Consolidate multiple iphoto libraries

OK here's the deal. My wife says photos are missing, some have wrong dates, some are the wrong size etc. I reassure her that nothing is missing it's just misplaced. I want to back everything up before I go further. When I search the finder for iphoto library I find several libraries of different sizes in different places. My question is this," Is there an easy way to consolidate eveything so I know what I have?" Should I just search for all files marked .jpg and build a master library from that? I want to know exactly what I have for my peace of mind and hers. I'm using iphoto 6 and i'm upgrading to 09.

1 - back every thing up
2 - if you want to keep your albums, etc use iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ - to merge everything into a new library
3 - see what you have and if you (and your wife) are happy with the resulting library
the alternative is to start over with your originals losing all edits, projects, etc - to do that launch iPhoto while depressing the option (alt) key and create a new library - open each of the old iPhoto libraries and drag each folder from the originals folder to iPhoto to imports them as a roll
LN

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How do I consolidate multiple iPhoto libraries on multiple machines into a single Aperture libraries?

Hullo all,
I run a smallish studio at a University, and I have inherited multiple Macs (2 Powerbooks, 2 Mac Pros) running multiple OS (2 on Mavericks, 2 on 10.7) and multiple versions of iPhoto. These have been used for photo and video work over the years, and each has its own stash of content, project files, etc. In an effort to organize, I wish to consolidate all the various iPhoto and Aperture libraries into a single library. I have a 16TB Pegasis RAID available via Thunderbolt to hold the material. Can anyone tell me the best way to go about this? My background is 20 years production work in film and video and I am rather new to still photo work and as such, do not know much about maintaining archives etc.
If I read correctly from other questions, I need to update all versions of iPhoto to be the same, establish the library on the Pegasus, then export all the files to that library? Is this correct? I am not sure I can update all computers to the current version (one is a late 2009 MacPro) Is there any easier way to do it? I am happy to purchase software if that makes the process easier.
Cheers! Thanks for any info!

iPhoto does not support to merge libraries into one.
The utility iPhoto Library Manager can merge libraries -
download here: iPhoto Library Manager
If you have access to Aperture, you can also use it to merge your libraries (see: Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries), but if you need to buy a tool, iPhoto Library Manager would be the more economic solution, and it is a must-have with iPhoto anyway.

Consolidate multiple iPhoto libraries to Aperture

I recently purchased Aperture 3.2.2 in order to perform a consolidation of my various iPhoto libraries. I primarily have two libraries, one on my MacBook Pro which contains photos from about the last 2 years (and is about 220GB), and one on my old PowerMac G5 which contains a few more years worth of photos, and size is difficult to determine as that one is partially managed (at about 130GB) and partially referenced (most of the older photos are referenced).
To add to the complexity, I find it very difficult to tell exactly where the referenced photos are in iPhoto. When I go to open a referenced photo that is unavailable, iPhoto gives me the equivalent of a blank stare. If it would at least tell me the expected drive (of the few external Firewire or USB drives I have), I'd be able to connect and point to it.
As I have keywords and stars for quite a few of my photos, I'd prefer to avoid going the route of pulling in the original photos rather than trying to import the iPhoto libraries.
The more recent library (on the MacBook Pro) seems to have imported to a fresh Aperture library successfully. The library from my PowerMac (connected in Fireware target disk mode to the MacBook Pro) got about half way through the import process, and then proceeded to hang in limbo doing nothing but spin.
Ok so
a) Best way to bring in the remainder of this other iPhoto library? (just trying to import and not import duplicates does not seem to work, it looks like it's trying to bring in the whole thing again)
b) Best way to resolve the challenge of finding and importing all referenced images, even if they are residing on unattached drives? Quite honestly I'd be happy to export a spreadsheet of the metadata with photo names, dates, and filepath references, if that was possible, just to know where things are supposed to be as far as iPhoto is concerned.
Thanks :-)

Referenced Libraries on iPhoto are a bug bear. Referenced Libraries on iPhoto where the library is on one volume and the original files on another are a disaster waiting to happen - or in your case, happening rght now. iPhoto 09 and earlier uses aliases to track the location of the actual file, and these break if you move the file after importing, when the file is on another volume.
iPhoto has no tools to fix this problem.
You're not going to be able to get this material into Aperture until you do.
No point in hoping that iPhoto will magically provide the missing information, you're just going to have to make all the drives available to it. If it still can't find the images then you'll need to use an app like FileBuddy to fix the aliases.
iPhoto has no ability to export a spreadsheet with the data you require.

