File Names in iPhoto 6

Filenames in iPhoto
If I want to use iPhoto to import pictures from my digital camera, I can chose file names with sequential numbering. If I do not want to do this from the beginning I can batch rename the files afterwards.
My question now is: How can I get iPhoto to actually rename the picture data stored in the folder "originals".
The Background of my question is: If I want to upload pictures to oder reprints via the web, it is hard for me to find pictures that are named DSC0003.... and so on. Or is there a way I can use different services from the Kodak online print order system implemented in iPhoto?
I hope soemone has got an idea. Thank you so far!
Macbook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

As JMEH pointed out you have to either import and then do an export after renaming in iPhoto. I manually upload to a folder on the Desktop and then use R-Name to batch, sequentially rename the files before importing. I also date and name the folder so the roll title will have the date and brief description of the contents. A couple of extra steps but you will avoid duplicate file name problems later on and be able to more easily identify files. One naming scheme is to use the date followed by the identifier like: YYYYMMDD-title-01.jpg, etc. That would translate to 200608008-my pictures-01.jpt. This will allow very good chronological sorting and searching. Works for me. Do you Twango?

Similar Messages

Changing file name to iphoto title

Hi I understand that I can export a photo from iphoto with the iphoto title but I have over 6000 pics in iphoto. Is there a way to save the iphoto title as the file name without individually exporting then importing back into iphoto? The main reason I want to have the iphoto titles for all of these pics is to save the double, sometimes triple handling involved if I am looking for the pics in other places or trying to send large numbers of photos to others and they receive them as file names not iphoto titles when i email them (or I have to keep opening them to see what they are in other areas-like the picture library for instance)? Does apeture allow you to keep a title as a file name? I often download over 100 pics at a time from my camera directly into iphoto. The thumbnails allow me to edit information including title without individually opening each pic. If I don't import from my camera directly into iphoto what other options do i have that are not going to be time consuming? thanks

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
Is there a way to save the iphoto title as the file name without individually exporting then importing back into iphoto?
No. iPhoto tracks the pics by their path on the HD and this would change the path. iPhoto will then lose the pics.
The main reason I want to have the iphoto titles for all of these pics is to save the double, sometimes triple handling involved if I am looking for the pics in other places
Anywhere you search for the pics you can search on Title, you don’t need to use Filename.
to send large numbers of photos to others and they receive them as file names not iphoto titles when i email them
If they are using any sort of Photo aware app to view them, they will see the titles.
or I have to keep opening them to see what they are in other areas-like the picture library for instance
But why would you be doing that? That’s what your Photo Manager is for.
If I don't import from my camera directly into iphoto what other options do i have that are not going to be time consuming?
Use Image Capture to move the pics from your Camera to the HD. Rename the files and then import them.
I really don’t think it’s necessary to actually rename the files. IF you can describe your workflow for searching or accessing the pics I think we might be able to suggest an alternative way to access them without or without opening iPhoto.
Regards
TD

Change File Name in iPhoto

I am pretty new the Mac world- decided to get one of the new intel iMacs out for managing all my digital media. I hope I am just missing something obvious:
how can I change the file name of am image in the iPhoto library browser?
I have used a number of different photo management tools in my life but I just can't figure this one out!
Thanks for the help!

Finder does show you images as thumbnails (actually an image Preview)
Open a folder of images in column view
Go to View>show view Options in the menu bar
In next window check both options...keep the window open, then
switch to icon view
in the view options window you now can make your icons 128x128 and also check "show icon preview"
If the images are in the iPhoto Library folder that you are viewing in the finder, you cannot change the file name or iPhoto will lose the link to the photo.
Two Apple kbs for you to read
Don't tamper with files in the iPhoto library folder
About the iPhoto Library folder

Changing File Names in iPhoto

I changed the name of several pictures in iphoto, and when I uploaded the pictures to a website to print, I was very frustrated that the file names were the same and I could not see which photos I had marked. So I went to each picture and changed the actual file name. Now those pictures do not show up in iphoto (although I can open them if I click on show original file), but what's worse, they won't upload to a website, which was my whole purpose in doing this in the first place. I can't even click on the original file to upload. So I guess I'm wondering how I can undo the file name changes and go back to the original file names so I can upload these pictures. I greatly appreciate any help!

