How do I import my iPhoto library into Lightroom CC?

I just bought a new macbookpro with Yosemite 10.10.3 and have discovered that Apple has disabled iPhoto and replaced it with their new "Photos" app. I have a large iPhoto library (about 35,000 photos, and close to 500GB that I want to import into Lightroom. Since my library covers several years and has many "Events" I want to ideally apply metadata and keywords to selective events, albums etc. Is this possible, or should I import the whole megillah and then go about reorganizing it? Based on posts I've read, there will be a bunch of us that want to do the same.
Thanks.

Please read this for the details of how to do the Import
http://www.lightroomqueen.com/ready-move-aperture-iphoto/
With regards to whether or not you should "import the whole megillah", I am a big believer that you want all of your organizing in one catalog. You do not want some in iPhoto and some in Lightroom. By having everything in one catalog, you eliminate the problem caused by fallible human memory where you don't remember which organizing tool contains a particular set of photos. It also eliminates the problem that if things are in two (or more) organizing tools, there is no way to search for all items that meet a specific metadata search.

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How do I import my iPhoto library into iMovie?

For some unknown reason I am not able to import all my pictures and video clips into iMovie. I do not know what is happening to my Mac. What did I do to it ? I still have plenty of storage space on my laptop. I have a Mid 2012 13" Macbook Pro running Mavericks OS X 10.9.4. I almost forgot to mention that iMovie quits unexpectingly when I am in the middle of a video project. Thanks in advance for any help.

There is no way you would import an iPhoto Library into iMovie. What you can do is access the Library from iMovie.
So, what exactly are you trying to do, and what goes wrong? What error messages do you get? What version of iMovie and iPhoto?

How do I import one iPhoto library into another?

I have one iPhoto library on my iMac--family photos--and just imported another one from a Mac Mini, which I've called iPhoto (hiking), as it is photos of our hiking trip. I'd like to import everything from the latter into the former, then delete the latter. I tried just dragging the latter in, but instead of merging, it replaced the former. I've fixed that, thanks to Time Machine, but now need to merge my libraries. Any ideas?
Thanks

Well I'm not sure what you did but no one else has managed to ever import one Library to another without causing a mess as described above - in fact as you describe yourself:
It imported the photos and the thumbnails. All I had to do was delete any duplicates and orginize it.
You also lost any keywords, albums, Faces and Places along the wy. Merging two libraries will not import any thumbnails, there will be no duplicates and you'll have no organising to do.

How do I import a second iPhoto library into Lightroom?

I have multiple libraries in iPhoto. When I follow the instructions: User/Pictures/iPhoto library/Show package contents/Master /Duplicate/drag to desktop/drag into Lightroom, I have no problem importing these images. When I choose the file titled...Pictures/iPhoto Galapagos I am unable to show package contents/Master and duplicate the images in this file. What am I doing wrong? How do I import this second library into Lightroom?
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Try exporting versions from iPhoto to the desktop or create a named folder in Finder. They will include any adjustments you have made. Then bring into LR using:
Import >> Add

How do I import an iPhoto Library (V.7.1.5) created on my old MacBook (10. 6.8) into my new Macbook pro (10.9.1) running iPhoto 9.5.1? I tried copying onto memory stick and moving to new mac, but new iPhoto doesn't recognise the library.

How do I import an iPhoto Library (V.7.1.5) created on my old MacBook (10. 6.8) into my new Macbook pro (10.9.1) running iPhoto 9.5.1? I tried copying onto memory stick and moving to new mac, but new iPhoto doesn't recognise the library.

So what exactly did you copy over? If it's a 12 gig iPhoto Library then it sounds like the files are there. Perhaps the copy went wrong along the way.
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.)
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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

How do i import an iPhoto library from a time machine backup?

how do i import an iPhoto library from a time machine backup? I did a back up and i formatted my machine. How do i get iphoto to be the same?

This screenshot shows how to restore a library from Time Machine.
There is NO importing necessary. One should never import one library into another. Just restore it to your Pictures folder and launch iPhoto.
OT

How do I import an iPhoto library to an existing iPhoto library?

I have about 6-7GB of photos stored in iPhoto on an old MacBook. I want to import them to an existing iPhoto library on my wife's new iMac. What's the best way to do this without losing any data? I have an external USB HD, but I'm not sure the best way to move the files (ex: drop the iPhoto library icon into the new drive, etc).
Any recommendations?

The only way is to NOT import - Never import an iPhoto library into another iPhoto library
you move the library to the new machine - Connect the two Macs together (network, firewire target mode, etc) and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac and it will open the library and convert it as needed and you will be ready move forward.
LN

Importing my iPhoto library into Aperture. Best way to avoid duplicates?

