Filenames in iPhoto

Is it true that there is no method for safely editing a photo's filename once the photo has been imported into iPhoto? By "safely", I mean without corrupting the iPhoto library.
Also, if I delete a photo in iPhoto, is it completely deleted from the hard drive or just from the iPhoto library?
And, finally, I have been told that the photo titles in iPhoto are "Exif metadata". What is "Exif metadata"?

Welcome to the Apple Discussions. To change the file name of a photo in iPhoto simply change the title under the thumbnail to what you want. Then when you're ready to use that file outside of iPhoto export it out of iPhoto using the option to use the Title as the new file name. In the meantime you can use the title while you're in iPhoto as if it were the file name.
EXIF stands for Exchangeable image file format. The format consists of camera data that is embedded into the file at the time it is created and read by applications which can read those fields in the file. It's all camera data.
See the lower section of this screenshot:
Click to view full size
If you delete a photo from an iPhoto Event it will be completely deleted from the library AND the hard drive. You need to remember to empty iPhoto's Trash bin (many forget and just pile up a lot of photos).

Similar Messages

Changing the actual filename in iPhoto library?

I am now finally starting to sift through the largest of my iPhoto libraries - tagging them by company and town, etc.
When I was in the initial tagging phase (using a smart album showing me all those that had no tags), I noticed one picture with Greenbush in the filename seemed out of place in the date order and a check against the map showed that it should have been named Neche instead. I changed the title accordingly, added the proper tags, and went on to the next picture.
Now, with all the pictures tagged, I am going back through them all, using a smart album to show the tags one by one, so I can weed out duplicates, flag ones needing retakes, deleting those "why?" pictures, etc.
I typed in Green expecting to pull up Green Valley (and Greenbush in the process) and iPhoto pulled up the picture I expected to see AND the picture whose title I changed - there was nothing that I could see that would cause it to come up under Greenbush instead of Neche, but it still was. I had to export the picture to see that changing the title does NOT change the filename. ¿håå?
Is there a way to safely change the actual filename within iPhoto without having to export, change the filename, and reimport? (which is what I did to fix the picture)

I had to export the picture to see that changing the title does NOT change the filename. ¿håå?
That is correct - it is the way it works
Is there a way to safely change the actual filename within iPhoto without having to export, change the filename, and reimport? (which is what I did to fix the picture)
No - the file names are immaterial while your photos are in the iPhoto database - you have no need to look at the files and should not be - only when you take them out (export does it matter or can you change them)
LN

Automatically rename photo filenames in iPhoto based on thumbnail titles?

Is there a way to automatically rename the photo filenames in iPhoto based on the titles we give them below their thumbnails?

Not while in the iPhoto database (where the file name is immaterial since you access the photos by other means -not by file name - click here for a discussion on how to properly access your iPhoto photos. for use outside of iPhoto simply export the photos (file menu ==> export) and set the option to use the title as the file name
LN

How to batch change filenames in iPhoto 09?

I have a dilema... The photos I've taken with my Leica have a certain filename convention (e.g. L0001, L0002, etc.) and the photos I've taken with my Canon have a different filename convention (e.g. IMG_0001, IMG_0002, etc.).
When I import these photos into iPhoto they are arranged my date and time, which is what I want. When I upload these photos (all one giant Event) to my MobileMe gallery they are uploaded and arranged chronologically but by filename, meaning all the Leica photos are first in their order, then all of the Canon photos in their order. The MobileMe gallery does not match my Event.
How can I fix this?
-Keith

you can not change file names in iPhoto - it is critical that you NEVER make any changes of any sort to the content or structure of the iPhoto library
YOu can export the files using the option to sequentially name them
You can change the file names prior to importing to iPhoto (use image capture to download your files and use a program like name mangler to batch rename them)
LN

Export from iPhoto 08 with sequential filenames retaining iPhoto order?

Is there some way to export photos from iPhoto 08 with filenames that will be seen by the Finder (or a PC) as having the same order as the photos in iPhoto? I used the Sequential Filenames option in the Export pane to export a 1790 image album, but the sequence numbers were assigned as 1,2, 3, .... , 1790. That is ordered in the Finder, or on a PC, as 1, 10, 100, 1000, 1001, etc., and when my son displayed them using his Play Station 3, that is the order in which they came up. If the sequence numbers were assigned as 0001, 0002, 0003, ... , 1790, I would expect the files to retain the desired order, but I can't find a way to accomplish this.

