Best way to merge iPhoto Libraries?

The hard drive on my late-2009 27" iMac died with no TimeMachine backup (ouch). I replaced it and started with a fresh new OS install. I have now recovered the data off the damaged hard drive. I have two iPhoto libraries with photos that I do not wish to lose.
What is the easiest/best way to import all of the photos from my "old" iPhoto library into my "new" iPhoto library? I have the latest Mavericks OS and the iPhoto is up to date.

Merge:
If you have Aperture 3.3 or later and iPhoto 9.3 or later you can merge libraries with Aperture.
Otherwise the only way to merge Libraries is with the paid ($20) version of iPhoto Library Manager
Just the photos?
Export from the Library to folders on the Finder. Then import to the new Library. Note that this will not get your organisation, your edit hostory and you'll need to choose between originals and edited versions. You may lose some metadata too, depending on your export settings.
This User Tip
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
has details of the options in the Export dialogue.

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Looking for the best way to consolidate iPhoto Libraries

I have a number of iPhoto libraries. I'd like to consolidate them into one library then eliminate the duplicates. Suggestions on how best to proceed would be much appreciated.

If you have the latest versoins of iPhoto and Aperture you can do it with Aperture.
Otherwise you'll need to paid version of iPhoto Library Manager. With it one can merge multiple libraries into a new library or one of the existing libraries. I'd create a new library to merge into. After the merge into the new library is dome and checked for completeness and to make sure it operates as expected the other, individual libraries can be deleted.
Setup iPLM's preferences similar to this:
OT

Best way to merge photos from different macs

What is the best way to merge photo libraries from different macs onto one mac?

The only way to merge Libraries - versions, metadata etc - is with the paid ($20) version of iPhoto Library Manager
Other than that you will need to export from one Library to the Finder and then import to the other. This won’t get all the Metadata (for instance, Faces) and won't get the Versions either.
Regards
TD

Best way to merge two i photo libraries

I have ended up with two versions of i photo on the same laptop - just stored in different places. One has 30K photos and the other has 80K photos. What is the best way to merge the two photo libraries as whenever I try to do it - it ends up crashing.

no sure how you are doing it - the only way is to use the merge capability of iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/
LN

I am wondering what is the best way to merge a very large iphoto library (from my MBP) to my new iMac (which has a few hundred photos on it now), and then upgrade to Aperture?

I have about 50GB of photos on my old MBP iphoto library.
I have a new iMac with a few hundred photos that I've uploaded since I bought it last December.
The iMac is where I want to keep everything stored as my main photo library, and manage it with a new Aperture installation.
Before I go and do this, and possibly muck it all up,
I would like to figure out the proper steps.
I am not too familiar with how to transfer files in the first place, so any help for a beginner would be much appreciated.
Starting from how to safely move the files from the MBP to the iMac, if anyone could walk me through this process.
I've been searching around but I have a specific goal (with getting everything into Aperture) so I don't want to get crossed up.
Thanks for your help!!

I have about 50GB of photos on my old MBP iphoto library.
To be able to merge your libraries, your Aperture version and iPhoto version must match. For basic reading see: Aperture 3.3: Using a unified photo library with iPhoto and Aperture
and Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries
Assuming you are running the latest Aperture and iPhoto versions:
Before merging libraries ensure that your iPhoto Library has no issues. While still on your old mac run the "library first aid tools" on your iPhoto Library. Hold down the key combination ⌥⌘ and double click your iPhoto Library, then select "Repair database".
Make sure you have a backup of your current Aperture Library and iPhoto library.
Do both macs have a FireWire port? Then you could connect your macs in Target Disk Mode:
See OS X Lion: Transfer files between two computers using target disk mode
This way your new mac could see your old mac as an external disk and you could copy directly between the macs.
Otherwise copy your iPhoto library by drag-and-drop to an external disk (on your old mac) and connect that disk to your new mac. Check, if the external drive is formatted for mac (MacOS X Extended (Journaled)). Otherwise reformat it, before you copy the iPhoto library to that drive.
When your iPhoto Library has been moved to your new Mac launch Aperture and use the command "File > Import > Library" from the main menu bar. If there are duplicates in the Aperture library (if you imported earlier from iPhoto) you may be prompted if you want to "Add" or "Merge". If you have lots of duplicates, pick "Merge", otherwise "Add".
Post back, if you need more detailed instructions.
Good Luck.
Léonie

How do I merge iPhoto Libraries which use different versions of iPhoto?