Hi,
I'm a new Mac user. I have been in the very slow and tedious process of transferring my photos from my HP hard drive to my Mac. I used iPhoto for a very brief time before purchasing Aperture 3. (I've used photoshop for years.) I haven't yet Imported or consolidated or whatever the correct term would be the iPhoto library into the Aperture library. I've been avoiding it because I know there are some duplicates. Mainly just a few "Events" from the last few weeks before starting using Aperture. Now with the new update, it seems like it's a great time to get it all consolidated into an Aperture library that I can use in both iPhoto and Aperture. What's the easiest way for me to proceed? I'm sorry for my lack of proper Mac terms....I'm learning!
Thanks so much for your help!
Christy

Clear as mud??
If you want to see all your images - those now in your Aperture Library and those in your iPhoto Library- then you need to merge both Libraries into one Library - I'd import your iPhoto Library into the Aperture Library.
This combined Library will be compatible with both Applications.
To merge your iPhoto Library into the Aperture Library do the following:
Make a backup of your current iPhoto library (libraries)
Upgrade to iPhoto 9.3, if you have not already done so.
Open your iPhoto Library at least once in Photo 9.3 to upgrade the Library.
Unhide all hidden images. You cannot unhide them when viewing the Library in Aperture.
Quit iPhoto.
If you have not already upgraded to Aperture 3.3, do it like this:
Backup your current Aperture library.
Rebuild the Aperture Database using the Aperture Library First Aid Tools: Launch Aperture with the cmd-options-key combination (⌘⌥) firmly held down, then select "Rebuild Database".
After rebuilding upgrade to Aperture 3.3 and launch Aperture to upgrade the Aperture Library.
With Aperture still open, double click your iPhoto Library. Aperture will prompt you, if you want to add or merge your iPhoto Library - choose "Merge". This will avoid importing duplicate images, as far as Aperture can tell that those are the same images - same filename.
You will have to weed out some duplicates yourself - this is best be done by sorting the images by capture date, then duplicate shots will appear side by side.
Post back, if you have more questions.
Regards
Léonie

How can I import multiple iphoto libraries into Photos beta

I have successfully imported a single iPhoto Library into the Photos Beta app. However I have several other iPhoto libraries that I would like to import into the Photos library. Think of is as merging everything into one now that there's iCloud backup.
I started with iPhoto back in 2005 and have created a separate library every three years ever since. Each one is quite large, ~40 gigs.
What is the best means to import additional libraries into my new Photos library. Unfortunately the File import option on Photos does not allow for a selection of iPhoto Library file type.
Thanks,
Brian

Merge all iPhoto Libraries into one before migrating them to the new Photos.app.
You cannot add additional libraries to a Photos library, only additional photos. Or have several Photos libraries, but only one of them can sync with iCloud.
To merge your iPhoto Libraries into one, use either Aperture, if you have it (see: Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries), or the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager: Download it here: iPhoto Library Manager

Can't import an iPhoto library into Aperture

I'm using Aperture 1.5.2 and iPhoto 6.0.6 and cannot get Aperture to import my iPhoto library. I am following the procedure in the Aperture User Manual (p. 112) but it doesn't work. I don't get a beach-ball cursor or anything... no images, no disk activity, etc. This is regardless of the “Store Files:” or “Version Names:” or other settings in the dialog box.
I saw the Apple Support doc entitled “Aperture can't import iPhoto Library from iPhoto 6.0.1 or 6.0.2” which promises a fix in Aperture 1.1. Is this still the same problem? Or is it a different problem?
I know I can drag the photos from iPhoto into Aperture, but keywords are not preserved. Any suggestions?
PowerBook Al 15 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

I recently started using Aperture 1.5.2 and imported my iPhoto Library from iPhoto 6.0.6, so it's not an impossible task. I also had a lot of trouble with it. I can say it was a pain and there were several false starts and once it froze half-way through importing them. I did File -> Import... -> iPhoto Library and I left the files in their current location... but you said this was regardless of settings. I swear the thing just sat their for a good 20 minutes after I told it to import, although I can't recall if there was a spinning cursor or not. I'd get occasional errors about being unable to connect to server at the beginning (after it sat there for 20 minutes) and middle of the process. I just kept hitting Okay and if I had all other applications closed, Aperature finally did it. So... I guess that all amounts to: "I had problems, too, but after several tries it worked so maybe just keep trying and let it sit for awhile if no one else has a more helpful suggestion." Good luck!

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How to import an iPhoto library into photos

I have an iPhoto library onto an external disk. After the update Photos created a new library in the local pictures folder. How can I get the photos from iPhoto's into the new photos library and than move the new library on a external disk?

You don't. You just open the Library on the External
Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch Photos.. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library'
Moving Libraries is exactly the same as iPhoto:
Make sure the drive is formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
1. Quit Photos
2. Copy the Library from your Pictures Folder to the External Disk.
3. Hold down the option (or alt) key while launching Photos. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and navigate to the new location. From that point on this will be the default location of your library.
4. Test the library and when you're sure all is well, trash the one on your internal HD to free up space.
Regards
TD