Is there some way to export photos from iPhoto 08 with filenames that will be seen by the Finder (or a PC) as having the same order as the photos in iPhoto
Yes there is. Put the photos in an album, sort them as desired, go to the Photos->Batch Change->Title to Text with the checkbox ticked to add a sequential number.
Next, export those sequentially retitled photos using the File->Export->File Export menu option with the format set to JPG and theFile Name set to Title. This will give you what you want.
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.

Editing filenames/Organizing iphoto photos on HD

Hi, i am pretty new to using iphoto and i just got back from a trip and have imported about 500 photos in iphoto. ive noticed that you can change the title of each photo but the actual filename stays the same (i.e. dsnc0050.jpg). i find this really annoying because i send a lot of photos in emails and they are hard to find with these abstract filenames. also, in connection with this, is there a way to organize the photos for iphoto under one folder instead of having them split into modified and original folders with many "rolls" in each of those? i hope this is clear...thanks!
macbook Mac OS X (10.4.6)

freepaco
The philosophy of iPhoto is simple, leave the original file untouched. That's why adding a title in iPhoto doesn't change the filename.
However all is not lost.
i find this really annoying because i send a lot of photos in emails and they are hard to find with these abstract filenames
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 using the title you've given it 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.
is there a way to organize the photos for iphoto under one folder instead of having them split into modified and original folders with many "rolls" in each of those?
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.
So, no, you cannot re-organise the iPhoto Library Folder - however the tips above might make that unnecessary. By all means, posts again if you need more clarification.
Regards
TD

Deleting duplicates (filenames) in iPhoto 6 (SIX) ?

I know there have been other threads on this, but is there a way to find and/or delete duplicates (same filename, same image) from iPhoto 6? (iPhoto Diet is for ver 5 only, for example).

David:
Try Duplicate Annihilator. It's supposed to work with V6. I also heard the someone used iPhoto Diet on a V6 library successfully. But it you try, do it on a copy of your iPhoto Library folder.
Do you Twango?

Saving filenames in iPhoto strangeness

Ok, so i am new to Mac and have been using IPhoto for a few months. I am renaming my photos in a IPhoto so that I can search easily for them. However I have just realised that in FInder the file names are not changing. Well actually its not that simple...some of them have changed and reflect my amendments in IPhoto and some of them just have the original file name. Why is this? I am looking in the pictures section in Iphoto in either data, modified or original. I discovered this problem when I was uploading photos into www.snapfish.co.uk to print...when I browse the folder to look for my filenames I realised that they hadnt changed in pictures...sorry for the ramble but any suggestions would be great...

To use a file with web based email just export it to the desktop using the File->Export->File Export option, resizing as needed and using the "Use Title" option. Or you can Control-click on the thumbnail and in the Contextual menu select the "Show file". That will take you immediately to the file in its folder via the Finder. There you can copy to the desktop or upload to your email or web site as the case may be. But that will be using the full sized file.
Remember what PhillyPhan warned you about: Don't tamper (edit, rename or move) with files in the iPhoto Library folder from the Finder. That's the cardinal sin of iPhoto.
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.

How to change filename in iPhoto?

Hi,
I can't seem to find out how i can "rename" the photos in iPhoto - so it also changes in "Finder"?
("Rename them for eks. "IMG001.jpg" to "Sunrise.jpg")
I've tried to rename them in "Finder", but then iPhoto can't recognize them anymore.
Is this a fact? Or is there a way to do this?
Help? :o)

When I click on a photo in Iphoto and I look to the bottom left of my screen where it shows the "information" box, the first line states Title, that is where it shows my new name I gave the pic. What I do is select all photos in an event, click batch change, and then click title and then type my new name (ex. 2009-01-09).
That’s how you do it. No problems there.
My canon (an apple product) came with its own program for downloading pics (imagebrowser).
Canon are a large multinational all of their own. Apple don’t own them.
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. With 10.5 you can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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 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.
Regards
TD

Smart Folder Bug: Iphoto fails to match using 'filename' filter

Hi, this issue has popped up here:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=6008267
and here:
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22401
though I've yet to find an answer.
Briefly, the problem:
When using a smart album with a 'filename' filter, iphoto fails to produce a match when it should. Interestingly, I have some of my photo's included from their current location (simply a folder structure on my mac) and others imported directly into iphoto, so are directly in the library. Now, those photo's that are included from their current location are correctly indexed, and the smart folder provides correct matches (e.g. all filenames that contain '.jpg'). However, none of the photo's that reside in iphoto's own library are present with the example filter above.
I'm not sure how much this topic has been bashed, but this is definitely an iphoto issue, and an irritating one! (Yep, I've rebuilt the library too)
Thoughts?

