Exporting your iPhoto '08 library

Hi
How do I make a back-up of my library like in the previous iPhoto? If I copy my iPhoto Library 1 as it's called in the Finder to my external HD can I then just put back in the iPhoto folder and open it and everything will be as it were before if it ever gets deleted or if I'm formatting my HD?
Thanks

Yes. Unless you took the advanced option of NOT copying photos into your iPhoto Library (this isn't the default, so you'll know if you set it that way), all the photos are in the iPhoto Library package.
In fact if you ctrl-click the package and "Show Package Contents" the inside of the package is nearly the same as the iPhoto Library in iPhoto 6.
You can put the copy back in the Pictures folder and it will work. Just make sure you're copying the right one - "iPhoto Library 1" sounds like you made an additional iPhoto Library (which is the default name) i.e., check its modified date, size, etc since iPhoto only knows the library you point it to.
FYI, iPhoto can be told to point to a different library, by option-launching. Hold down Option and launch iPhoto. It will give you a dialog with the option to cancel ("forget it"), create a new empty library, or choose an existing library. Good to know if you ever want to start storing your library on an external drive and need to tell iPhoto how to open it.

Similar Messages

How do you export your iphoto library from a mac air to an external hard drive to free up space on the mac air

how do you export your iphoto library from a mac air to an external hard drive to free up space on the mac air

Go to Pictures folder and copy the library to the external drive. Then, open iPhoto holding Option key and select the library in your external disk. Finally, delete the library on Pictures

Removing EXIF and other Metadata from iPhoto 5 Library

This post is intended for users who have upgraded to iPhoto5 and have suffered extensive slowdowns because of metadata that has accumulated in their iPhoto library, specifically in the Library.iPhoto file.
This occurs if certain Pentax, Canon, and other digital cameras are used for pictures. Search this forum for "metadata" or "EXIF" or "makernote" (no quotes) for additional information about this issue.
If you are affected by this issue and want to rid your iPhoto 5 library of this extra garbage, follow the steps below.
1. Make two copies of your complete iPhoto Library folder and put them someplace else other than in the normal location. If something goes wrong, you'll have the backups. In any event, understand that if you follow these instructions, you are responsible for any problems, errors, or loss of photos. If you aren't prepared to take that responsibility, then do not read any further.
2. Go to http://www.versiontracker.com and search for and download the free SmallImage application. Install it in your Applications folder.
3. In your original iPhoto library, trash the Library.iPhoto file.
4. Launch SmallImage by dragging your entire (ORIGINAL) iPhoto Library folder on top of SmallImage.
5. There are 5 categories (checkboxes) of metadata (called profiles) that you can eliminate. I selected them all. Uncheck the "Recompress at quality:" checkbox. You don't want your photos altered. Uncheck the "Add Suffix" checkbox so that SmallImage will overwrite your photos with ones without the metadata. Select whether you want keep any custom file icons or not. Then, hold your breath and push the "Process Files" button in the SmallImage toolbar. If you have thousands of photos and/or a slow computer, it might take many hours.
6. When SmallImage is finished, lauch iPhoto5, holding down the command/apple, option and shift keys. Before iPhoto fully loads, you'll be presented with the library rebuilding dialog box. Check ALL 4 options (especially the last one) and then allow iPhoto to rebuild the library. This also can take a very long time, depending on computer speed and the number of photos you have. When iPhoto is finished rebuilding the libary and reloading your photos, you'll have an iPhoto library without any the metadata that seems to be slowing it down. If you hold down the wrong keys and don't get the library rebuilding dialog box, don't panic. Quit iPhoto, and try it again. Your photos are still there.
7. If you stay with your current camera (that is generating the metadata), manually transfer your picture files to your computer (but not directly into iPhoto) and use SmallImage to remove the metadata BEFORE you manually import them into iPhoto5.
Hopefully, future versions of iPhoto5 will include an import option to strip metadata from photo files. If SmallImage can do it, why can't our favorite fruit company?
Best of luck.
12 inch 1.5Ghz Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.3)
12 1.5Ghz Powerbook Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Link the two Macs together and use iPhoto Library Manager
Regards
TD

