second try. Downloaded from here:
http://web.mac.com/toad.hall/ToadsCellar/ToadsCellar.html
Running OS 10.4.11, iPhoto 7.1.5, on a G4.
Something else I can try?
Thanks,
Daiya
Message was edited by: Daiya

Yes. Run the application like you would use the Save command in other applications, often. Running it again will overwrite the current backup copy with a new backup that will include all changes you've made to your library, new pictures, deletions, slideshows, books, etc.
I suggested keeping it in the dock so you can quickly run it after any changes you've made to the library. Being in the Dock makes it more convenient than having to go into the Application folder and launching it from there.
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. 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 now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Iphoto files are there, but no images

OSX 10.6.8
IPhoto 7.1.5
My library is intact, and all my files are there, well in theory. The files exist, and they are taking up the correct space, but I can't seem to see them at all!! I also just connected to a time capsule and did my very first backup. Unfortunately, my new backup has the same thing. I tried the option + command startup with no avail! I have EON's of photos that I would rather not loose. Please help me!
Cheers!
Joe

Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. Download <a href="http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/"><b><u>iPhoto Library Manager</b></u></a> 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.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new *iPhoto 08* 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 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.

Consolidating all iPhoto files/images in one place

OK: Excuse me if this is a boring or redundant question, but here it is - I am using the latest version of iPhoto on MBP, and I have some earlier versions on iPhoto on a Quicksilver in several places. I would like to have everything in one place, if not on my MBP then on an external HD. How do I do this in the most efficient manner, ensuring that all images and their respective info/data are assembled correctly so that my current version of iPhoto (7.1.1) can view them? Thanks in advance!

You will have to tell iPLM to find them again by hitting the Add Library button and reselecting them.
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 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.

Stop iPhoto files from appearing in desktop and screen saver.

I have pictures in IPhoto that I want to maintain the security and restrict access. The photos are confidential. The problem is that the files show up in screen saver and desktop. In OSX.5 how do you remove iPhoto files from desk top and screen saver? or prevent desktop or screen saver from accessing the files?

Walter:
You'll need to put them in their own library and put the library in a password protected (disk image) dmg file big enough to hold the library. You can use iPhoto Library Manager to quickly move between libraries after opening the disk image.
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. 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 now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Iphoto file name / title problem

Trying to figure out why titles are not consistent. Some batches show the .JPG or .CRW extension in the title and some batches do not. What is the cause, and is there a way to force the extension to either display or not for all photos in the library.
Also, unrelated, I realized that at some point my file numbers got screwed up. Specifically, after the import that ended with MG0718, the next import started with file MG7054. Some 1000 photos later I noticed. I'd like to be able to renumber these. And if I can , I'd then like to get (trick) my camera into saving new photos, starting with maybe MG2000.
IPHOTO 6.0.6
Thanks for any help.
Ron

rtpeters:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. First, you've posted in the iPhoto 08 forum and may not get the responses you'd would in the iPhoto 6 forum.
As far as numbering is concerned that's a camera issue an I don't know of any way to set a start point in any camera. FWIW here's how I handle file naming:
1 - I upload to a folder on the desktop.
2 - date and name the folder: 03/08/08-Temecula Rod Show. This will give me an event with the same title when imported.
3 - I use R-Name to batch rename the files with the date taken and a brief description: 2008-03-08-TemRodShow-01.jpg.
4 - import the folder.
That avoids problems down the line with duplicate file names during exporting. It also gives me excellent chronological sorting and searching.
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.

IPhoto file Corruption from HP Digi. Cam

Long story short, I finally convinced my parents to get a Mac. So i picked up a Mac Mini for them today, and when we got it set up i hooked up my mom's digital camera to it.
It's a HP Photosmart M415. The pictures are in jpg format. So here's the issue. We hook up the camera, hit Import. There's about 70 pics on there, and it gets down to 30 something left, and it stalls. The import just hangs. So i say, give it time it'll go. But it doesn't...it's stuck there.
I stop the import, and try again with iPhoto. Again it stalls on the same picture. So i fired up Image Capture, and made it copy all the pictures to a folder on the desktop.
Now, the import went through fine (as in, all the pics are there), however, about half of them are corrupt. I tried opening them in Preview, Photoshop, and Graphic Converter, and none can open them.
So where iPhoto stalled was the first of the corrupt images. Picking one at a time in image capture seems to yield a somewhat better success rate, but it's not good. Also, sometimes i can open and view the picture in Preview, but i cannot import it into iPhoto...
Why can't iPhoto import a picture that Preview can open?? That is simply beyond me.
The same procedures were repeated, with the same results, on a Titanium PowerBook running 10.4.7 and an Intel Mac Mini running 10.4.7.

