Finding pics in iPhoto!

When I attempt to find a photo in iPhoto, Finder defaults to the Apple name of the file, including breaking the files down by modified and original, and year. Is there a way to browse by Album (not roll) and the name I called the photo? This is so simple on a PC, and seemingly impossible on a MAC!

You don't need to go inside the iPhoto Library folder to get the photos. That's bypassing the identification, keywords, comments, that you've added in iPHoto to make it easier to locate. Read Terence Devlin's treatise on file access on how to find and get photos for use outside iPhoto.
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 versions) 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. There are versions that are compatible with iPhoto 5, 6, 7 and 8 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: The new rebuild option in iPhoto 09 (v. 8.0.2), Rebuild the iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup" makes this tip obsolete.

Similar Messages

Pics in iPhoto Disappeared after renaming iPhoto Library File in Finder

Friends,
I was working on my parents computer in an effort to help them organize their files, etc.
They have iPhoto 6 and I renamed the iPhoto Library folder in Finder. Obviously this is not a good idea since now there is no content (pictures) in iPhoto.
This action made a new folder (with the new name) in Finder's 'pictures' section. So, I tried to copy and paste (or maybe I dragged it, cant recall) the contents of the newly named folder back under the 'iphoto library' folder however, that did not make the photos reappear in iPhoto.
After moving (I think I highlighted & dragged) the file contents of the newly named folder back in the 'iPhoto Library' folder, I deleted the newly named/created file.
It appears as though the images are still in the original & modified folders however, no pics in iPhoto.
And, the irony of the entire action is that I was renaming the 'iPhoto Library' folder to 'iPhoto Library - Do Not Touch' so my parents would not mess with the content as they have done in the past. Apparently, I am the one who needs to stay away.
Thanks a bunch!

Thanks Badunit, and yes, you are correct about not having the newly named library to choose when holding down the Option key while opening iPhoto.....b/c I drug the contents back under the original iPhoto library folder and then deleted the newly name folder.
The individual pics seem to be in the modified & originals folder but I do not know how to get them back into iPhoto. Importing one by one doesnt seem like the correct option.
I attempted to rebuild the iPhoto library but that resulted in nothing happening when I choose that option.
I know there is a solution but I dont know the smartest next step. I have read related discussions that almost provide a solution.
Currently, I need to figure out a way to:
1) get what seems to still exist in the modified & original folders back into iPhoto even if it means loosing albums, keywords. I am hoping this route doesnt wipe out dates that the images were taken. If there is a way to get them back into iPhoto this route, I need instructions.
or,
2) I have a back up of the entire HD on an external HD. Would it be best to somehow use that to replace what I have on the computer HD? I do not know how to do this so for sure need guidance.
Help! I need to get this fixed today (i.e. father is getting an iPad for retirement at a big reception and I need the computer in working order to make it all happen so he has pics on the iPad to display at the event). I think I may have to page TD or Old Toad....
Thanks friends!!

Before I downloaded Lion every time I would upload a pic from iphoto there would be two files. One that was 1.8MB and another that was 50KB. Now I can only find the 1.8MB one. Did this option disappear with Lion?

Before I downloaded Lion every time I would upload a pic from iphoto there would be two files. One that was 1.8MB and another that was 50KB. Now I can only find the 1.8MB one. Did this option disappear with Lion? I really need this option!

Sorry but this is not clear.
When you would "import" what?
two files would show up in "images".
Do you mean in the All Images search in the Finder?
IF so:
1.Never interact with photos that are in iPhoto via the All Images Search. This does not understand the iPhoto Library and it's very, very easy to damage the library this way.
2. What you were seeing was the original file you imported and the thumbnail created by iPhoto for viewing on the iPhoto Window. That thumbnail is not designed for user access.
What are you trying to do ultimately?
Regards
TD

Iphoto not opening, can't find pics

Hi
I have Iphoto 08 and when I connect a camera it does not open Iphoto anymore, nor can I click on it and open it to see the events etc. I am assuming Need to uninstall and reinstall? or just install again? my other issue is where do I find my pictures / events on time machine, it appears when I try to find them in IPhoto library they are not there is there a nother place they would be so after I reinstall I can drop and drag, where would they be?if IF I reinstall IPHOTO will it delete my photos where ever they are?!