I have three Mac computers and would like to merge the 3 iPhoto Libraries and put them in one library on an external hard drive, so that all 3 computers can access the library if possible, although it is a priority for my newest MacBook to access all the photos, including the older photos on my older Macs. Doing it in such way that I preserve metadata and edits would be deirable too--all my photos are jpegs. Right now my iMac is runnning OS 10.6.8 with iPhoto 7.1.5, my older MacBook is also running OS 10.6.8 with iPhoto 7.1.5 and my newest MacBook runs OS 10.7.5 with iPhoto 9.4.3. Is it possible to merge these 3 libraries without upgrading operating systems and iPhoto versions on the older computers? I have read that the best way to merge libraries is to use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager which I'd like to use, but its latest version requires a newer version of iPhoto than the one on the older computers and I don't see a download for an older version of iPLM that might possibly do what I want. Any suggestions?

I am still curious if it would be a good second option to export the photos out of the older libraries into the newest one. I know this would convert them as you have said and also lose metadata and edits in the process, which is preferale to me over upgrading the older computers.
More simple.
Copy those libraries to the new machine.
Open them with the newer iPhoto - that will upgrade their libraries. (And leave the originals untouched on the other machines)
Merge them into the third library. Less work, less dataloss.
Regards
TD

Best way to network Iphoto

W#hat is the best way to network iphoto so that multiple libaries stay uptodatde and runn off the one coppy of photos.
I have a macmini as a file server and need to keep multiple libaries working on diffrent 9mac.

There is no way you can "sync" multiple libraries with a backup/syncing program. IMO the optimal way would be to have all of your Macs run the same library located on an external HD connected to the Mac Mini. Or you could partition the Mini's HD and have one partition for the library with the ownership set to be ignorned on it. However as Terence pointed out iPhoto is not a multi user application so only one user could use the library at a time. However, that would not prevent the other users from perusing the photos with an application likeiMedia Browser.
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.≤br>
Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

How do i merge iPhoto libraries

I have three iphoto libraries, one which just has the beach ball that continues turning...is there an easy way to merge the libraries into one and eliminate duplicate photos?

Hmmm... an easy way. Easy? That's a tall request.
(Sorry, Luckyjenn, sometimes I just can't help myself.)
It sounds like the first thing you want to do before you merge libraries is to determine why the beach ball has taken a liking to that particular iPhoto library. If the library has been damaged somehow, you don't want to merge it with other undamaged libraries.
Start by making sure your data is backed up... then take a look at this... IPhoto 6 and later: Rebuilding the Iphoto Library
If that stops the beach ball, then you might look at this thread next regarding merging libraries...
merging libraries in iphoto?
I hope this is helpful.

How do you merge iphoto libraries without duplicates and maintaining events?

I have a few iphoto libraries on my computer that I need to merge, without duplicates, and maintaining the seperate events. Does anyone know how to do this efficiently?

"Terence Devlin" does not work for Apple, for the makers of Library Manager and has no beneficial interest in whether or not you use or purchase this or any other app. If "Terence Devlin" did have such an interest the terms of use of the Forum would require that he add such information to the post. No, Aperture cannot merge iPhoto Libraries. Aperture can convert them to Aperture Libraries and merge them, but that would be of no use to an iPhoto user, as iPhoto can't open an Aperture Library.
And the fact remains that the paid version of Library Manager is the only way to merge Libraries
Regards
"TD"

What's is the best way to use iPhoto? I need to understand.