k2schreck:
The fact that the HP R817 is not on the OS X compatible camera list, Mac OS X Digital Camera Support, may be the reason you're having problems. Check in the System Profiler to see if the camera is recognized there. If it's not then you'll be limited to using a card reader as Smtr mentioned. It's my preferred way of uploading from any camera. Prevents the possible shutdown of the camera during a large import due to low battery or the auto shutdown option. Also gives you more control of the upload process and, IMO, safer.
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.

Corrupt Library6.iphoto - empty albums

Hello, guys, hope someone out there is smarter than I (and smarter than "I-Photo").
I have a corrupt library6.iphoto here. About 100 of my albums show zero pictures (only one is populated). But all 40Gb of photos are still intact in the 'Original' and 'Modified' folders. I believe the problem is a corrupt slideshow I just created. I think that because when I try to click that slideshow, iPhoto quits abruptly (i.e. no obvious way to delete it).
I read this thread (and many similar) http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9861491&#9861491
and the three options described there will cause a lot of work:
Option 1. "Back-Up": My latest backup is about 15Gb ago (yes, that's a human error), and I've modified a lot of pictures since then, so I estimate I would lose about 20 to 30 hours of work.
Option 2. "Rebuild": I'm in the process of rebuilding another 40Gb Library, but I guess it won't work since the corrupt Library6 file is a fraction of the size of my last backed up library6 file.
Option 3. "Re-Populate": Not all the Rolls correspond to Albums, so there isn't an easy way to re-create my albums (another, 5 to 10 hours of work).
My questions:
A) Since I see the empty Album-structure intact in the corrupt library, is it possible that the album-data is still stored somewhere (despite the fact that the Library6 file is a fraction of what it was)?
B) Is it possible to rebuild the libraries using all available photos in the Pictures folder? (i.e. using both folders 'Modified' and 'Originals'?)
C) Is it possible to kick that slideshow out of the database, thereby leaving the empty Album-structure for me to re-populate?
A thousand thanks to anyone who can help.
-Stuart

Stuart
That library6.iphoto file is toast. There is no going back to it. Even if you could “repopulate” it somehow, you would be bringing data into an entity known to unstable - nothing too wise there
As you don’t have an up-to-date- back up your choices are two:
The first attempts to leverage the data about your albums mentioned here:
A) Since I see the empty Album-structure intact in the corrupt library, is it possible that the album-data is still stored somewhere (despite the fact that the Library6 file is a fraction of what it was)?
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.
or
Rebuild from Scratch.
B) Is it possible to rebuild the libraries using all available photos in the Pictures folder? (i.e. using both folders 'Modified' and 'Originals'?)
Yes, simply import the photos from both Folders. But you will have massive duplication as each will be treated as a new photo in itself. If you don’t have a working back up and/or if rebuilding with iPhoto Library Manager fails there is +no way+ to re-construct the relationship between the Original and Modified versions.
C) Is it possible to kick that slideshow out of the database, thereby leaving the empty Album-structure for me to re-populate?
No.
To create and populate a new *iPhoto 6* library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Rolls and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
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 on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Roll 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

IPhoto file locations??? Actual file or just a "shortcut" ??? PLEASE HELP

I don't know why but this confuses me, I recently realized I can use iPhoto just as i use iView Media as an organized photo album. Currently I have all my pictures stored on my HD in multiple folders (by year, topic, event, etc.) Thru iView Media I can drag the folders and it makes a mirrored image...it does not create a second file of the same size. When I tried doing this thru iPhoto I have noticed that it creates files the same size (maybe a little smaller) than the original. Can this be stopped so it's just a "mirrored shortcut" to the original file??? In my advanced preferences I do not have the check-box clicked to "copy to the iphoto library". Please help....

Joe:
Are you sure that that box is unchecked in iPhoto's Advanced Preference section. I've seen it get checked after an update to iPhoto was run as it is the default state. If you've deleted the preference file for any reason that would reset that option.
When you import a folder into iPhoto in the alias mode all that gets created are the alias files, thumbnail files and a modified file if the photo was a portrait orientated photo taken by a camera that has the auto-rotate capability. The database file, Library6.iPhoto, also gets updated. That file can become rather large depending on the number of albums, books, slideshows, etc. that are in the 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.