I have multiple iPhoto libraries w/ duplicates in several. How can I consolidate and find the dupes? Some photos are versions of the original.

I have multiple iPhoto libraries w/ duplicates in several. How can I consolidate and find the dupes? Some photos are versions of the original. On my iMac, I also have many folders containing some of the same photos. My computer is used for both personal and business purposes. My libraries should be separated, one for each.

To merge libraries use iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ - or Aperature
To find duplicates within an iPhoto library use iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ -
Photos that are not in an iPhoto library can be imported telling iPhoto not to import duplicates (an imperfect procews) and then IPLM can find the duplicates
As to keeping seperate libraries - only you can do that - IPLM can move photos between libraries for you but only you can know which photos should be in which library
LN

How do i set up a slideshow with pictures from multiple iphoto libraries?

How do i set up a slideshow with pictures from multiple iphoto libraries? One library is in my Macbook Harddrive, the other 2 libraries are in an external harddrive. Thank you!!

You can't, simply. An iPhoto Slideshow can only draw from a single library, so you'll need to get all the images into one.
Alternatives to iPhoto's slideshow include:
iMovie is on every Mac sold.
Others, in order of price:
PhotoToMovie $49.95
PulpMotion $129
FotoMagico $99
Final Cut Pro X $299
It's difficult to compare these apps. They have differences in capability - some are driven off templates. some aren't. Some have a wider variety of transitions. Others will have excellent audio controls. It's worth checking them out to see what meets your needs. However, there is no doubt that Final Cut Pro X is the most capable app of them all. You get what you pay for.

Can I merge multiple iPhoto libraries in the new Photo's app. This was not possible in iPhoto but is possible in Aperture.

Now that iPhoto is 'Photos' on 10.10.3 is it possible to merge multiple iPhoto libraries. It is possible to this this in Aperture but not in iPhoto (I'm using 10.10.2 and can't upgrade until other software I use is qualified for 10.10.3). Here's the deal - I changed my drive to an SSD and backed up my old hard drive (which had the original iPhoto library on it. I did a clean install with my new drive so iPhoto created a new (blank) library. This upgrade was done a few months ago so now I have 2 different iPhoto libraries. Note that the newer library is connected to iCloud and if I was to 'Switch Libraries' it will delete my current photo stream. There is a way to do this manually - I could switch to the old library and locate the root folders in the 'newer library', move them to a new folder and import. This procedure is awkward and not my preferred route. So if there's anyone using the new 'Photos' app on 10.10.3 please let me know thanks!

To merge the libraries manually use "File > Export".
To save the high quality originals, set the export panel like this, with "Kind Original":
If you have edited versions with added titles, caption, places, etc, use these export settings to save your work:

HT201340 How do I merge multiple iphoto libraries

I have multiple iphoto libraries on an external HD. Not much memory left on my mac HD. So I'm trying to clear up some memory. I would like to merge/organize the iPhoto libraries on the external HD. But I can't figure out how to separate the photos. I just want to organize them into seperate years, i.e., photos 2009, 2010, 2011, etc.
And since I now have aperture, how can I get these photos organized into simple annual libraries onto the external HD?
Sorry if this has been posted a million times, but I can't figure it out and don't want to lose any photos.

Sorry if this has been posted a million times, but I can't figure it out and don't want to lose any photos.
Reorganizing your photolibraries can be error-prone, so before you start, I'd recommend to check your backups of the libraries, if they are current and working.
I just want to organize them into seperate years, i.e., photos 2009, 2010, 2011, etc.
And since I now have aperture, how can I get these photos organized into simple annual libraries onto the external HD?
iPhoto does not support to export partial libraries or to import and merge photo libraries, but Aperture does.
Your question does link to the document "Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries" that describes how you can merge libraries.
Do you have compatible Aperture and iPhoto versions? Aperture 3.4.5 and iPhoto 9.4.3? If yes, then you can unify your photo libraries by creating a new Aperture library on your external drive and using the command "File > Import > Library" to import your iPhoto libraies one by one into the the Aperture library.
Aperture works well with large libraries. You could keep all images in that one library and be done.
But if you really want separate, small libraries for each year, define smart albums in Aperture:
New > Smart album
and in the "Smart Settings" HUD for the album press "Add Rule" and add a "Date" rule. Set this rule to "Capture Year is ....".
This way you will have all images grouped by date in the library Inspector.
You could then proceed to export partial Aperture libraries for each year: Select the smart album and use the command "File > Export > Album as library". This will create a new Aperture library, just for that year. You can open this library in iPhoto, if you want.
I myself prefer to have all my photos in just one library; that makes it much easier to search all my photos at once and to combine them freely.
Regards
Léonie