Problem importing old iphoto library into new computer

SO I ORIGIONALLY WROTE THIS TOPIC:
"Ok so I just bought a new macbook pro with iphoto 08 and i want to transfer my pictures from my old Imac with im guessing iphoto 06 and all the albums to my new computer. How do i do this. I tried it once but i did it wrong because i only got the pictures over there but no albums so i deleted them on the new computer and am ready to try again"
THEN I GOT THIS RESPONSE:
Quit iPhoto, copy the entire iPhoto library as a single entity from the old computer into the pictures folder on the new computer and launch iPhoto on the new computer - it will convert (a one way conversion) the library as needed and you will be set.
SO I DID THAT AND THE PHOTOS ARE THERE ON THE HARD DRIVE BUT WHEN I OPEN IPHOTO THERE IS NOTHING THERE
PLEASE HELP

Nick:
Have you checked the size of the copied library to make sure it's a valid one. To be sure you're opening the correct library launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, select the option to choose a library. Navigate to your pictures folder and select the library to copied over from your old iMac.
If your sure that's the library from the old iMac and it doesn't indicate any photos try the following in order as needed:
1 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select all options.
2 - rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
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 User/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: It may take some time to create the new library if you have a lot of photos.
3 - start over with a new library and import the Originals folder from your original library as follows:
Creating a new library while preserving the Events from the original library.
Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
Open the library package like this.
Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
Drag the Originals folder from the iPhoto Library on the desktop into the open Photo window
This will create a new library with the same Events as the original library if you have the Finder checkbox unchecked in the Events preference pane.
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. 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.

How long to import an iPhoto Library? What settings....? Arrrrgh!!

I have now been importing (leaving images in the iPhoto Library) for over 4 hours now.
My iPhoto Lib is 240Gb with 45k photos and an hour or so of Video. I am running an iMac i7 with latest OSx and 4 Gb RAM
Aperture is 'grinding' away and has consumed the available RAM and a lot of the processor.
With this process running the system is almost unusable and at times freezes. I have found that Time Machine (which kicks in every hour) causes a massive lock where the two processes seem to be competing over the same patch of land... Turning this off has helped.
Initially I tried an import "to 'Pictures' " which I left running overnight, however the system settings sent the machine to sleep before it was finished and I had to force quit on resuming this morning. I then tried to 'resume' the import selecting "No Duplicates" however the import was starting from scratch again. This may have only been events/projects but it was simply taking for ever.
An initial import of a folder from "iPhoto Browser" view did not pull through the GPS or faces or other project data - so I decided a full import was required.
My end goal is to work out the best setup of the different import options for me.
What's better and what are the pro's 'n' con's of loading images into the Aperture Library or leaving in the iPhoto Lib? What about in folders in 'My Pictures"?
After reading through some of these forums I have noted that there are a few of the "consumer" functions which Aperture does not have I will still want to use the card/calendar features of iPhoto - what might be the best setup for me?
It's a bit confusing when looking to transition from iPhoto...... I've tried reading through the support pages and watched the How To vids - but I cannot find a Why do it this way or that way....?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
qBall

So - after a lot of playing around this is what I have sorted out.
Aperture is pretty awsome
Cannot possibly go back to iPhoto now....
....but will still need iPhoto for some of the 'Grandparent' stuff like cards and calendars!
On the setup/installation side when importing from iPhoto, depending on library size - expect this to take a significant amount of time.
Turn off TimeMachine
Disable 'sleep' in Energy Saver
Set import up and let it run overnight!
I have imported my entire iPhoto library both into Aperture and 'in place' to see what is the best way to make it work/run and performance etc.
Thinking that I would not want to duplicate a massive library file - I wanted to see if there was any performance or other like issues with either method, and if there was any siginificant space savings of doing either.
Here are some stats:
On file sizes:
iPhoto Library 230.36 GB
Aperture 'Leave in current location' Library 26.48 GB
Aperture 'In Aperture' Library 216.27 GB
On Time to import:
Aperture 'Leave in current location' Library 8+ hours (this was before i worked out to turn off timemachine)
Aperture 'In Aperture' Library - overnight..? It just worked this time!
On Opening Aperture: Average time taken until application is fully responsive
Aperture 'Leave in current location' Library -> 2m:35s
Aperture 'In Aperture' Library -> 1m:16s
On Exit with Update to previews: (obviously this has a lot to do with changes in your library)
Aperture 'Leave in current location' Library -> 7m:40s !!!!!
Aperture 'In Aperture' Library -> 2m
Using Aperture
I could not find much difference in creating slide shows, editing images or working with faces/locations etc once Aperture was loaded with either library. The big difference seems to be in the post processing of libraries once imported. With the 'In location' library this seemed to take 'days' as each time I opened this library I had massive lags and delays and became frustrated so went back to the 'In Aperture" library.
Now this processing is complete I also find the Application is running well and not completly hogging all the RAM/Processor available. I am now comfortably able to run Aperture, Web browser and another profile on the iMac without too many performance issues!
Still looking at how 'going back to iPhoto' using the Aperture library combinations might work - aaarrrrggggh - can I really be bothered ????
Summary
For me I am going to use the In Aperture setup. Performance is greater and the library size is smaller.
If looking to import a large iPhoto Library I suggest:
Turn off all background and other programs which could steal any processing power/RAM
Run it overnight
Import with the 'In Aperture' option
Be prepared for the 'post processing' and allow this to complete before you become concerned bout the performance

Can't import iphoto library into Lightroom

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