Changing from "referenced" to "managed" library

I usually shoot RAW, so I didn't want an 80Gb iPhoto library, especially since I use Adobe Lightroom (far superior). I have however, started using iPhoto to keep track of a small library of JPGs exported from Lightroom (and stored on an external HDD) for use in iWeb. I am preparing to reorganize my hard drive and would like to move the files on the external to my internal. Of course, iPhoto only has shortcuts to the files, which is the behavior I want to undo. Ideas?
One question: Can I manually replace the aliases with the original files by copying them into the package?
If there's an easier way, I'd prefer it, but this solution would suffice in a pinch.

Which folder are you dragging onto the app's icon? You have to open the iPhoto Library, open the Originals folder and drag the individual sub folders onto AliasHerder.
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.

Similar Messages

Referenced vs. managed Library

My goal for iPhoto 6 was to organize my 12k + digital photos already in folders on my hard drive. I'm currently using Adobe Bridge and have never been pleased with it. I did NOT want duplicate photo files in the iPhoto 6 Library. After reading the "iPhoto 6 Missing Manual" by Pogue & Story I proceeded as follows:
First I went into Preferences - Advanced - and UN-checked "Copy Files to iPhoto Library folder when adding to library".
Then I dragged and dropped my picture folders from "Finder" into the "Source" column in iPhoto to create "albums"
Despite following what I thought was the proper procedure, ALL my pictures are now duplicated in the "Library" - just what I DIDN'T want.
So, what did I do wrong?
And how do I fix the iPhoto Library and Albums to merely reference the actual photo files on my hard drive. Should I delete the duplicate photo folders from my hard drive in Finder or iPhoto Library? What is the safest way to proceed?
Thanks in advance,
Steve in AZ

Steve
When you work with a referenced library iPhoto creates an alias in the Originals Folder that points to the file in your own folder system. Are you sure they're not aliases in there? iPhoto will also make a tiny thumbnail (in the Data folder) and if you modify pics, a version in the Modified folder.
You need to be aware of a number of potential pitfalls using this system.
1. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
2. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them
3. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
Always allowing for personal preference, I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
If disk space is an issue, you can run an entire iPhoto Library from an external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library as an entity 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.
If you're concerned about finding the files, that can be easily done from the iPhoto Window.
There are three ways (at least) to get files from the iPhoto Window.
1. *Drag and Drop*: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
2. *File -> Export*: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.
3. *Show File*: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.
To upload to MySpace or any site that does not have an iPhoto Export Plug-in the recommended way is to Select the Pic in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export and export the pic to the desktop, then upload from there. After the upload you can trash the pic on the desktop. It's only a copy and your original is safe in iPhoto.
This is also true for emailing with Web-based services. If you're using Gmail you can use THIS
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.
If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser. Or, if you want to access the files with iPhoto not running, then create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use THIS
Also, for 10.5 users: If you use the extended Open or Attach dialogue (with Column View) you can scroll to the bottom of the Shortcuts and find the Media browser there. Select any pic you want from there.
Your choice, obviously, but best to be aware of all the ramifications. By all means post back if you require more info.
Regards
TD

I changed from manually manage music to create more space, and lost a LOT of my music from my current Itunes library. I HAVE to have that music back! How do I go about getting the missing/lost files back on my library and IPod?

I changed from manually managing music to create more space on my IPod and lost a lot of the my music since it synched with another library. ( I think off another long gone computer!) I HAVE to get this music back! There are songs I can no longer find! How do I get this "Cannot locate file for this song" music back on my ITunes library and IPod?
Thanks for any and all help!!

See this article for more help and information.
iTunes: Finding lost media and downloads
B-rock

IPhoto Managed Library and Referenced Library. What is the difference?

In a reply regarding iphoto TD mentions managed library and referenced library. What is the difference and how do you set them up?