iPhoto is a SQL database and you can not change the files names within iPhoto
I changed the name of several pictures in iphoto
That does not affect the file name - that is the title only used for display within iPhoto or when you export -
You can do it when you export - select the photos and export (file menu ==> export) and select the use title as file name option
So I went to each picture and changed the actual file name. Now those pictures do not show up in iphoto
Right you have corrupted your SQL database by making change to it - the first rule of iPhoto (and all database maangement systems) is to NEVER make any changes directly to the structure or content of the database - all changes MUST be made using iPhoto only. This is why the iPhoto library is a package and you ae to take special steps to get into it - there are no user servicable parts in the iPhoto library
So I guess I'm wondering how I can undo the file name changes and go back to the original file names so I can upload these pictures.
best way is to load your backup from before you destroyed your library
only other choices are to restore the file names to exactly what they were prior to your error or creating a totally new iPhoto library from your original photos losing all edits, metadata changes, etc.
LN

Duplicate file names within iphoto

Hi
I have replaced my camera (my one year old son threw it in the bath!!!) and since the swap over i didnt think that there would be conflict in file names. It was either this or the crashing of my hard drive( i did have a back up of all my photos) and when i reimported them onto my computer strange things happened. In spotlight i can find up to 10 different pictures with the same name and then _1 or _2 etc added to the end. Curiously all these photos are dated the 14 jan 04 which has no relevance to the date the hard drive crashed - it crashed around the end of last year. I had backed up onto a pc server - not sure if that contributed to the file name mix up or loss of date. All the creation dates are gone but the modified date is 14/1/04.
Now what happens is if a scroll through iphoto i can see pictures and then they change before my eyes. Also if i click on a photo another one is brought up usually the oldest photo.
Is there a quick fix or do i need to remove all my photos and delete the library and start again?
Hopefully someone can help
Thanks
Brendan

Hello,
This is a by-product of the MathScript implementation. Basically, there are two matrix datatypes being used under the hood. We are working to eliminate this issue, but you can safely ignore the warnings. You will need to bring both folders along with your built application.
Grant M.
Staff Software Engineer | LabVIEW Math & Signal Processing | National Instruments

How to set "Title" as "File Name" in iPhoto 5?

iPhoto lets you batch rename the title for your photo library of a given roll. So if you have say "Vacation" you can set title to all the photos in there as Vacation -1 , Vacation -2 etc. etc. But, this is just the title for iphoto database. The actual filename will still be as IMG_xxx.jpg (or whatever is default in your digital camera).
Is there a way to set the Title as File name ?? I already have 1000+ photos iphoto and title is all set as my Roll Name - xx . But it will be great to have file names set as the title too.
I think I can batch rename in Image Capture before downloading the files, but then I have to again import those in iPhoto , so its two step process and inconvenient.
So, does anyone know how to set File name as Title ( you can only do other way around in iPhoto, I think) ? Any script available which can read iPhoto title and set the file name as Title? Thanks.
20 iMac G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.4.1) Canon S2 IS

Hi kothrush,
You must rename in the Finder first, before importing into iPhoto.
You cannot do it after importing into iPhoto. Well, you can. You can share export the renamed images to the desktop. Delete the ones in iPhoto, then import the renamed ones back into iPhoto. That's a lot more steps.
Whatever you do, you cannot rename any images in the Finder that are already in the iPhoto Library or iPhoto will lose the link to the images.
Two Apple kbs for you to read
Don't tamper with files in the iPhoto library folder
About the iPhoto Library folder
Lori

Wrong File Names to iPhoto

I made a slideshow in iPhoto from images that I have in Aperture. I Did a Batch Name Change in Aperture to rename the files. When I showed selected my Aperture images in a new slideshow in iPhoto and ran the slideshow with "Show Titles" the filenames were the original filenames and not the filenames that I had changed in Aperture! How can I get the correct filenames to display?
Kevin Hawkins
PS - I also posted this on the iPhoto Discussion

Kevin Hawkins wrote:
I Did a Batch Name Change in Aperture to rename the files.
Kevin,
I suspect that this is the cause of the problem - as I recall, you cannot rename files in Aperture (except for at import time). What you've probably done is to change the caption or version name, which is not the same thing.
You probably need to investigate the iPhoto slideshow options to see if it can use the caption and not the file name.
Regards,
Steve

Question about renaming file names

After spending many hours organizing my iphoto library, deleting duplicates, etc, it is now where I want it. So I have two questions.
1. Is there a downside to updating all the file names to the Event Name as long as this is done in iphoto? (I was thinking this might be helpful in case anything gets jumbled in the future)
2. If it is advisable to do #1, is there a way to do this to the whole library in bulk or do I need to do it event by event?
Many thanks for any advice.