What's is the best way to use iPhoto? I need to understand.
I guess the iPhoto is only for people with 5,000 of personal photos.
Or even 200,000, but they can't use this app everyday.
I'm not talk about working as a photographer. They use Aperture.
They may use iPhoto like a family album that you take a look sometimes.
And don't care about putting photos from the camera or from internet everyday.
I have tons of music and I love iTunes 8, works great. So I tried but I can't stand iPhoto anymore.
I have over 173,000 photos. My goal is organize, have total control, crop in Preview and delete them fast as I can.
The iPhoto is too slow. And is not only about performance, more RAM... but the whole concept.
Finder is much better/richer/flexible to organize than iPhoto.
I'm not talking about the photographer workflow.
And I'm not talking about editing and all these great photo features, the search, and all the iLife environment. They are amazing.
When I'm iPhoto, I feel like a prisioner.
I can't open an album/folder/event alone just to take a look, without do lanch the iPhoto app with the all thousand photos together. And it's slow.
I can't use Quick Look there.
So, I'll use Finder for manage/crop/etc. But what's the best way to use iPhoto in my case? Put the best/key ones there to use in iLife/MobileMe? To do a more serious editing? I like the features: keywords/ratings/hidden photos/events... It would be cool this features in Finder.
For example:
iMovie: Manage movies? NO. It's editng only.
iTunes: Manage music/small video/podcast...? OK. Editing the song? OK for tags/convert/artwork/equalizer... For music there's a GarageBand of course.
iPhoto: Manage photos? Yes and No.
I think Finder would kill iPhoto incoporating all the editing features in Preview and the rich manage in Finder.
Jobs said that no one care about iDVD anymore. They care about the web.
Using iMovie to export to MobileMe.
Maybe iPhoto become less important in a near future. With a better Finder+Preview Right?
Sorry for this long text with a short question.
Thanks.

Your post demonstrates exactly why I keep saying that iPhoto is not the application for you.
It would be better an iPhoto organizing photos by words like when iTunes browse his music.
Why on earth would anyone want to organise photos by words? A list mode is entirely pointless in a Photo application. That's like having an old photo album organised with the photos facing inwards so you can read the back of the picture.
Again, this is a characteristic of a File browser. You don't want a Photo organiser, you want a file organiser.
And, in iPhoto, you can search by tags, effortlessly in either the search box or by using a Smart Album.
iPhoto always loads all that events and all the thumbs library to scroll, and I think it's overkill.
So, how is iPhoto to know which ones you want to work with today? Open a library, get the Library.
Would be better a Cover Flow option to browsing in Events.
You've obviously never tried scrubbing along the Event icon.
Imagine iTunes using Cover Flow mode all the time. It won't be too useful.
Many, many people do, including myself on a library of 20k tracks totalling more that 100 gigs, and find it very useful. Same with the Finder.
And if when iTunes Store starts to sell photos?
Why on earth would the iTunes store start to sell photos?
My photos are not junk,
I didn't say there were. Read my post again.
When I said Finder to crop photos I mean Preview. But I feel in Finder. Because what's in Preview? A photo opened with a Preview's menubar and some cocoa APIs like adjustments. Not?
Oh, so you don't count Preview as an application. Fine. It is an application but you don't feel it. As you wish.
My point to you is very simple: Because of the way you want to organise your pics - using lists views and so on - iPhoto is not the application for you. Don't use it. But you keep writing things about the application that are untrue, and I'm aware that other folks search these forums and I don't want them to have inaccurate information about iPhoto.
Regards
TD

Merging iPhoto libraries on mac with 2 users

Hi, I have iphoto manager but can't figure out how to merge iphoto libraries
I have my daughters macbook as she passed away in May
I used time capsule to move the contents of my macbook to hers but it made as new user
I want all the photos in one library on my user account but I can't choose her iphoto library as
it says I don't have permission
Weird how everything is on one computer but having 2 users seems like you can only access your own stuff
I just want to have all photos on my iphoto
Any help?