A Managed Library is the default setting, photos are copied into the iPhoto Library on import. In this scenario, iPhoto is responsible for the file management.
A Referenced Library means that iPhoto does not touch the files when you import them. They remain where they were and iPhoto References them in their location.
Simply go to iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> Advanced and uncheck 'Copy Files to the iPhoto Library on Import'.
Now iPhoto will not copy the files, but rather simply reference them on your HD. To do this it will create an alias in the Originals Folder that points to your file. It will still create a thumbnail and, if you modify the pics, a Modified version within the iPhoto Library Folder.
However, you need to be aware of a number of potential pitfalls using this system.
1. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
2. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them on systems prior to 10.5 and iPhoto 08. Even with the later versions issues can still arise if you move the referenced files to new volumes or between volumes.
3. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
Always allowing for personal preference, I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
If disk space is an issue, you can run an entire iPhoto Library from an external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library as an entity 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.
If you're concerned about accessing the files, There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
*For Users of 10.5 and later*
You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Command-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and later* ...
Many internet sites such as Flickr and SmugMug have plug-ins for accessing the iPhoto Library. If the site you want to use doesn’t then some, one or any of these will also work:
To upload to a site that does not have an iPhoto Export Plug-in the recommended way is to Select the Pic in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export and export the pic to the desktop, then upload from there. After the upload you can trash the pic on the desktop. It's only a copy and your original is safe in iPhoto.
This is also true for emailing with Web-based services. However, if you're using Gmail you can use iPhoto2GMail
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.
If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser.
*If you want to access the files with iPhoto not running*:
For users of 10.6 and later:
You can download a free Services component from MacOSXAutomation which will give you access to the iPhoto Library from your Services Menu. Using the Services Preference Pane you can even create a keyboard shortcut for it.
For Users of 10.4 and later:
Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser
Other options include:
1. *Drag and Drop*: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
2. *File -> Export*: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.
3. *Show File*: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.
*For working with an External Editor*
You can set Photoshop (or any image editor) as an external editor in iPhoto. (Preferences -> General -> Edit Photo: Choose from the Drop Down Menu.) This way, when you double click a pic to edit in iPhoto it will open automatically in Photoshop or your Image Editor, and when you save it it's sent back to iPhoto automatically. This is the only way that edits made in another application will be displayed in iPhoto.
Lots of folks are attracted to the idea of a Referenced Library - well I can see my files! But, frankly, unless you're an experienced Mac user I would stay well away. Not infrequently we see folks here complaining that iPhoto has "lost their photos" when what has happened is that they have imported from the Camera Card in Referenced Mode, then erased the card. Even more common, any change in the path the the file - renaming a disk, folder or file - for instance when migrating to a new machine, when trying to make space on the start up disk by moving files off the an external - also causes big problems.
If you really, really want to run a Referenced Library check out Aperture. It has tools that are much stonger in the area - like migrating tools and reconnecting tools.
Regards
TD

I've just changed from a PC to a mac and have a large number of downloaded WMA music files (not i-tunes purchases) which I just can't get into my i-tunes library. File converters don't seem to work either. Any ideas?

I've just changed from a PC to a mac and have a large number of downloaded WMA music files which I can't get into i-tunes. When the library was in Windows, i-tunes would convert the files automatically, but this doesn't happen now. I've downloaded a couple of file converters, but these don't seem to work either. Any ideas?

iTunes for Windows (but not iTunes for Mac) can import and convert unprotected WMA tracks. If the tracks are protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management) then it will not accept them.
One option would be to install iTunes on your PC, do the conversion, and then transfer the converted tracks from iTunes on your PC to iTunes on your Mac.

Aperture - Converting Managed Library to Referenced Library?

I goofed. I've been using Aperture for a while, and I now realize that by importing my image files directly into my Aperture library on my 1TB iMac hard drive, this managed library is now 430GB... I need to streamline. I understand (now) the benefit of using reference libraries wherein the image files themselves are stored elsewhere (I have a 3TB external USB drive) and the Aperture library accesses/utilizes the files from that location. The big question - how do I convert my current managed library to that referenced library model? If I copy my entire 430GB Aperture library folder from the iMac hard drive 'Pictures' folder over to the 3TB external drive, it's still a managed library in that new external drive location but now with USB access times added to the Aperture work flow... correct?
I'm assuming I need to somehow 'export' my image files to the 3TB external drive, and then tell Aperture to build a reference library off of those image files - correct? If so, is there an specific way to do this? Also, if I create a referenced library as described above, I assume that in the future I will need to import image files from my camera to the 3TB external drive outside of Aperture, and then use Aperture to import them from that 3TB drive into the Aperture reference library via Aperture 'Import'... correct?
Thanks in advance for any insight here.

