Transferring from one iPhoto library to another

Question

How do I import photos from an older iPhoto library to a new one, without creating duplicates?
If I import the old iPhoto library folder, I end up with duplicates (both the modified photos and the originals). If I import just the folder for modified photos, then I can't "revert to original."

Answer 1

nvanderkolk:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. Does the new library have photos in it or is it new? If new and empty, move it to the trash and copy the old library folder into the Pictures folder. Download and run BatChmod on the iPhoto Library folder with the settings shown here, putting your administrator login name, long or short, in the owner and group sections. You can either type in the path to the folder or just drag the folder into that field. Then launch iPhoto and let it convert the old library to the new version complete with keywords, comments, albums, etc.
If the new library has photos in it and you want to keep the keywords, comments, etc. from the old library intact then try the following:
1 - rename the old library and put it in the Pictures folder along with the new library.
2 - run BatChmod on the old library folder as described above.
3 - launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, opt to select a library and select the old one. Let iPhoto convert it.
4 - download and use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager to merge the two libraries. This will keep all your metadata intact.
If you don't need the keywords, etc. of the old library then all you need to do is drag the Originals folder from the old library folder into the open window of the new library. That will import the originals into events (if you have the Events preferences set like this) that correspond to the rolls you had in the old 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.
I've written 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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.