How to export iphoto library but keep thumbnails

My iPhoto '11 library is taking up 70G of much needed space on my Macbook Pro (2009), but rather than trying to add memory or buy a new laptop I'd like to move the Library off my HD. Right now it is all backed up to my external HD. However, I'd like to keep thumbprints of the photos in iPhoto if possible, so that I can see the photos on my Mac. Is this possible? If so, how can I do this?

If you try and do this with iPhoto it will complain and fail to open if the external drive is not connected.
However, this is perfectly possible with Aperture, if you want to go that way.

Similar Messages

I'm trying to import photos from my iphoto library, but keep getting a message saying I cant import from 7.1.5, that I need to upgrade to 7.1.5 or later. But I have version 8.1.2. I don't know what to do. I've been able to import in the past.

I'm trying to import photos from my iphoto library, but keep getting a message saying I cant import from 7.1.5, that I need to upgrade to 7.1.5 or later. But I have version 8.1.2. I don't know what to do. I've been able to import in the past.

Sounds like an issue with the iPhoto Library
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 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 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

How to export iphoto library?

I just want to be able to back up my entire library onto a DVD or external HD but I can't seem to find how to do this unless I move every photo manually.

Go to your Pictures Folder and you’ll find the iPhoto Library there.
Copy that to your External. That’s your Library: Photos, Albums, Events, Keywords, Books, Calendars, all backed up.
You can do incremental (and automatic) updates using an app like DejaVu or any of the many other options you’ll find on MacUpdate.
IF you want to back up the Library to DVD them use the Share -> Burn command. This will create a disk that is read by iPhoto.
Regards
TD

How to export iphoto library to other location ?

iphoto is taking lots of memory space... how would I export photos to another location, like an external disk?

The iPhoto Library is a SQL database and must be kept intact - you can use it on an external Hard drive -
Moving the iPhoto library is safe and simple - quit iPhoto and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive - depress the option key and launch iPhoto using the "select library" option to point to the new location on the external drive - fully test it and then trash the old library on the internal drive (test one more time prior to emptying the trash)
And be sure that the External drive is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) (iPhoto does not work with drives with other formats) and that it is always available prior to launching iPhoto
And backup soon and often - having your iPhoto library on an external drive is not a backup and if you are using Time Machine you need to check and be sure that TM is backing up your external drive
LN

How to export iphoto library to my new mac

I just got a new mac and want to transfer my old iphoto and itunes libraries to my new mac. What is the best way to do that?

Connect the two computers together via a network or FireWire target mode or USB and drag the iPhoto library from the old computer to the pictures folder of the new and launch iPhoto
ITunes is probable similar but the iTunes forum is the place to find out
LN

How to export iPhoto library to an external hard drive?

My mac is almost full. And iPhoto is the culprit. I want to move my iphoto's library to an external hard drive and thus eliviate my macs. The drive that will lodge iphotos labrary will be connected to my mac via firewire.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom.
evf

When you say "drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive", do you mean drop and drag the iPhoto applications icon from the task bar, to the external? I tried that and the mouse icon turned into the cloud, as if to delete iPhoto. I am sorry for my very novices skills. Can you please help?
No - "drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive" does not mean "drop and drag the iPhoto applications icon from the task bar, to the external"
It means exactly what it says - drag the "iPhoto Library" to the external drive - by default your iPhoto library is in the pictures folder -- the only thing you do with the iPhoto application is to "depress the option key and launch iPhoto then use the "select library" option to point to the new location on the external drive "
LN

Exporting iPhoto library as a regular folder to be opened on PC

Hi everyone!
I am wondering how to export iPhoto library to external drive as a normal folder with jpeg files to be opened also on PC (no iPhoto app). Do you have any ideas?
Cheers!