It's all a lot easier than you expect.
Libraries are neither managed nor referenced, they are just libraries. It's the images within the libraries that can be either managed (stored with the library) or referenced (stored external to it). So within a single library you can have a combination of both (if you have a reason to).
But the simple answer to your question is, select all your photos, and from the file menu choose "Relocate Originals". It will prompt you for where to store them. Create a folder on your external (eg "Masters" or "Originals") and chose a folder structure to store them in (I use the project name for subfolders - but more complex options can be created using 'edit'). Press relocate button and go have a well earned beer while it relocates them for you.
Andy

Restore single image from managed library

How does one restore a single image from a library, either managed or referenced. It seems that in Time Machine one does not have access to the individual files in a managed library as one does from the Finder.
Is my conclusion then, that in order to be able to recover individual file(s) one should use a referenced library?

The Aperture Restore from Vault as you know saves your current library and restores all managed photos from the Vault. Note, previews are not stored on the Vault so they need to be regenerated (at least that was true in Aperture 2 but I have not done a restore in Aperture 3).
Referenced images are not stored on the Aperture Library or Aperture Vault, just the adjustments you make to the image. So if your image is mangled, but you know the external referenced image displays fine, say, in Preview, then something may have gone wrong with the adjustments or raw conversion etc. You can remove all adjustments on the mangled image and see if that corrects the display problem.
If the external image itself is corrupted, then Time Machine will restore it hopefully to a prior 'good' version as you know. The contents of an Aperture Library can be individually referenced via the Finder but it's not something where you can replace any of the contents as I understand that will damage your library integrity.

Why does the color red change from working with images in develop to library? The color gets lighter and nothing shows a change on histogram but visually you can see it.

Why does the color red change from working with images in develop to library? The color gets lighter and nothing shows a change on histogram but visually you can see it.

That's probably a broken display profile. The conversion from Library's Adobe RGB is different than the conversion from Develop's linear ProPhoto, so if there's a problem with the display profile it can show up this way.
Recalibrate, or if you don't have a calibrator use sRGB. If your monitor is a wide gamut model use Adobe RGB.
Assuming Windows, change it in Control Panel > Color Management > Devices, and relaunch Lightroom so that it can pick up the new profile at startup:

BPC NW 10.0 - Data Manager Prompt changing from SELECTINPUT to SELECT cleared values

Dear BPC Experts,
We recently went from SP13 patch 4 to SP19 patch 1. When we made changes in the PROMPT values in the Data Manager Organize>Package>Modify Script>PROMPT, we experienced different behavior switching from SELECTINPUT to SELECT in our development system than we did in our production environment. In development, when we changed the value from SELECTINPUT to SELECT, the values entered for Variable name such as %SELECTION% in Property1 and "Select the members to CLEAR" in Property2, and %DIMS% remained. However, when we changed from SELECTINPUT to SELECT in production system, the values for Variable Names and Properties were cleared out. Does anyone know why in our developmet system values were kept but not in our production system during this type of activity? I would like to understand the two different behaviors and what controlled it. We prefer not to have the values for Properties clear.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Lisa

Hi Vadim,
Excellent point, I should have included images as that likely would have shown this odd behavior.
When I made the changes in our development system to a package to switch from SELECTINPUT to SELECT the values outlined in the image below were retained for Varialbe Name, Property 2, and Property 3 after we applied the SP19 patch 1.
When I made the same change in our system to a package in our production system after we applied the SP19 patch 1, the values for Varialbe Name, Property 2, and Property 3 were cleared per the image below. The odd thing is that initially it looked like the values stayed. It was only after you saved and went back in did you see that the values were gone.
Any help in understanding this behavior change would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Lisa

Managed library size vs images plus referenced library

I have referenced library 18,1Gb and 109,7Gb image folder (all of them in Aperture). If I like to move to managed library, is it bigger or smaller than 128Gb (18+110) and if it is, is the difference significant? Do anyone know that?

Today a Managed-Masters Library for you would be about six times as big as your current Library, meaning six times larger Vaults and/or Library copies that take longer to create. And a Managed-Masters Library would keep growing and slowing the drive it lived on.
If currently your Referenced-Masters Library and the Masters are on the same drive maybe now is a good time to move the Masters to an external drive to maintain the speed of the internal drive with the Library on it. Or if you have lots of space leave Masters where they are until the drive gets about half full.
-Allen

I changed my Adobe user ID when we changed from Windows PC to Mac and now I am unable to read previously downloaded ebooks on my Sony Reader device due to Digital Rights Management. Can I resolve this?

I changed my Adobe user ID when we changed from Windows PC to Mac and now I am unable to read previously downloaded ebooks on my Sony Reader device due to Digital Rights Management. Any ideas how I can get access to these now?