ATV2 - Accessing Multiple iPhoto Libraries

I store multiple iPhoto Libraries on a ReadyNas Duo and manage the collection via iPhoto Library Manager.
I have Home Sharing configured and would like to view all libraries on ATV2. Using iTunes to configure, I'm not given the option to select multiple iPhoto libraries when adding an 'iPhoto' library nor am I given the option to select multiple iPhoto libraries when trying to add via the 'folder' option
Any advice on configuring for multiple libraries or is this an unfortunate limitation?
Thanks

Yes, create a new account for the other user and they will have their own set of Home folders, Documents, Library, Movies, Music, etc. They will be denied access any of your data.
-mj
[email protected]

Uploading multiple iPhoto libraries to new iCloud Photos

I've used iPhoto for 10 years, and have multiple iPhoto libraries in order to manage the size and performance within iPhoto.
I'd love to try out the new beta of Photos, and keep everything in the cloud - but I'm unsure if I'll be able to upload all of the libraries to iCloud. Currently, iCloud / photo stream will only sync and work with one library. I also read somewhere that once you make the switch, you cannot access iPhoto again.
I'm just wanting some assurances that I can get all 4-5 photo libaries uploaded with no issues. Thanks.

I also read somewhere that once you make the switch, you cannot access iPhoto again.
This, as of the current betas, is not true.
However, Photos will only work with one Library in the Cloud. So if you want to upload them all then you'll need to merge them into one first.
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
Remember this is beta software. It may change so be sure to have a solid up-to-date back up.

Seeing multiple iPhoto libraries when I click on the iPhoto icon in the dock?

I can't figure out why I am seeing multiple iPhoto libraries when I click on the iPhoto icon in my dock. I am running Lion on an early 2008 MacBook Pro (4 GB RAM), and when I click and hold on the iPhoto icon in the dock, it brings up a dialog box. From top to bottom, this is what I see:
iPhoto Library
iPhoto LIbrary
iPhoto Library
Options
Show Recents
Open
I can't figure out why it shows three iPhoto libraries when I only have one on my computer. I've tried deleting the icon from the dock and then putting it back in the dock, but it still shows three libraries for some reason. If I search for iPhoto in spotlight search or in finder, it only shows one iPhoto (in the applications folder). Any help on how to resolve this weird issue would be much appreciated!

I have the same issue. I see four iPhoto libraries when I right click on the iPhoto icon in the dock, but I only actually have two libraries. The other two simply do not exist on my computer. And when I click on the libraries that do not exist, obviously nothing happens. In the image, only the bottom two libraries are actual photo libraries. The top two do not exist.
I have relaunched Finder, restarted the computer, and even restored the entire computer from my Time Machine backup. Nothing changes. No matter what I try, the non existent iPhoto libraries continue to be present when I right click the iPhoto icon in the dock. BTW, there are only two iPhoto libraries in the pictures folder.
This is very frustrating and annoying.

IPhoto MESS: Multiple iphoto libraries duplicate photos

Sorry folks - this is one of those "big data" messes. I know there's a problem - just looking for a solution.
I have multiple iPhoto Libraries (unintentional) due to an old iMac which had died. There are three libraries:
Default(rebuilt) 121.41GB (current)
iPhoto Library 70GB (9 months ago)
iPhoto Starage Image.sparseimage 60.98GB (9 months ago)
It seems I'm using the first one above Default(rebuilt). That's item one.
The next deal is that I have LOADs of duplicates on the hard disk. In iPhoto I'll find an image and it's a 20kb file (low res) and really would like to have the high res file. Once I search for it - I find like three or more copies of the photo with some at 20kb and some at full res. Unfortunately iPhoto does not point to the high res files.
There are all sorts of consolidation and de-dup apps out there (iPhoto Duplicate Annihilator, Tidy Up..), but I'm not sure about this big mess. Probably take days to correct.
Is there a way to ensure that I have:
Highest Resolution of Each Photo
One Version of the Photo (No Duplicates)
One Library
Anyone help me out here?
Also seeking a better way to manage large numbers of files (iPhoto, Aperature, Lightroom, Picasa) - thinking the last two might actually be easier to mangage the issues I'm having...
THANKS!!
iMac 27 (3.4Ghz Core i7, 4GB)
Mac OS X - 10.7.5
iPhoto '11 - 9.2.3 (629.52)