You posted in the iPhoto '09 forum - I will request that the thread be moved to the iPhoto '08 forum. No need to repost
I have Iphoto 08 and when I connect a camera it does not open Iphoto anymore,
Does your camera mount to the desktop?
Have you tried image capture?
nor can I click on it and open it to see the events etc.
"click on it" - the camera? the iPhoto icon in the Dock? the iPhoto application in the applications folder?
What are you doing and what does happen?
I am assuming Need to uninstall and reinstall? or just install again?
Possibly - possible not - please tell us more about what is happening and what you are doing
my other issue is where do I find my pictures / events on time machine,
Open iPhoto and use the browse backup command (file menu ==> browse backups)
it appears when I try to find them in IPhoto library they are not there
It is not advised to be mucking around in the iPhoto library - it is best to use iPhoto to mange the library database - it is sensitive to external changes
is there a nother place they would be so after I reinstall I can drop and drag, where would they be?
Your photos are in the iPhoto library - by default in the pictures folder - but again it is recommended that you do not go into the iPhoto library using the finder
if IF I reinstall IPHOTO will it delete my photos where ever they are?!
No - the library is not affected by installing the application
LN
Message was edited by: LarryHN

I am making a calendar in iPhoto, picking photos from a folder, let's call it "2011 Pics," in iPhoto. After arranging all the photos and captions I decided I wanted to insert a new photo -- one that was not in "2011 Pics." So I inserted it into the folder

Add new photo to existing calendar folder in iPhoto
I am making a calendar in iPhoto, picking photos from a folder, let's call it "2011 Pics," in iPhoto. After arranging all the photos and captions I decided I wanted to insert a new photo -- one that was not in "2011 Pics." So I inserted it into the folder, but the picture does not show up on the scrolling menu of pictures at the left of the calendar-making page. This happened last year and in frustration I started all over again. But surely there is a way to add a new picture to a calendar that is already laid out.

Yes, the Old Master file has a folder for each year where I find all photos from that specific year. I am attaching a screen shot of the file.
In the meantime i have managed to download all photos (it did not download any video files though in mpg, avi, 3gp, m4v,mp4 and mov format) to a new iphoto library. Unfortunately the photos are quite mixed and often doubled up. I ma considering to purchase iphoto library which checks all duplicates in iphoto. this will save me a lot of time. What do you think?

Help!!! Cannot view pics in iPhoto 6

Just installed iLife 06...I though install went fine and it did except for iPhoto 6. My albums, keyword, pic descriptions everything is viewable, even a pictures, file size dimensions, etc...everything except the picture. The number of pictures in the entire Library (over 7,000) shows up...I cannot view the actual pics....I get a grey area with a dotted line where the pic should be, but no pic.
In looking in my Library I can view the picture in a view finder, but it will not show up in iPhoto...What should I do, should I reinstall iLife 06???
Thanks a million...

Harinder
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
Never post your email on an internet forum.
As you've tried rebuilding the library then I would move on to recovery mode. Your db has been corrupted:
Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. 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 back.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Events and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Move the iPhoto Library to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Event Folders to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library on your desktop.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

Moving and Organizing Pics in iPhoto 6

I have an older MacBook Pro (2006), running 10.4.11 and iPhoto 6. My hard drive is getting low on space and I'd like to transfer some of my 30 gigs of pics to a 300 gig portable external hd. I'd love to keep the last year or two on my laptop so I don't have to take the external wherever I go. I've had problems in the past with moving pics to an alternate folder in order to find certain pics faster. iPhoto would not be able to find the pic and I would get a grey box with a question mark in place of the image. I'm hoping to not have this problem with 10 gigs worth of pics if I move them to an external. Also, if anyone can tell me the method to rebuild my iPhoto library and get those missing pics, I would appreciate it. The genius bar told me once, something about right clicking the app icon on my dashboard. I can't remember exactly. I'm obviously not a huge tech guy, so please go easy on me. Thanks for any help I can get.