My iphoto 6 library

Hi. I am using iphoto 08. The problem is that I still have my iphoto 6 library from two different computers and I can't see the photos. How can I import them into iphoto 8? I tried the simple way which is taking out the iphoto library file (08), and putting iphoto 6 library file, but it was to simple, didn't work. Any suggestion?
Thanks.
jro

jro:
In order for iPhoto Library manager to merge the four libraries they all must be at the same version. Therefore, one approach would be to copy each of the three libraries to the computer running iPhoto 08. Rename the folders before copying to something like Library-1, Library-2, etc. Copy them into the Pictures folder containing your iPhoto 08 library. Since they will all have different names there will be no replacing or overwriting of libraries.
Next launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, select Choose Library. Open Library-1 and let it convert to the iPhoto 08 version. Do the same with the other three libraries.
Now open the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager and add all 5 libraries to it's pane on the left. Now you can merge Library-1, 2, 3 and 4 into the primary library (named just iPhoto Library).
Once you've satisfied that your primary library has all of your photos and is running satisfactorily you can delete Library-1, -2, -3 and -4.
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. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. 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.
Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Do I still need iPhoto 5 Library

Now that I have iPhoto 6, do I still need the iPhoto 5 library?
If I look at my oldest photos, photos that I took when I only had iPhoto 5, and do show file, they show up as part of the iPhoto (6) library. But, if I delve down into the iPhoto 5 Library, they exist there too. Are they just wasting space and can I delete the whole iPhoto 5 library or what?
Many thanks
Lee

No you do not need your iPhoto 5 library - but to be doubly sure quit iphoto and drag the iphoto 5 library to the desktop to be sure that iPhoto is not aware of it - launch iPhoto and verify that everything is still ok then delete the iphoto 5 library from your desktop.
LN

How to merge iPhoto v2 libraries into one iPhoto v11 library

Hi,
I just are going through a major upgrade from my iBook dual USB (500 MHz Power PC G3, OS 10.4.11) to my brand-new MacBook Pro (2.3 GHz core I5, OS 10.6.8).
As my old iBook was running so slow, I had splitted my libraries into two using IPhoto Library Manager some years ago running with iPhoto 2. Now I need to merge these two libraries into one and then transfer it to my new computer and let iPhoto 11 upgrade the library at once.
Based on very helpful earlier threats, I intend to follow the process below:
Merge libraries using iPhoto Library Manager (registered version) to get one library (on my old computer)
Copy this library into the Pictures folder of my new computer
Open iPhoto (shift key will give me the option to select if needed) and it will automatically upgrade my library.
So far so good - but I experience one issue I did not manage to solve. I use iPhoto Library Manager version 3.5.2 on my old computer, but after starting the merging process it tells me I need iPhoto version 4 at least; but I have version 2 only. I guess I cannot use iPhoto version 11 on my new computer as I first need to merge the libraries as old versions, as the iPhoto version 11 cannot work with the not yet upgraded libraries, can it? I have the IPhoto Library Manager registered version 3.6.8 installed on my new machine.
Before I make a major mistake to my pictures (> 20 GB): is it possible to upgrade both old libraries separately in iPhoto v11 and then merge them in iPhoto v11?
Many thanks for your advice!
Best regards,
Markus

Rename the second iPhoto 2 library to something other that iPhoto Library and put it in the Pixtures folder next to the other library on your new MBP. Then open it with iPhoto11 to convert.
Once both are converted to the same version you can use iPLM to merge them into a new library.
HOWEVER if you don't care about any metadata you might have in your last iPhoto 2 library you can use SyncPhotos
to import the photos in your iPhoto 2 library into your iPhoto 11 library.
Here's how it works:
1 - it compares the databases and/or album.xml files of Libraries A and B.
2 - the files in A that are not in B are imported into B by copying the original files from A into B's Import folder.
3 - it then does the same for B.
4 - metadata is not copied.
It can be used to just copy from A to B and not sync both ways if desired. It will work with 2 libraries that are different versions, i.e. between an iPhoto 08 and iPhoto 09 library.
OT

I have IPhoto version 9.5.1. I cannot export pictures, the following message appears: "iPhoto cannot import your photos because there is not enough free space on the volume containing your iPhoto library." What am I suppose to do? I have a Mac mini.

I have IPhoto version 9.5.1. I cannot export pictures since the following message appears: "iPhoto cannot import your photos because there is not enough free space on the volume containing your iPhoto library." What am I suppose to do? I have a Mac mini which properly used can perform any reasonable task, the problem is I do not know what to do.
Any help will be appreciated.

