Syncing Aperture library between two computers using MobileMe and DropBox

I'd like to have my Aperture library automatically sync'd between my MacBookPro and iMac.
I have MobileMe and I'd ideally like to use it to sync, however I believe Aperture sees the library as a large single file, and so is not really practical to do this.
I believe DropBox does handle this better, but I only have the 2GB free version, and don't want to upgrade while I'm paying for MobileMe (which I use mainly for iPhone syncing).
So, I was wondering would keeping the RAW and JPEG images in my iDisk (outside the library) and using a library in my DropBox folder using referenced master files to the images seem like a workable solution?
I appreciate I need to only use one system at a time and make sure it's all sync'd before using the other computer or risk corruption.

Just curious - why do you think it would be slow?
With iDisk sync turned on the master images would be on the local hard drive, as would the library in the DropBox folder. Might have to use a symbolic link or mount to make the local hard disk iDisk folder appear in the exact same location on both machines, though maybe not even that?

Similar Messages

Sharing aperture library between two computers in same house

How do I go about sharing the same library between two computers in the same house? I would like to take some or all photos around with me on my laptop and be able to have them also at home for use by my family. Will I have trouble with changes and keeping things in sync? Would I locate the library on a portable drive on our home network? Thanks,
Todd

cut and dry ???
are you wanting to constantly move the external around from machine to machine ??? or are you looking for simultaneous access ???
if you had a library on an external and moved it between computers, it could work ... just be careful to always have the external connected before starting aperture, else it will create a new null library for you ...
you could have db issues if you tried to have two people access it at once ... i dont believe that the aperture db could handle multi access at once ... not robust enough ... no locking of records, etc ...

Sync Aperture Library between two Macs

I apologize if this is an obvious question; I've searched this community and can't find an answer.
My wife and I currently have iMacs, and we both have iPhoto, and the problem is that we both tend to import pictures we take into our respective iPhoto libraries, but there's no way to easily sync them so we both have all pictures.
I'm intrigued by Aperture's purported "sync" capabilities. Hopefully, an Aperture expert here can tell me if AP3 has the ability to do what I described above - keep two individual copies of Aperture across two Macs on the same network in sync automatically?

csk wrote:
I apologize if this is an obvious question; I've searched this community and can't find an answer.
My wife and I currently have iMacs, and we both have iPhoto, and the problem is that we both tend to import pictures we take into our respective iPhoto libraries, but there's no way to easily sync them so we both have all pictures.
I'm intrigued by Aperture's purported "sync" capabilities. Hopefully, an Aperture expert here can tell me if AP3 has the ability to do what I described above - keep two individual copies of Aperture across two Macs on the same network in sync automatically?
Unfortunately it will be difficult to do this even with Aperture. I'm thinking the the 'sync' capabilities you heard of are Apertures merge library command.
Merging libraries is meant to facilitate what happens when a single user takes all or a part of their library out into the field and then wishes to merge the changes made when they return. So for instance I take a part of my library make changes to it, add new things to it and then merge it back into the original library. When I do the merge I have to tell Aperture which library to use to resolve conflicts. That is one of the libraries has to be made the master.
In a situation like you are describing where two independent users make changes to their respective libraries and then try to merge them which library is designated the master? If you make changes to image A in your library and leave image B alone but your wife does the opposite what should the merged library look like? As Aperture is now one or the other would have to rule.
If its just a question of images you each add independent of the other to your respective libraries you could work something out along the lines of exporting the new project from one library and importing into the other but trying to sync changes between two independent users would be difficult.

Sync aperture 3 between 2 computers

How can I sync Aperture libraries on 2 computers (my laptop and my desktop)? Apple says:
"Merge and Sync Libraries
To merge two or more Aperture libraries, simply drag one Aperture library into another. If any of the merged projects match those already in the library, Aperture automatically updates those items with the most recent changes."
Question--Will this drag-and-drop method work between 2 computers?
Thanks for any help.