The iPhoto library is a relational database and has no user serviceable parts - if you have mucked around in it your choices are to put it back - return things to exactly the way they were - load a backup or start over
You can move the entire library as a single entity and you can use iPhoto library manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ - to mover photos between different libraries - you can not use the finder to move photos around
LN

Finding photos in iPhoto 6.06

Long time Mac user. Long time iPhoto user. First time poster.
What happened to being able to find photos by dates?
I use fotki.com to store photos online. I recently tried to upload photos from the latest version of iPhoto to fotki and discovered that I can no longer find photos in my iphoto library organized by date. Nor can I find the photos organized by iPhoto folders. This is a great nuisance.
In the past, I have directly used Java to upload photos to the fotki site. Then for a brief time I used PictureSync. Now neither works easily. The former requires that to upload photos with my titles and comments, I need to export the photos using extensions to a new folder and then upload.
I haven't been able to get picture sync to work at all lately. It no longer saves the titles and comments and it no longer uploads. For these issues I will email the developer.
Any assistance, suggestions, etc.?
Ruth
MacBook Pro 2.2 Intel Mac OS X (10.4.9) iPhoto 6.06

Ruth
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
When you refer to organising by dates, do you mean in the iPhoto Library Folder, in your Pictures folder? If so, this changed with v6, and photos are now organised as follows: Along with the various files, which are the Library itself and some ancillary files. Then you have three folders
Originals are the photos as they were downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
This allows the Photos -> Revert to Original command - very useful if you don't like the changes you've made.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
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 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.
IF you're using another app to upload, I suggest that you select the pics in the iPhoto Window and then go File -> Export and export them to the desktop, making your choices about naming and size along the way, then upload from there. When the upload is finished, you can trash the files on your desktop - they're copies.
If you talking about finding pics by date in the iPhoto Window - check out the Calendar icon on the lower left. Click on it and a Calendar appears. Click on a date and only the pics taken on that date are shown.
Regards
TD

IPhoto Library in Finder changed after iPhoto 6.0.6 update - HELP!!!

I recently installed iLife 06 on my Powerbook and soon afterwards got a message that my iPhoto would be updated. Not having any problems in the past with software updates, I clicked the 'ok' button. Then when I went into Finder, I found that the whole organisation of my photos in the iPhoto Library had changed from being sorted by year, month and day, to year and roll. I HATE this and cannot find any photos or films the way I used to find them. Can anybody explain WHY on earth Apple have decided to sort files this way and if there is anything I can do to revert to the old way? Also in the iPhoto Library now, the same photos seem to be in at least 3 different places. WHAT is that all about??? I would be so grateful if someone could help! Thanks in advance, a very frustrated Mac lover!
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

NiniP
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
Can anybody explain WHY on earth Apple have decided to sort files this way and if there is anything I can do to revert to the old way?
I think they changed the entire database engine with iPhoto6 to take account of ever growing libraries.
But NO there is NO way to revert to the older way, nor is there any need to.
To find pics - and this was also the way in earlier versions - you never need to look in the iPhoto Library Folder. 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 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.
Also in the iPhoto Library now, the same photos seem to be in at least 3 different places. WHAT is that all about???
iPhoto - as it has always done - keeps your Original file, untouched, a Modified version (if you've edited it) and a thumbnail. This has been the way since iPhoto 1.
A Note about the iPhoto Library Folder:
In this folder there are various files, which are the Library itself and some ancillary files. Then you have three folders
Originals are the photos as they were downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
This allows the Photos -> Revert to Original command - very useful if you don't like the changes you've made.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
IF you do your work in the iPhoto Window - as is intended with the app - then you'll have no problems whatever.
Regards
TD

Duplicates of Pics in iPhoto

Am in the process of establishing all of my iPhoto pics on an external HD. The problem is over the years I have managed to make 1-4 duplicates of most of my pictures. I noticed when I searched on spotlight, went from 2700 pics on iPhoto to 11900(!), Now some of the .jpg files are associated with program graphics etc but not a significant amount. Any idea on how to delete these w/out having to manually take out the dupes? There is no duplicate functionality like iTunes and there also seems to a ton of alias files as well. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
AJ

How are you seeing these "duplicates" - in the iPhoto program or in the finder? iPhoto will have at least two versions of each photo and may have three - 1 - an original - 2 - a thumbnail and possibly 3 - a modified version - these are not duplicates but are different versions each with its own specific purpose - you should never delete or modify the contents of your iPhoto library using the finder
If you have imported or created duplicated using iPhoto and see them in the iPhoto program duplicate annihilator - http://www.brattoo.com/propaganda/ - is the best way to find and delete them
LN

Cant see the pics in iphoto

Hello everyone!Hope all is well!
I've got a macbook pro and it seems like i done something with the iphotoes when i go in i can see the pics ,but when i click on a pic its only show a ! sign;(
what did i do?Is that means all my pics gone?Or is that any ways i can get them back?
Thanks!!!!!