Hmm... that was labelled:
As a Test:
In bold and all
Try repair the main Library:
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Repair Database. If that doesn't help, then try again, this time using Rebuild Database.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. (In early versions of Library Manager it's the File -> Rebuild command. In later versions it's under the Library menu.)
This will create an entirely new library. It will then copy (or try to) your photos and all the associated metadata and versions to this new Library, and arrange it as close as it can to what you had in the damaged Library. It does this based on information it finds in the iPhoto sharing mechanism - but that means that things not shared won't be there, so no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your events, albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

Exporting an iPhoto library

Hi
A friend of mine has created an album in iPhoto and added titles and comments. She doesn't have iDVD and wants me to create a DVD with slideshows
showing the title and comments on each photo.
How can she export the album and send it to me retaining all the comment information?
I can remember seeing an option like 'export as iPhoto library' which I think would do the trick but I can't find it now that I need it.
I'm using the latest version of iPhoto/OS X etc.
Cheers
Alice

You can burn a CD within iPhoto that retains all comments and titles. Check iPhoto Help on your computer and the instructions are there. Have your friend burn a CD and it will show up in the Source column on the left of iPhoto when you insert it in your computer.

Is there a way to "consolidate" your iPhoto library? (like in iTunes)

I've set iPhoto to not copy files to the library I lack the room in my internal hdd. But now I've learned that you can drag the iPhoto library to an external hdd and redirect iPhoto to the new location. Now I want to copy all my photos to the new iPhoto directory on the external hdd. How can I "consolidate" my library, just like in iTunes, and have the original photos copy over there?

Actually, you'll have to start over and create a new library in the location you want to keep it and import your source files into it. If you've invested a lot of effort in keywords and comments, then you can export your photos by Event to folder titled for that event. Once you have all of your photos exported, delete the old library and source files. Then create a new library and import those folders of exported files. This will preserve the keywords, comments, titles and events. Once you have your photos in your new library you can delete those folders of exported photos.
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.

HT202370 how do I export my iPhoto library to another disk

I want to reformat my hard drive but I want to keep my iPhoto library. Can I temporarily move the whole library to a USB disk or another drive while I am doing this? I just want to be able to get it back on my hard drive after it is cleanly installed. I have been backing up using time machine, so I am assuming I would be able to get my photos off of my backup disk, but I want to be sure to have a redundant backup just to be sure I am able to put my photos back on after the clean install.

No problem - but no exporting involved - just dragging
first be sure the EHD you are going to use is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) - and that you have a default "managed" library (the iPhoto preference to "copy imported items to the iPhoto library is in its checked state) - then
Moving the iPhoto library is safe and simple - quit iPhoto and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive - depress the option key and launch iPhoto using the "select library" option to point to the new location on the external drive - fully test it and then trash the old library on the internal drive (test one more time prior to emptying the trash)
And be sure that the External drive is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) (iPhoto does not work with drives with other formats) and that it is always available prior to launching iPhoto
And backup soon and often - having your iPhoto library on an external drive is not a backup and if you are using Time Machine you need to check and be sure that TM is backing up your external drive
To bring it back repeat dragging from the EHD to the pictures folder of the main drive and option launching to switch back
LN

I have the current iPhoto when I try to open it I get an error message You can't open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto

You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto.
I am using the current iPhoto and O/S 10.8.2

Make a temporary, backup copy of your library if you don't already have one (Control-click on the library and select Duplicate from the contextual menu) and apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Select the options identified in the screenshot.
Fix #2
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
Click on the Create button.
Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments but not books, calendars or slideshows. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

Can't open iPhoto after installation .Displays message :You can't open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto

Can't open the program after Installing . Shows message " You can't open your current current photo library using this version of photo.
Made several attemps in fresh instalaltion without any success.

So I assume it is version 9.3, not sure?
Look at the application in the Finde, if you cannot launch it.
Select your iPhoto application in in the Applications folder and use the command "File > Get Info". What does the Info panel show in the "General" brick?
If it says 9.4.3, try to launch iPhoto by clicking the iPhoto icon in the Applications folder. Does that work?

Yet AGAIN! "You can't open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto"