Hey everyone,
I've been using iPhoto on my laptop (which was my main computer) since like 2004 when I first started on Mac. The iPhoto library reads as 150gb... so quite a lot.
I also have a desktop that I use for work (mainly Video editing station) but over the last year, my projects have gotten me into using Aperture on the Mac Pro and now any time I happen to go back to iPhoto... it feels "small". So i'm gonna be moving that over to Aperture as well.
Now... a fair amount of my personal stuff over the last year has been making it onto the desktop with aperture due to its better editing capabilities... but I'd like this stuff to be on the laptop as well. Last few months I've been using PhotoStream to push back the best selections that I can view now on iPhoto... but that has limitations (ie, video, large files)... so after doing some reading (and this thread)... i think I know the workflow that I want to setup, but I'm not entirely sure of the best way to go about it.
What I want is this:
Desktop (Mac Pro)... to have EVERYTHING... all the masters, RAW files, projects, libraries etc (due to expanded hard drive bays, plus easy to keep external drives just connected and mount/unmount as I need).
Laptop (Macbook Pro).... to basically be a mirror of my aperture library... but at a much smaller scale. I don't need the RAW files, or the huge masters etc. I just want the images that 99% of the time will be for viewing or emailing, but I'd like to do this abroad when i'm not at the desktop.
I've figured out how to import my iPhoto library into Aperture on the laptop... then I need to move that onto the desktop so I have the last 8 or so years of photos on there... and then I can just merge it into my current on-going aperture library.
So I have 3 questions:
a) use different libraries? will it make things better? on the desktop... i just have one library, that has my personal photos and work-related photos... i split them simply by Project and that works fine enough for me. Will I gain anything if I split into a work-only library and a personal-only library? I dont really want to have to continually switch between the 2 depending on what I'm doing
b) How do I have everything stored (referenced? im still a bit unclear as to how the referencing works in aperture...i just know that sometimes i have the "show in finder" option on a photo... and sometimes I don't).... on the desktop (whether it be an external drive or internal for the RAW/masters).... and then how do I only bring over what I need (including the aperture edits) over to the laptop? If I make changes on the laptop and desktop... how do i sync them to "merge" the changes/which edits does it take preference? from all the reading ive done (including the 2 links above), i'm still really unclear on this.
c) I use some plugins which ive noticed just create new files in aperture... how/where exactly does aperture store those (ie, i often use a de-noise plugin), that will then bring it over to the laptop as well.
Thanks for the help!

How do I sync the same library between two computers?

I have an iMac and a Macbook Air, and I am constantly buying music betwen the two computers, and my iPhone. I want to be able to sync up my iPhone on both computers, but it keeps telling me I have to resync my entire phone, which is just crazy. How can I sync up itunes? I have .mac to sync my contacts, mail, etc.

I have an iMac and a Macbook Air, and I am constantly buying music betwen the two computers
Constantly? The MacBook Air is brand new.
Even if you sync iTunes between two computers With something like this -> syncOtunes, you will still get this message if you sync to the other computer. The libraries may be have the same music but they are not the same library.

Syncing iPhoto library on two computers

My wife wants to have access to her VERY LARGE iPhoto '08 library on two computers - the desktop (her preferred) and the laptop (when the boys are doing homework on the desktop).
Rather than try to share the same library (i.e., networked drive), I set up the two to sync the library. Using +Folders Synchronizer 3.6.2+ (which is able to read and sync the package contents), I have the two libraries syncing so there is a duplicate of her library on both computers (also provides a bit of a backup).
The sync seems to be working well - EXCEPT the changes are not showing up in the iPhoto viewer. In other words...
...she added pictures to iPhoto on the desktop and then synced the laptop.
...Looking inside the iPhoto library (show package contents...) on the laptop and the new pictures were copied to the laptop.
...HOWEVER, when she opens iPhoto on the laptop they don't show up in the window.
I'm sure I'm missing something brainless. I thought it might be that the library needed to be updated but can't figure out how?
Any ideas? Thanks.

Danktuft:
If you have an external HD connected to the Mac then it's a very easy thing to do. See Apple's KB document on iPhoto: Sharing libraries among multiple users. Trying to get a library in the Shared folder to accept two different users is difficult. There is a site describing how to do that using Access Control Lists in Tiger: Share an iPhoto Library in Tiger Using ACL's. It may not work if you upgrade to Leopard at a later date. By far the easiest way is the external HD method.
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 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.

Can I sync iphoto library between two Mac's?

