Does iPhoto automatically downsize an image on import?

Question

I am new to Mac. I attended a workshop at an Apple store and was told iPhoto will automatically downsize all images upon import. I use CS3/Bridge to manage my image library but really love iPhotos ability to find images quickly. If I import my existing image files into iPhoto will they ever be resized without my knowledge? I don't want that to happen. I have tried a few tests and all the imported images are the same size in iPhoto as the originals in my old folder structure outside of iPhoto. At the moment I tell iPhoto to "not copy folders to the iPhoto library". Thanks.
Jerry

Answer 1

Jerry1635
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
If you’re new to Macs then I’ll bet you’re using iPhoto 08 (iPhoto Menu -> About iPhoto). You’ve posted on the v5 forum and the problem there is that there are many differences between the versions.
However here’s one thing that is *absolutely constant*
and was told iPhoto will automatically downsize all images upon import.
*This is utterly untrue*.
Iphoto simply copies the file - a straight byte by byte copy of the actual photo. It makes no changes whatever to the file unless you tell it to.
It has no facility to resize on import, so you can’t even tell it to do that.
What it does do is create a thumbnail of the image for faster display in the iPhoto Window.
At the moment I tell iPhoto to "not copy folders to the iPhoto library".
This is called a Referenced Library and - especially with folks new to Macs - I do not recommend running a Referenced Library
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 10.5 users: You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Apple-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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. 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.
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
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.
Your choice, obviously, but best to be aware of all the ramifications. By all means post back if you require more info.
Regards
TD