Hi Blotontheland,
Thanks for the prompt reply. The interesting thing is that my Macbook Pro was upgraded today to Yosemite and I still have the spinning wheel on the start up screen before the login page comes up.

FCP6 BIG PROBLEM - Media Manager Speed change from FCP5.1.4

Hi!
We have problem using a media manager project from FCP5.1.4 in FCP6. Almost ALL clips with speed change are messed up (all new speed around 1% to 7%). This is really a problem for us, since we always do media manager of everything we do to be able to go back and make changes.
We have 2 MacPro 2 x 2.66Ghz, 8GB RAM, 10.4.9, Quicktime 7.1.6, FCP6, Decklink HD extreme or AJA Kona LH (with the latest driver).
We tryed with different format: HDTV 1080i50, DVCProHD 720p59.94, SD Uncompressed 10bit, .... always the same problem.
Is there a new way to use the MM in FCP6?
Thank you!

Hi! And thanx for the tip.
But we use Media Manager everyday with speed change WITHOUT any problem (with FCP 5.1.4).
We already try something similar, we copied the good clips (with speed change) from the ORIGINAL timeline to the media manager one, deleted the bad clip (with the wrong speed change) and pasted the good one in there place. Then we reconnected those clips with the MEDIA MANAGED one. We get a warning that the IN and OUT of the media are not the same, CLICKED continue and everything is always (well 95% of the time) OK.
SO yes, we have the solution, but it's really really long and painful, especially with multilayered sequences.
Right now, when I open any Media Manager in FCP 5.1.4 (created with FCP 5.1.4) everything works fine. Doing the same thing with FCP6 = speed change problem.
Thanks again,still looking for another solution.

I am new sto Lightroom and have also just changed from Apple to PC. I cannot figure out how to download photos from the Photoshop library to a file that will be sent to MPIX for processing. Also, does Lightroom have an easy access to a photo processing

I am new to Lightroom and have also just changed from Apple to PC. I cannot figure out how to download photos from the Photoshop library to a file that will be sent to MPIX for processing. Also, does Lightroom have an easy access to a photo processing capability such as MPIX?

Use the trackpad to scroll, thats what it was designed for. The scroll bars automatically disappear when not being used and will appear if you scroll up or down using the trackpad.
This is a user-to-user forum and most people will post on here if they have problems. You very rarely get people posting to say there update went smooth. The fact is the vast majority of Mountain Lion users will not be experiencing any major problems with the OS, or maybe with apps which are not compatible, but thats hardly Apple's fault if developers don't update their apps.

We lost our Music Library when we changed from Vista to W7.

Recently had to change from Vista to W7 and when we downloaded a new iTunes, our Music Library wasn't there. What am I doing wrong?

Actually, it won't in my case.
On the external, I have them all saved in a folder called My Music (which contains some songs itself). There are hundreds of sub folders listed by Artist. Within those folders, are songs and also more folders with the Album title. Finally, within those album folders are the songs on that album.
I tried to load the entire My Music into iTunes, and it only loaded the songs in the My Music folder. I assume you have to go to every folder (down to the lowest level) and import them one by one.
I lose all of my playlists and ratings. They are still on my iPod - I wish there was a way to export those settings into a file, then repopulate iTunes - then use that file to re-organize my songs to the way they were.
I had weeks of work invested in iTunes and music organization.

I use itunes to store my music but I use Virtual DJ Broadcaster to play it. Somehow itunes has changed from Itunes Music Library to Itunes library. Virtual DJ does not Recognize the change.

I use itunes to store my music but I use Virtual DJ Broadcaster to play it. Somehow itunes has changed from Itunes Music Library to Itunes library. Virtual DJ does not Recognize the change. Virtual DJ at present seeing an older version of my libraries. Is it possible to Save my last library and Playlist and re-name everything else in my itunes account so it will again show "Itunes Music Library" Past libraries are of no consiquence . I'm hoping removing everything except the last Library on my computers will make Virtual DJ recognize it. I tried renameing the Library to "Itunes Music Library" but it did not work. I fear the problem is in the Registry and without the correct path I am reluctand to play around in there. Any help would be appreciated.

Incidentally, my first thought was to map a network share from the NAS to my computer, so that my music files appear on the Z: drive, say on my computer. I could then set up iTunes to store music etc in that folder, and to copy all new items to that folder. However, if I do that, all that'll happen is that on my NAS, the library file will become out of date as I add music to the collection but not to the index.

Changing from "referenced" to "managed" library

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