I have two Macs (an iMac and a Macbook Pro) and want to sync the iPhoto (6.0.6) library between the two so whenever I change one the other is updated. I thought about using iDisk but my library is apx 5gb. I am new to Macs- is there a utility built into OSX 10.4.9 or hopefully some freeware or very-cheap ware... preferably automated. Thank you very much.

brettjbyers
No you cannot sync an iPhoto library between two macs. If you do you will corrupt the iPhoto Library file. iPhoto is a consumer level app, and this feature is not supported.
What you can do is share the photos but not the library. Each machine will need to have it's own library file.
The easiest way to do it this is to enable sharing (in the iPhoto Preferences) on both machines (one sharing the library, the other looking for the share). When you do this the shared library will appear in the Source (or left-hand) pane and pics can be dragged from that to the library in the other machine.
Regards
TD

Syncing a project between two computers

I just got a new MacBook which I use when I travel every week. I have a project that I started at home on my 24" iMac. When I'm at home I would like to continue using the iMac because of the big screen. However I would still like to work on the project when I have time on the road.
So the question is "Is is possible to copy / sync a whole project with clips between two computers and be able to go back and forth between the computers?" I realize I might have to copy the whole file.
Better yet is there a way to keep the project on an external drive and use iMovie on each computer to open up and work on the project.
Thanks,
Alan

Yes this is possible.
First, make sure your external drive is formatted as MacOS (journalled) or HFS+ (journalled)
Go into iMovie and from the Project list, drag your project to the External Drive by dragging the project name to the icon for the external drive in the project list in iMovie.
Now select File/Consolidate Media and choose Move (not copy). Everything will be consolidated to the external drive where the project is. You can open it on another Mac.
See the iMovie Help for further details.

Can I sync IPhoto albums between two computers via ICloud?

I have some pictures on my MacBook Pro, and some on my desktop. Other than offloading to a hard drive and trying to duplicate the two drives, is there a way to create albums and have them show up on both computers via the cloud??

brettjbyers
No you cannot sync an iPhoto library between two macs. If you do you will corrupt the iPhoto Library file. iPhoto is a consumer level app, and this feature is not supported.
What you can do is share the photos but not the library. Each machine will need to have it's own library file.
The easiest way to do it this is to enable sharing (in the iPhoto Preferences) on both machines (one sharing the library, the other looking for the share). When you do this the shared library will appear in the Source (or left-hand) pane and pics can be dragged from that to the library in the other machine.
Regards
TD

Syncing play counts between two computers

Is it possible to sync play counts (and other settings such as favorites, playlists, backups, etc) between two computers?
I purchased a new computer for school, but I am interested in continuing to use my old one as well. The old one is where my info is accumulated of course, but I would like to add my counts, playlists, ratings etc. from my old computer onto the new one, and hopefully sync them between each other as well.
As unnecessary as this sounds, I am wondering if it is possible and how it can be achieved. Any help and/or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you

iOS devices sync to one computer.
It is not possible (at least not easily) to sync to multiple computers.
What you can do is copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder from the existing computer to the new computer. Then everything in iTunes on the new computer will be exactly as it was on the old computer.
There is no syncing, at least not within iTunes.
Other programs do exists that will allow you to sync specific folders between multiple computers.

Sharing the same Aperture Library between two Mac's?

gents does any of you manage to share the same Aperture Library between your iMAC and a MacBook?
How can I do it without risking to lose anything or to jeopardize the integrity of my library backup?
the idea is to work on Projects while I am on the move and placing them back into my Main Library sitting on my iMAC at home...
Thx!
P

For each project you want to work on, CTRL + Click the project and "Export -> Project as new library". These new temporary libraries can be moved to your MacBook for working on.
When you come back, import the libraries back to your main Aperture Library with "File -> Import -> Library" and choose to merge your changes. The changes you made will be added to your main library. The temporary libraries can then be deleted.
Deleting them avoids the temptation of working on them later, possibly creating conflicts. It best to export new copies from your main library each time you work away so you know you have current up to date versions.
-Najinsky

Sync single iPhoto library between two computers

My wife and I have different computers and, therefore, separate iPhoto libraries. I know I can use Iphoto Library Manager to consolidate the two libraries, but is there a way anyone can think of where the two of us can each have a full copy of the library, and have all modifications to the "common" library AUTOMATICALLY sync? I know we could share the library and manually copy the photos from one to the other library, but this would be tedious and completely defeat the purpose of Apple's "It just works" mind-set.
Or am I asking too much?
What if there were a way to flag photos in the common library as "Mine" and not "Ours"? That way my wife wouldn't have to "suffer" through my Sci-Fi wallpaper collection and Dr. Who posters. Likewise I would not need to see the photos for school assignments, etc... that she needs available, but we still both have common I/O access to the "common" family photos?
That may be asking to much...