The ! turns up when iPhoto loses the connection between the thumbnail in the iPhoto Window and the file it represents.
What version of iPhoto? Assuming 09 or later...
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 Library Manager it's the FIle -> Rebuild command)
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

Transferring pics from iPhoto 8 to iPhoto 6

Having troubles doing a simple import of pics that went from camera to my laptop (iPhoto 8), burnt them to cd then tried to import into G5 (iPhoto 6). This should not be an issue right (the import of iPhoto 8 pics into iPhoto 6)? Is there a way to burn or on the import that should make this easy? Help! Thank you in advance...
m

m
how did you burn the disk? Using the Share -> Burn command will be problematic as v6 canot open a v7 library, and that's what that command does. Export the pics to the Finder and burn them with the Finder, see if they will import.
Regards
TD

Problems attaching pics from IPhoto 8.0 to I Mail

I can't seem to find a way to attach my pics from IPhoto in different sizes. No matter how I set them up (large, small, etc) they still come out as 165Kb size. Any suggestions?

Tex
Welcome to the Apple user to user assistance forums
There are two (2) places to set the size and either of them can make the photos small - in iPhoto when you select a photo(s) and click mail you get an option to sent the photo Actual, large, medium or small - and then in the Apple mail compose window at the lower right hand corner there is a menu that again lets you select actual, large, medium or small - be sure that both of these are set to the size you want
LN

IPhoto 2011. Created an album from different cameras (different filenames), placed pics in order in album but want to export into new folder on desktop in same order. Can I number the pics within iPhoto to reflect that order, or simply export in order?

iPhoto 2011. I have created an album from different cameras (different filenames), and placed pics in order in the iphoto album but want to export into a new folder on the desktop in that same order. Can I number the pics within iPhoto to reflect that order, or simply export in order?
Thanks!

File -> Export, and note the options under File Name
Another way:
Here's one (of several) way(s) to do what you want:
Make an Album of the photos, then drag the pics into your preferred order.
Then Photos Menu: Batch Change -> Set Title to Text "John's Birthday", for instance, and tick the box to append a number to each Photo. Now your photos are titled 'John's Birthday 001, John's Birthday 002 ... etc'
Then File -> Export and in the Export dialogue set the Filename to "Use Title"
Sort on Filename in the FInder and you end up with a folder full of images in the same order as the Album in iPhoto.

Copying pics from iphoto says can't copy, photo is busy????

Sometimes when I try to copy photos from iphoto to my external hard drive, it comes up with the message 'cannot copy to this location because one or more of the pictures is busy' what does this mean and how can I change it? It happens quite randomly and if I delete the pic or change the name of the pic i'm trying to copy, it will choose another pic to be busy.....what am I doing wrong? it's infuriating. WHat's more, there is nothing about it in David Pogues 'missing manual'. Am I the only one at a loss when it comes to finding solutions to problems that seem so simple?????

jesssroooo
*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. There is no need for you to ever enter this folder. There are no user serviceable parts there. Period.*
A Note about the iPhoto Library Folder:
In this folder there are various files, which are the Library itself and some ancillary files. Then you have three folders
Originals are the photos as they were downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
is there a simple way to make the pictures in my finder>pictures>iphotolibrary corresponde with the pics in iphoto?
No. The Finder is a File Organiser, iPhoto is a photo organiser. The point is that you let iPhoto look after the files and you organise, edit, whatever in the iPhoto Window - without reference to the files.
To delete pics from iPhoto and the HD, put them in the iPhoto trash and empty it, that's all.
i don't want to have multiple duplicates of the same image
You don't, you have different versions - as detailed above. There is no way to stop iphoto from preserving your original file. If you don't want this use another application.
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.
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 THIS
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.
You can set Photoshop (or any image editor) as an external editor in iPhoto. (Preferences -> General -> Edit Photo: Choose from the Drop Down Menu.) This way, when you double click a pic to edit in iPhoto it will open automatically in Photoshop or your Image Editor, and when you save it it's sent back to iPhoto automatically. This is the only way that edits made in another application will be displayed in iPhoto.
Again, stay out of the iPhoto Library in the Finder, and remember everything you need to do can be done via the iPhoto Window - and if you can't figure out how to achieve something, post here or even check the Help.
Regards
TD

Finding pics in iPhoto!

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