If you export with Kind=Original you retain your Created date, Modified date, Latitude and Longitude. You lose all edits and a Description field.
That's what the Original means. No added metadata, no edits.
If you export with Kind=jpeg the Created and Modified dates are set to the export date, you lose the location data, but you retain a Description field.
The Created and Modified dates are correct for that file. There are two kinds of metadata involved when you consider jpeg or other image file.
One is the file data. This is what the Finder shows. This tells you nothing about the contents of the file, just the File itself.
The problem with File metadata is that it can easily change as the file is moved from place to place or exported, e-mailed, uploaded etc.
Photographs have also got both Exif and IPTC metadata. The date and time that your camera snapped the Photograph is recorded in the Exif metadata. Regardless if what the file date says, this is the actual time recorded by the camera.
Photo applications like iPhoto, Aperture, Lightroom, Picasa, Photoshop etc get their date and time from the Exif metadata.
When you export from iPhoto to the Finder new file is created containing your Photo (and its Exif). The File date is - quite accurately - reported as the date of Export.
However, the Photo Date doesn't change.
The problem is that the Finder doesn't work with Exif.
So, your photo has the correct date, and so does the file, but they are different things. To sort on the Photo date you'll need to use a photo app.
Also you don't lose any metadata - including the location material - if you choose the correct export settings
This User Tip
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
has details of the options in the Export dialogue.
You can check this by taking one picture and export it both ways to your desktop and check the Get Info fields.
The Get Info facility in the Finder refers only to File Metadata and not to the Photo metadata at all.

When trying to import photos with iPhoto from photoshop.. won't let me keeps saying that the photos are already in the iPhoto library but they are not... need to fix this

When trying to import photos with iPhoto from photoshop... won't let me keeps saying that the photos are already in the iPhoto library but they are not

If you are using Photoshop from within iPhoto the following may help with the workflow. However, we do need to know the answers to the questions posed by Terence and Larry to be able to help you.
Using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements as Your Editor of Choice in iPhoto.
1 - select Photoshop or Photoshop Elememts as your editor of choice in iPhoto's General Preference Section's under the "Edit photo:" menu.
2 - double click on the thumbnail in iPhoto to open it in Photoshop. When you're finished editing click on the Save button. If you immediately get the JPEG Options window make your selection (Baseline standard seems to be the most compatible jpeg format) and click on the OK button. Your done.
3 - however, if you get the navigation window
that indicates that PS wants to save it as a PS formatted file. You'll need to either select JPEG from the menu and save (top image) or click on the desktop in the Navigation window (bottom image) and save it to the desktop for importing as a new photo.
This method will let iPhoto know that the photo has been editied and will update the thumbnail file to reflect the edit..
With Photoshop Elements the Saving File preferences should be configured as shown:
I also suggest the Maximize PSD File Compatabilty be set to Always. In PSE’s General preference pane set the Color Picker to Apple as shown:
Screenshots are from PSE 10
Note 1: to switch between iPhoto and PS or PSE as the editor of choice Control (right)-click on the thumbnail and select either Edit in iPhoto or Edit in External Editor from the contextual menu. If you use iPhoto to edit more than PSE re-select iPhoto in the iPhoto General preference pane. Then iPhoto will be the default editor and you can use the contextual menu to select PSE for your editor when desired.
Note 2: editing a RAW file with either PSE or PS creates a new file which must be saved outside of iPhoto, i.e. the Desktop, and imported as a new photo into the iPhoto Library.

I would like to download / backup my entire iPhoto library, but want to do so in a manner where each event is saved as a distinct folder. Can someone please advise if / how this is possible?

I would like to download / backup my entire iPhoto library, but want to do so in a manner where each event is saved as a distinct folder. Can someone please advise if / how this is possible?

See Terence Devlin's User Tip on exporting from iPhoto:
Exporting From iPhoto https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
To write events to separate folders, use "File > Export" and select the subfolder format "Event Name". But that will only backup the photos and not your iPhoto library and all the work you invested in organising it. For backing up, see: iPhoto and File Management

Just upgraded and iPhoto said it has to upgrade library but keeps freezing. Have tried it too many times now and I need those photos ASAP HELP!!

Just upgraded and iPhoto said it has to upgrade library but keeps freezing. Have tried it too many times now and I need those photos ASAP HELP!!

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 Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 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 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

I have thumbnails in my iPhoto library but when I click on them the screen is black

I have thumbnails on my iPhoto library but when I click on them the screen is black. I have had my computer in 2-3 times for this issue and the library is corrupt, or so I was told. This doesn't make sense since the photos are obviously in my library some where. Any thoughts what is going on?

Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
Click on the Add Library button,
and select the library you want to add from those in the selection window.
Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the Library ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
Click on the Create button.
Note 1: 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.
Note 2: Your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.

How do I export iPhoto library to a flash drive and can photos be viewedon a PC?

How do I export iPhoto library to flash Drive and can it be viewed On a PC?

This User Tip
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
has details of the options in the Export dialogue.

Best way to export iPhoto library?