Tom
Thoughts?
Here's one:
I have some of my photo's included from their current location (simply a folder structure on my mac) and others imported directly into iphoto, so are directly in the library.
Running a mixed library, where iPhoto is managing some of the files and you are managing the others, is a recipe for data loss. When there's complexity in managing the data, mistakes will occur.
That said: this could be a damaged db file.
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords 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

In iPhoto'09 why can it not forget previous image names?

iPhoto'09 - 27" iMac, 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 12gig RAM, OSX10.8.4, 1 TBHD
In iPhoto'09 I renamed 29 images using Photos/Batch Change.
I then exported the images full size to my desktop folder.
Deleted the 29 images in iPhoto09 and emptied the iPhoto Trash.
Quit iPhoto09.
Holding Option+Command, I re-opened iPhoto09.
Checked all check boxes to rebuild the database.
Opened the 29 images on my desktop into Adobe Bridge CS5.
Rearranged their order and Batch Renamed all 29.
Saved results and Quit Bridge.
Imported the 29 images back into iPhoto09.
iPhoto09 continues to name the images the old iPhoto name and order.
Why does iPhoto'09 continue to remember the old names of the 29?
I can't get it to recognize the new names and order.

My problem was that iPhoto assigns IPTC.ObjectName if one changes the file names within iPhoto.
There is no way to change filenames in iPhoto. All you can do is add a title. So iPhoto is not changing filename it is adding to IPTC metadata.
This User Tip
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
has details of the options in the Export dialogue.

Is there a way to sort photos by filename?

Is there a way to sort photos by filename in iPhoto? For some reason iPhoto is sorting my photos based on some date that is not the EXIF date. The built-in photo app used to do this but it now sorts the photos on filename. This works just fine for me as my filenames are something like "20120419-001a - Some Title.jpg".
Thanks,
Mike

NO way to sort by name as far as I know.

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?

IMovie doesn't import all movies from iPhoto - at least one solution

I noticed that iMovie 08 imported my movies from iPhoto, but strangely not all of them. A quick search of the support forums indicated many others were having the same issue.
After comparing file attributes of movies that were importing successfully into iMovie versus movies that didn't show up, I found that a rogue character ("&") was preventing iMovie from importing the file properly.
Renaming the title in iPhoto does not resolve the issue, since the file name (in Finder) remains the same. However, if I make a copy of that file outside of the iPhoto Library, rename it in Finder, then re-import it back into iPhoto, then iMovie will see it. I didn't rename the movie file inside of the iPhoto Library for fear of corrupting the library structure.
I found this to work at least with my .avi files. I still have the same issue as everyone else with iMovie not importing .mpg files that play properly in iPhoto.
Message was edited by: tsanga

+I didn't rename the movie file inside of the iPhoto Library for fear of corrupting the library structure.+
Good thinking! The only way to change the filename in iPhoto is to export the movie file, import it back in, copy over comments, keywords from the old to the new movie, and then delete the old movie.

Filenames keep duplicating themselves when new rolls are added!!

I used to use an older Sony digital camera to take photos. Each of the photos filnames from that camera began with "DSC", now I use a Nikon D40 and those photos' filenames also begin with "DSC" and in most cases have the exact same filename from previous dates. I have so many photos that use the same exact filename that it is such a pain to locate each and every photo to rename each one differently everytime I import new photos. Is there a setting in iPhoto that would help create brand new filenames with each and every import so that I wouldn't have to rename them manually?? Or is it an issue with the camera??
Ro

Your camera names he files, and as Larry says, all iPhoto does is copy them over.
Filenames are really irrelevant in iPhoto. It’s well capable of managing multiple files of the same name. What you can do is add a Title to a photo using the Info Pane (Lower left) or batch change many photos using the Photos -> Batch Change command. These titles are as searchable as filenames in iPhoto or any of the apps that integrate with it.
If you want to use the Photos outside the iPhoto ecosystem then you can use the File -> Export command and use the option in the export window to use the Title as filename on the exported image.
Options other than that include moving the files from your camera to the Deskkop first and then using a Batch Renaming utility such as Name Mangler prior to importing them.
To find your pics...
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. With 10.5 you can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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 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.
Regards
TD

Filenames in iPhoto

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