Back Up iPhoto Files on CD or DVD- Correct Procedure

Can you post here or point me to the recommended Procedure for backing up iphoto files on external drive to disk (CD or DVD)? I have read many bits and pieces through various postings, but didn't see one procedure that contains all the steps.
My external hard disk crashed, along with my iphoto libraries. I do have a back up copies of my iphoto files, so I will be restoring most of the photos. However, among these disks I have one CD backup copy I did that doesn't seem to work. Not sure what I did wrong with that one.
Please advise specifically which file folders to copy (or drag? or import?) and any special settings. Also, if you could add a procedure for incremental back ups. I have read the recommendation to copy the iphoto6.library folder regularly Should I save this on the disk with the photo files or on a separate disk labeled with the same date and library name. Also, I'd like to hear your advise for handling incremental backups for new rolls added.
Finally, if I purchase SuperDuper or DejaVu, will these applications better serve me in other ways and accomplish the same goal? I do use Backup, but I am concerned that it has too many limitations.
As soon as I get my HD back, I plan to put the iphoto libraries back on the external drive and want to get a clean procedure going, after this scare.
I am learning lots from this experience...

Hello, Sue,
Sorry about your drive crash! Nice that you did back up your photos, though.
Are you using the external drive as a backup to your computer's drive for iPhoto?
Or, are you using the external drive as the primary location for your iPhoto Library(ies)? If you are using the external as the primary location, then you will need another external drive as a backup, or burn the photos to CDs or DVDs.
Re: your previously burned CD--I am not sure why it does not work for you, but, there are two methods of burning photos to disks:
1. Burning from WITHIN iPhoto Burn from iPhoto--this method creates a disk that appears in the Source Pane of iPhoto when the disk is inserted into the computer's drive. It will keep your photos and albums looking as they did in iPhoto, but you need to be in iPhoto to access the photos. They do not need to be reimported. This is a good method for storage and easy access. You can delete these photos from your current library and just pop in the disk when you want them.
2. Burning from FINDER Burn from Finder--this method stores the photos for you, and can be accessed by any computer. When the disk mounts, you will have to reimport these photos into iPhoto to work with them. They will not be in albums, unless you specifically export them from iPhoto giving them the album name. (Post back if you want to do this; more instructions). This is a good method for backing up and having access to the photos on any computer that can read a disk.
I think it is a good idea to have both a backup external drive and the photos burned to disks. I have most of my photos burned to disks via method 2 just to preserve the photos. These are my old scanned-in snapshots, and I am not so worried about losing them on a drive because I have the negatives and the actual prints. (It would take a while to locate the negatives, but the prints are all in photo albums and labeled!).
I also have created iMovies and burned to DVDs, all the photos and videos of our family for a 17-year time period. (I have about 10 year's worth more to do to 2006, and probably a couple more encompassing photos from 1890s-1970s).
So, I will eventually have three backups: my external drive, the movie-DVDs, and DVD disks of the photos; in addition to the prints.
Some purists and worriers think that for the long-term archiving, we should be printing out our digital photos onto acidfree paper and placing them carefully in albums designed to preserve the photos. They think that DVDs can become damaged or obsolete and that the only way to really keep a photo is via paper prints.
Specifically, you will want to back up the entire iPhotoLibrary folder from Finder. This is the folder that by default is located in your 'Pictures' folder. Initially, you just drag the entire folder over to the external drive. (By the way, be sure that your external drive is Mac-formatted. Most are preformatted for PCs, so check).
When it has finished copying, you have backed up your library.
If you import more photos, you need to back up again. It is easiest just to drag the whole folder over again.
Some of us like to break up our library into several libraries. I have about ten or so, broken by dates. Since I have scanned in all my old photos, and edited most of them, I don't need to back up those libraries until I do some more editing. The current year's library I back up after almost every photo import. I back up the whole library--not incrementally.
Old Toad recommends making a backup copy of that Library6.iPhoto database file:
+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.+
If you do create multiple libraries, you will need to backup this database file for EACH of them. I created a Library6.iPhoto backup folder, and I made a subfolder for each of them with that library's name on it and put the corresponding Library6.iPhoto file into its subfolder, carefully noticing which library I am backing up.
Just remember, the three rules of computer data:
1. Backup
2. Backup
3. Backup
And, my favorite, "There are two types of computer users: those who have lost data, and those who will." Having been both.....lost some papers my daughter wrote when an external failed.....I am now more cautious.

Library6.iPhoto file

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