It is not possible - you can not change file names in iPhoto - you can add titles and when you export use the title for the file name - but file names within the iPhoto library will always remain as they were originally imported
Old toad uses image capture to bring photos to his hard drive and then uses a third party package to batch rename them to the proposed event name in a p=folder with that event name - then if you drag that folder to the open iPhoto window it creates an event with the folder name and the file names are what you set
LN

How can I burn a disk of photos with a modified file name?

After importing photos from scan device, I use Photos > Batch > Change to rename files. When burning a disk the changed file names do not transfer with the image but use the original file name. How can I burn a disk of photos with the modified file name?
This is what I have done so far with no success.
Drag selected photos from Event to Burn Folder where the file names were changed. Burn folder lists file with original file name.
Drag albums to Burn Folder with the same result.
In Filer I am able to change the iPhoto Library > Master > Date > Filename and then drag to burn disk folder and see the changed name but this is a single file exercise without a view of the file's image, but to use the new file name in iPhoto events I have to repeat the naming convention.

File > Export.
In the resulting dialogue note the "Name" section. Choose to use the Title as Filename.
Regards
TD

Pictures - File Names

This might be a weird question, but it's bugging me so here it goes.
When I use to import my pictures on my windows (winblows) computer I would go and change all the file names of each picture imported. Since I have gotten my Mac I have been using iPhoto. Do people that use iPhoto just ignore the actual picture file? Do you just keep the file name that iPhoto creates when it imports the pictures? Or is there a way to tell iPhoto what to name the photo's file names?
Here is what I do every time I import from my camera:
I import the pictures; then I go into the iPhoto picture folder and rename them, then transfer the picture files into my own folder; then I delete the files from the iPhoto folder. I then delete the pictures from iPhoto; empty the trash (iPhoto trash); then I import the pictures back from the folder that I like to keep them in. (Is that confusing)
Am I doing a whole bunch of unnecessary stuff here? Am I the only one that likes to have control over the actual files? Should I just let iPhoto do it all for me?

I also tell iPhoto to not add the pictures to the iPhoto library, is that okay?
Not really
It is ok but means that you have total responsibility for managing your originals INCLUDING NEVER changing the path to them (New HD, new computer etc) and that you never make a mistake and delete an original that has not been deleted first in iPhoto - in short, it is a recipe for problems and most people who have tried it are sorry they have
Also if I edit a picture, does it save it as one picture? Or does it keep two copies of the picture file?
iPhoto always keeps the original and a thumbnail plus if you make any modifications the latest modified version - if you let iPhoto copy the photos to its library you have non destructive editing so you are never more than one step from the original - not so (I hear) if you use a referenced library
How do I know if there is an original picture and an edited picture?
By reading and knowing how iPhoto works - just like how you know anything else in life - You can see them (if you are suing a managed library) in the iPhoto Library - DO NOT CHANGE OR MOVE ANYTHING - in the originals folder, the modified folder and the data folder (thumbnails)
LN

I just order 8 calendars from iPhoto and they came to me fine. Now I need to order two more but when I go thru the process I get a message saying:unable to assemble calendar. There is a probleme with the photo with the file name"(Null)" more........ .

Would someone be able to explain to me the following issue with Iphoto?
I ordered 8 same calendars for my soccer team and received them fine. Although a couple of pictures on it are a little off (out of focus). I need to order two more of the same calendars but when I go thru the process ireceive an error message saying:
"Unable to to assemble calendar" There is a problem with the photo with the file name "(Null)" The full resolution version of this photo either cannot be located or is corrupt. Please replace this photo or delete it from your calendar.
How can I fine this "corrupt" photo? How did it go thru with the first batch of calendars but won't go thru now?
Thank you for your help.

Apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Since only one option can be run at a time start
with Option #4 and then #1 as needed.
Fix #2
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 - click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
3 - 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.
4 - In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
5 - 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. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

IPhoto: After I've changed the file name/format in Finder iPhoto can't load/relink to the referenced file.

After I've changed the file name/format in Finder iPhoto can't load/relink to the referenced file anymore. For some reasons I don't like to reimport the file.

Hmm the advice has been not to use referenced libraries - you ignored and did it anyway and you find the advise not helpful
Furthermore the advice is that if you choose to use a referenced library that you assure that the path never changes - you also choose to ignore that advice and do it anyway - and you blame the peopson trying to help you
once again - you have one choice - change the file names back and put the files back in the exact same place - and again you are totally ignoring the advice and instead name calling and attacking the person giving you advice
Maybe life would be easier if you followed advice rather than ignoring it and then complaining that things no longer work
change the name back and you will be fine until the next problem you hit that is caused by choosing a referenced library
Have a nice day
LN

Changing the file name in the iPhoto Library

I just recently converted from a pc to a iMac, which is very cool, however the pc file names are only unique inside an Event.
Is there a utility that I can run to give each photo in iPhoto a unique file name?

You can only change the actual file name if you export the file out of iPhoto with the option to use the title as the new file name.
Happy Holidays
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 created 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 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.

Changing file name and directory structure for use outside of iPhoto

Hi,
I was wondering if its possible to get iPhoto to name the files from my library to reflect the names that I've given the files in iPhoto. I'm thinking along the lines of iTunes, where its possible to chose in the preferences how the files are named, and there is some logical directory structure, such as "Artist/Album/01 - Track 1.mp3". These file names are updated to reflect any changes made in iTunes.
I've heard the argument that I shouldn't ever want to do anything with the files themselves because iPhoto can do everything I would ever want to do, but I want to organize the files so that not all of my organizational work is lost if I decide to stop using iPhoto and transition to a different system. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Adrian

Adrian
No it's not possible.
You can rename the files before bringing them into iPhoto, you can rename them with the titles on Export (Use the File -> Export command, it gives you the option to use the title and filename) but when it's inside iPhoto you cannot rename the files.
However, all is not entirely lost. Using Film Rolls (View -> Film Rolls) you can move pics between rolls, name rolls, create rolls and so on, as long as you do this in the iPhoto Window, and these changes will be reflected in the iPhoto Library Folder.
If at some point you decide to chuck iPhoto then (if the new app won't read iPhoto database files) you can simply export each album you've created to a Folder (using the File -> Export command as I suggest above), this, along with exporting slideshows will preserve your organisational efforts.
The iTunes database has a rather simple job to do: track a file and it's assorted metadata. iPhoto, on the other hand, tracks a file and it's assorted metadata, plus a Modified version, plus a thumbnail. If you consider what happens when you edit a pic, for instance - Copy Original, perform edit, save modified version, remove Original Thumbnail and then create new one - you can see it's a rather more complex job.
Finally, the standard warning: It is strongly advised that you do not move, change or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library Folder as this can cause the application to fail and even lead to data loss. Any changes you make must be made in the iPhoto Window.
Need more info? by all means post again.
Regards
TD

When I import photos from PC to iPhoto can I sort by file name?

***Planning on converting from PC to Mac soon.***
I have organised my photos on my PC into folders. For some of these photos I have renamed the files to ensure they always display in a certain order when sorted alphabetically.
I am aware that iPhoto does not really use file names. I see the advantages of this but as I am used to the Windows convention I have the following question:
When I import my photos to iPhoto, will they still be sorted alphabetically by the file names I have carefully created on my Windows PC, or will I need to resort them manually?
Thanks!

When you import into iPhoto, each imported set goes into a folder called Last Import.
One way to do what you want without losing your organization:
iPhoto / File / Import to Library. Navigate to the first folder on the pc. and click on Import. The contents of the folder on the PC will all come together.
On the Mac the photos will be in the folder called Last Import.
On the Mac, create a new folder with the name you want. (File Menu / New folder)
Move the photos as a batch (select all) from the Last Import folder to the one you just named.
Do this as many time as you have folders.

File Names in iPhoto 6

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