How to make changes to actual photo files?

Question

I have searched and still can't find the answer. I am trying to create my main iPhoto library so that when I edit or delete or move a file within the iPhoto application, it edits, deletes or moves the original file in the Pictures folder. I have copied over all my photo folders into the Pictures folder on the hard drive, then I have started iPhoto and am prompted to create a new library since none exists by importing my pictures folders with the import option set to copy. This did not allow me to make changes to the originals by editing them in iPhoto. So I deleted the library and started again with import option set at not to copy. Made no differenece. What am I missing? How do I create a new iPhoto library so that any changes I make to my photos in iPhoto happen to the originals also?

Answer 1

Welcome to the Apple Discussions. You're not missing anything. You can't do what you want to do. iPhoto follows the prime directive of good digital asset management and keeps the original file untouched as a digital negative. Any editing creates a modified version which is kept in the Modified folder. This way you can always go back to the original version to start a different edit/crop, etc. If you cropped an image to 4x6 to print and then later wanted an 8x10, you'd have to further crop the image, this time the 4x6 image to get the correct proportions and that would severely reduce the resolution and quality of the image.
If you want to only work on the original files then you'll need a different application, perhaps an image browser and a 3rd party editor.
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.
I've written 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. 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.