As I understand it iPhoto manages all the photos in one large file within the iPhoto library. This makes it very cumbersome to load and extremeIy slow to work with as the number of photos stored in the library file increases.
It doesn't. It stores the files in folders in the Finder. Speed issues are more a function of disk space and Ram.
Assuming one can get the files all sorted out, there is at least one software application that I am aware of that uses an indexing system to manage subgroups of photos you define and by referencing the larger iPhoto library. It is called IPhoto Buddy
iPhoto Buddy is a pointless app that simply allows you to choose between iPhoto Libraries. You can do exactly the same simply by holding the option (or alt) key when launching iPhoto. It indexes nothing and hasn't been developed for several years now. From their own website:
iPhoto Buddy is fully compatible with every version of Apple's iLife suite, from iLife '04 through iLife '09.
Regards
TD

Multiple iPhoto libraries to manage photostreams in different ways

My wife and I both have iPhone's. I have a 5s and she a 5. We share an iCloud account so that all photos she takes and ones I take go into one photostream and then automatically get loaded on my iMac hard drive. This way we are sure to not lose any photos.
This works great for that purpose. However, I would like to create an iPhoto library that will only upload photos taken with my iPhone.
I know I can create multiple iPhoto libraries, but I would like to have the ability to manage preferences for each so that they manage photos in different ways.
Is there a way to do this?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may offer.
Keith

I know I can create multiple iPhoto libraries, but I would like to have the ability to manage preferences for each so that they manage photos in different ways.
Keith, the problem is, that only one iPhoto ibrary can be associated with the photo stream on any device, see e.g. http://documentation.apple.com/en/aperture/usermanual/index.html#chapter=14%26se ction=2%26tasks=true
Photo Stream is designed to work with one Aperture or iPhoto library at a time. However, it’s easy to switch the library Photo Stream uses to upload and download photos.
If you enable the photo stream in a different library, the photo stream will be removed from the earlier library. You would continually have to reanable the photo straem when switching between libraries, and each time the stream would be reset. This way, auto matic import will not work reliably, because the photo stream would only be seeing the current ly stored photos in iCloud.
Have you considered to use the Shared Photo Streams for specific purposes? I am using the Shared Photo Streams as thematic iCloud albums, for wildlife photos, family photos, etc.
iCloud: Using and troubleshooting Shared Photo Streams
-- Léonie

Multiple iPhoto libraries facial recognition

I have decided to use multiple iPhoto libraries. In one library I have used facial recognition for all of my photos. Q: When I move to the next library will iPhoto recognize those faces?

No
One of the many reasons that multiple libraries are not recommended - iPhoto is a SQLite database and it is most powerful when you have one database - there is no connection of any sort between different libraries
LN

Multiple iPhoto libraries on my ext hard drive back up

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I upgraded to Lion OS and suffered multiple crashes necessitating a complete rebuild of the system - reformat the main hard drive and install Lion OS from a disk In an effort to be absolutely sure I didn't lose data I have been overenthusiastic in transferring photos to the backup disk dragging and dropping files that contained images as well as a full transfer of "mymac" before reformating. Time machine backup was not realistic as this was the one operation which caused most of the "hangs" System now appears to be working well with Lion OS but I have masses of duplicate jpeg files in multiple folders and libraries - I am considering purchasing Duplicate Annihilator to deal with the duplicates then perhaps I should try to merge the libraries with iPhoto manager?

Multiple iPhoto Libraries to iPad

Has anyone found a way of syncing multiple iPhoto Libraries to an iPad yet? If not, does anyone have the ear of an App developer who can basically replicate the iPad's Photos App but with this additional functionality?

I guess you'll need to wait and make due with what's available.
Also, let Apple know what you'd like to see added at:
http://www.apple.com/feedback

Consolidate multiple iphoto libraries

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