No there's no way to automatically sync two Libraries, and trying to do so will trash one or both of them because no syncing software can parse the iPhoto Library database.
Yes you could have a common Library and keep each other's content separate. Simply keyword the pics 'His' and 'Hers' and use a simple Smart Album to separate them out. You can even - based on those tags - make two master Events - one for her pics and one for his.
Regards
TD

How do I sync iPhoto Library between 2 computers?

Forgive me if this has been asked and answered already. I have an iMac and a MacBook Air and want to sync the iPhoto library between the two. I have upgraded both the desktop and laptop to OSX 10.9 and iPhoto '11 (9.5).
I always had an iPhoto Library file (in Pictures under Finder) on EACH computer. The two did not sync, so if I added photos to one instance of the Library in a particular computer. I had to copy the Library and then paste it into the the other computer. I'm pretty sure I'm missing a fairly easy means of overcoming this, but I don't know what it is.
I had hoped the new version of iPhoto, with its closer link to iCloud would obviate this, but it only synchronises items in Photo Stream, not the entire iPhoto library. Any ideas on how I can improve this process. I do use Dropbox for all other files, and of course the iMac and MacBook Air are on the same home network.
Would I be better off putting the iPhoto Library on an external drive and then "point" both computers to that single instance of the library? If so I don't begin to know how to do it.
Thank you so much

What do you mean by "Sync".
The general term means when two Libraries (A and B) are compared and files in Library A are copied to Library B, while files in Library B are also copied to Library A so that both Libraries are identical.
This is bi-directional copying and you cannot do this automatically with iPhoto. No Syncing software is capable of parsing the iPhoto Library in this manner. One or both of your Libraries will be damaged if you try this.
You can have uni-directional copying - files in Library A are copied to Library B - this is essentially backing up. Obviously you can also copy from Library B to Library A.
The nearest you can get to syncing is to use iPhoto Library Manager to move files/Albums/Events plus associated metadata between Libraries. This process cannot be automated.
Putting the Library on an external is easy:
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

"Sync" iPhoto library between two macs

I have an iMac and a MacBook Pro. The iMac is my my iPhoto central - where I usually import, edit etc. However, I'd like to be able to do some editing, deleting, and general cleaning up of the iphoto library while commuting and using my MacBook Pro. Then I'd like to somehow sync that so that my iphoto library iMac reflects the same changes.
Any suggestions for a strategy/process for this - preferably without using 3rd party applications?
Would this be easier if I used Aperture?

Two possibiities:
1. Use iPhoto Library Manager to create a new Library. Then use it to move Events or albums to the new Library. Then when you've finished the work, merge the two libraries.
2. Or use Aperture to do the same thing. Select the projects in Aperture and export them as a new Library. After working on them import the library back to the main Aperture library.
So there are two ways to do what you want.One uses a 3rd party app, one uses an Apple app that is very much iPhoto's "big brother". It's more expensive and much more powerful. It has a significant learning curve.

Sharing a single itunes library between two computers - must be possible!

Hi there,
This is probably a commonly asked question, but I cannot find a step by step guide to doing it (if indeed it is possible).
I have got a copy of itunes running on my media computer/server in my living room. What I want is to connect my laptop over the network and share this library - the effect being that it is like I am using the original computer.
In essence I want to be able to add muscic, edit tracks, update my ipod from either computer and the changes be made in respect of both computers. I suspect that this is done by making sure that the laptop uses the same database information as that created by my main computer but am not really sure where to start.
Could anyone perhaps give me a step by step guide as to how to do this - a single database that can be used by two computers each running itunes. One thing I am pretty sure is not possible is to for two people to be using itunes at the same time, so I would ahve to avoid this.
Thanks very much.

Ah. Sorry about that, I guess I skimmed over the add music part. Correct, in that the home sharing wouldn't allow you to add music to the media server library. The only thing that I can think of that would give you what you want is to use a shared folder on the network and then map both of the iTunes to that folder. At least that way music would go into the same folder. The only question is about the library on the other computer, if it would get updated when you use the other to add music.

Syncing Aperture library between two computers using MobileMe and DropBox

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for