Hey folks,
I was wondering what is the best way to export all the master/unedited images I have in my iPhoto 11' collection just to have it all in the Photos folder. I would like to start making the move to Lightroom 4 and give it a test drive. It would be nice to keep the organizational structure that I have going on now in iPhoto with my events. Can any one help? If Lightroom doesnt work out for me, I would want to make a referenced iPhoto Library and keep the images in the photos folder. Thanks for the help.

Have a look at my first post on this thread, which predates that export option in iPhoto, that pretty much deals with the issue with older versions. One of those options is free.
I'm just kind of irked by the idea that you should treat folders and files on your own computer as untouchable.
There are a couple of ways to look at this.
One: they're not at all untouchable. You have described perfectly how you might touch them. What we're saying is that touching them in that way may cause you dataloss, but if you want to do that, knock yourself out . But know the risks you're running. Look at it this way: there's no reason you have to use the doors on your car. You can jump through the sunroof, but don't be surprised if you hurt yourself on the gearstick.
Two: If you're the kind of person who really needs to visit with your files and folders for some reason, then run a referenced library. It makes for more work, adds zero extra capability and is likely to store up issues for the inexperienced user, but it's quite possible. For more about how, and the pitfalls:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3062728?tstart=0
Three: The bigger issue here is that you're going to have problems in the future. The files/folders metaphor is going away in computing now. Everything - even text editors - are becoming databases. The files are just dumb storage, the important part is the data - the actual photos. iPhoto is about the data, not the files. The Finder is about files.
These two user tips explain this is more detail:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4491
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
Regards
TD

How to tranfer iphoto library to G/drive mini

How to tranfer iphoto library to GDrive mini/. Can I keep in 2 spot - one in computer and one in Gdrive mini. I recently lost photos from the old hard drive. It's no longer on the computer.

There are some wireless external hard drives that can be used with the iPad.
The Kingston Wi-Drive, which costs $50 for the 16 Gigabyte, and then $30 more for every 16 gigs more. It works by you turning it on and then accessing the files on it from an app that you download on your iDevice. You can access music, movies, and other stuff. No connections or anything, it works like a WiFi connection, you connect to it from the setting on the iPad under wireless networks.
Then there is the Seagate GoFlex, which some would recommend over the Wi-Drive. But this one costs $199 and had 500 Gigabytes of storage. It works the sameway as the Kingston: no wires, runs over its wireless connection. You can actually fit up to 300 HD movies on it.
Another option:
Expand your iPad's storage capacity with HyperDrive
http://www.macworld.com/article/1153935/hyperdrive.html
On the road with a camera, an iPad, and a Hyperdrive
http://www.macworld.com/article/1160231/ipadhyperdrive.html
Mac - How to Move the iPhone & iPad iTunes Backup folder to an External Hard Drive
http://osxdaily.com/2011/03/05/how-to-move-the-iphoneipad-itunes-backup-folder-t o-an-external-hard-drive/
Windows - Change iPad default backup location
http://apple-ipad-tablet-help.blogspot.com/2010/07/change-ipad-default-backup-lo cation.html
Windows - Changing IPhone and iPad backup location
http://goodstuff2share.wordpress.com/2011/05/22/changing-iphone-and-ipad-backup- location/
 Cheers, Tom

How to export iPhoto Album in iMAC and have similar folder structure(with Timestamps) which can be viewed in finder

How to export iPhoto Album in iMAC and have similar folder structure(with Timestamps) which can be viewed in finder
In simple terms, I wanted to view the photos in Windows system, similar strcture of iPhotos

If you want to copy all of your photos to a Windows machine and have them in folders representing the iPhoto Events the were in quickly and easily just do the following:
1 - open the library with the Finder as shown in this screenshot:
2 - COPY the Originals/Masters folder to the Desktop.
3 - copy the Originals/Masters folder to the Windows machine.
This will give you all of your original image file in their Event folder on the Windows machine.
NOTE: With iPhoto 8 or newer the Event folders in the Masters folder will be titled by date (EXIF) if imported from a camera. If imported from a folder the event folder will have the same title as the source folder. If imported singularly or in a group without a folder the title will be a date, either the EXIF date or import date.
With iPhoto 7 (08) and earlier the Event folders in the Originals folder will have the same title as the Event has in the library.
This method would be quicker but not provide the additional metadata you might have added in iPhoto like keywords, titles, descriptions that exporting out of iPhoto with Format=JPEG and the checkboxes selected to include keywords, titles, places, etc, checked.
OT

How to export iphoto library but keep thumbnails

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for