This worked thank u so much
Another quick question, iTunes doesn't seem to be aware that id like to use this computer as my new home base
I think I already had it authorized as we shared songs.
I had checked that I wanted certain faces from iPhoto but it included quite a few I didn't have checked
I'm not sure how to tell it this is my "new computer"

What is the best way to merge a file content into log file

What is the best way to merge a file content into log file.
In worst case, I will read the file line by line as string, then use
logger.info(lineString)to output to log file.
However, is there better way to do this?
The eventual log file will be something like:
log message 1
log message 2
content from file line 1
content from file line 2
content from file line 3
log message 3
log message 4Thanks

John618 wrote:
Thank you and let me explain:
1. What do you mean by better?
I would like to see better performance. read line by line and log each line as string can be slow. Did you measure this and determine that it is actually a problem for your application? Or are you guessing?
Regardless of what you do you are still going to need to read the file.
>
2.The only better way I can think of is not having to do it, but I assume you have a very good reason to want to do this.
Yes, I have to do it beacuse the requirement is to have that file content be part of logging.
Any idea?How is it supposed to be part of it? For example which of the following is better?
        File AAA - contents
                   First Line
                   Second Line XXX
        Log 1
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: Random preceding line
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: First Line
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: Second Line XXX
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: Random following line
        Log 2
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: Random preceding line
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: ----- File: AAA -------------
                First Line
                Second Line XXX
                2009-03-27 DEBUG: Random following lineBoth of the above have some advantages and disadvantages.
The first in a mult-threaded app can end up with intermittent log entries in between lines, so having log lines with thread ids becomes important.
The first can be created by reading one line at a time and posting one at a time.
The second can be created by reading the entire file as a single string and then posting using a single log statement.

Can i merge iphoto libraries?

Can I merge iphoto libraries?

You can export from one and import into the other or use
iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ -
LN

Best way to backup Iphoto and Itunes?

I just purchased a 2TB Timecapsule and after reading addtional reviews I am reconsidering my purchase. What is the best way to backup iphotos and itunes? The idea of backing up the data wirelessly and seamlessly with time machine was a what encouraged me to purchase Apples solution. However I am seeing alot of TC's are dying after their warranty expires which is a deal breaker as I have a newborn and do not want to lose pictures.
My 2009 MBP memory is nearly full and my photos eat memory. I would like a solution that allows me to access previous photos etc without relying on the MBP HD in the event it is stolen, crashes etc.
The same holds true for itunes which I rarely use now that I have Spotify, however I do not want to lose my itunes catelog in two years either, but it would be great to have them off my MBP HD, but readily accessible if necessary.
The literature on purchasing cloud storage is pretty scarce (Icloud!?, Amazon?)
Any insight is greatly appreciated, and I am sure I will have followup questions as I need to resolve this soon now that I have a 2 week window to return the TC.
Thank you!

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
Presumably, the old iMac is pre-Firewire? If it is, it really would be very slow for backing up. You can use these methods to network the two machines on my FAQ:
http://www.macmaps.com/network9X.html

Merging iPhoto Libraries into Aperture, How?

I want to merge 6 iPhoto Libraries in my new iMac straight into my newly bought Aperture. All have been opened in Aperture.
I am assuming that onced merged I can then dip into my large Aperture library wherever I like, quickly and easily.
Yesterday I merged 3 libraries into Aperture. Today I opened a different iPhoto library and then looked for my merged library.
I can't find it and assume I'm missing a vital step. Poring over forums has made it no clearer.
What have I done wrong or missed?

I am not sure how you have tried to merge your iPhoto Libraries. Have you seen this help text?
Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries
basically, you open an Aperture library, and then use the Aperture command "File > Import > Library" to import your iPhoto Libraries, Simply opening the iPhoto Libraries in Aperture will not consolidate them into one libraray - you have to import them.
Regards
Léonie

Best way to merge iPhoto Libraries?

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