I have read every thread on this topic I could find in these forums, and tried most solutions, and I still can't get iPhoto to work.
Equipment: MacBook Pro June 2010, OS 10.6.8. Bought a Macbook Air February 2012, OS 10.7.2
Not sure why, but I can't open iPhoto. Here's what I have tried.
Original message on MBPro: "You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto".
1. Tried to rebuild library as per this thread https://discussions.apple.com/message/8429269#8429269. I get the list of checkboxes, but when I hit "okay" I get the same "you can't open your current photo library ..." message again.
2. Ran software update - no sign that iPhoto is out of date.
3. Copied new version of iPhoto from brand new MBAir to MBPro, replacing older version . Got same "you can't open your current photo library ..." message again.
4. Tried to rebuild library using new version of iPhoto - guess what - same message.
5. Downloaded free trial version of iPhoto Library Manager as suggested in the thread referenced above. The dmg loads to my desktop just fine but nothing happens when I click on it -- this has never happened before. Perhaps it is looking for iPhoto, which of course I can't get to work.
So I have been unable to access my old iPhoto library with (sob) thousands and thousands of family photos in it. I run TimeMachine on to an external hard drive every hour so I hope that if my iPhoto library is corrupted, there is a safe copy on that external drive ...
Between this hassle -- hours of time wasted -- and recent debacle of upgrading iTunes which erased my library and all of my playlists, which also took hours and hours to restore ... my 25 year devotion to Apple products is taking a major hit. I'm getting very weary of heart-pounding fear every time a new software upgrade arrives ... but that's a topic for another time. ;-)
Thank you very much indeed for all suggestions.

I'm going to start from scratch as the link you references is very, very old.
Try this: launch iPhoto with the Option key held down and try to create a new, test library and import some photos. If you are able to then the problem lies with your current library. If you get the same message then maybe the iPhoto application is the problem.
Try the following again: make a temporary, backup copy (if you don't already have a backup copy) of your library and apply the three fixes in order as necessary.
Fix #1
1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your HD/User/Home()/ Library/Preferences folder.
2 - delete iPhoto's cache file, Cache.db, that is located in your HD/User/Home()/Library /Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder.
3 - launch iPhoto and try again.
NOTE: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding down the Option key when launching iPhoto. You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.
Fix #2
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Select the options identified in the screenshot.
Fix #3
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
Click on the Create button.
Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments but not books, calendars or slideshows. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
If all of these fail there's one more option:
Start over from scratch with new library
Start over with a new library and import the Originals (iPhoto 09 and earlier) or the Masters (iPhoto 11) folder from your original library as follows:
1. Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
2. Open the library package like this.
Click to view full size
3. Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
4. Drag the each subfolder in the Originals folder (iPhoto 09 and earlier) or the entire Masters (iPhoto 11) folder from the iPhoto Library on the desktop into the open iPhoto window.
Click to view full size
This will create a new library with the same Events as the original library but will not keep the metadata, albums, books slideshows and other projects.
OT

You can't open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto.

I tried to open iphoto this morning and recieved this message: "iphoto damaged or incomplete." There was also a white circle with a slash through the icon in both dock and applications folder. Recently I had loaded idvd from ilife since it was not included on my MBP. I reinstalled iphoto using the disc and then the following began to occur.
I received this message when I tried to launch iPhoto after reinstalling. Yesterday it was working fine. "You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto." It gave me the option of quitting but nothing else.
I followed directions on another thread to rebuild using the database by holding down command+option while launching iphoto. None of my folders came back and all the photo boxes are empty, although there are dates.
I do have a backup on an external but am not sure how I would restore using that (I've never had to in the past).
This is iphoto 11 - version 9.1. I am unsure how to check what version was installed when I purchased this MBP (Nov. 2012). I am also runnign OSX 10.8.3
Is there anyway to remove the update and recent install and revert to what I had yesterday? Or even two days ago?
Any help would be appreciated. I don't want to have to re-create my folders.
Thanks in advance!

When you installed iDVD, you must accidentally also have reinstalled and downgraded iPhoto.
This is iphoto 11 - version 9.1. I am unsure how to check what version was installed when I purchased this MBP (Nov. 2012). I am also runnign OSX 10.8.3
You have two options, either delete your current iPhoto version and reinstall iPhoto from the AppStore, or go to the -menu and run Software update to upgrade your current iPhoto version to iPhoto 9.4.3, the current version.
To reinstall: See this document http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4718
Scroll down to the paragraph: Restoring iLife applications after Internet Restore of OS X Lion or OS X Mountain Lion
It explains how to reinstall the bundled iLife applications, that came preinstalled, from the AppStore.
Regards
Léonie

After installing ilife '11 when i opened iPhoto its display a message"You can't open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto, what can i do sir??

i buy apple mac book on 12.04.2012, mac osx 10.7.2, 500gb hdd,4gb ram, i installed ilife '11 in it, after installing ilife '11 when i opened iPhoto its display a message"You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto,You have made changes to your photo library using a newer version of iPhoto. Do you want to quit and use the latest version of iPhoto, or do you want to create a new photo library? but option coming only quit, when i check for software update it shows ur software is up to date, waht can i do sir, how can i use my iphoto???

Make sure you are updated to the latest version - 9.2.1
LN

Exporting your iPhoto '08 library

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for