IPhoto File Management - Copy On Import?

Question

Hi there,
I've recently upgraded my iMac and imported my old Iphoto library. I've been looking through the preferences and noticed that the program works in a similar fashion to itunes in a sense that you have the option to not make a copy of the files when importing. I presume therefore this would result in a referenced database? I'm considering changing from the default setting to this in order to prevent the many duplicates that are generated by Iphoto which take up extra space. I understand from a few tests (within finder) that a copy is created in the originals folder, and if any modifications are made then a copy will go in the modified folder as well as having a thumbnail version in the data folder (all within the iphoto library). In all that makes a total of 4 files for each imported photo, (the master original plus 3 extras). I know the thumbnail is mandatory for the program to function correctly but what are the advantages of allowing iphoto to manage itself rather than me manage it as a reference database? I prefer to manage itunes myself (no copy's on import) as i have over 15000 320kbps mp3's which total nearly 300GB and seems ridiculous to duplicate it to 600GB. In context i have around 1200 pictures in my iphoto library and the file size of the database is only a couple of gig which is nothing in comparison, but i like to keep a tidy file system on my machine with nothing on it that isn't needed.
If i was to decide to manage the library myself with no copies which would be the best way to go about it? I have viewed a couple of other threads and Old Toad seems to give the impression that poking about and moving/deleting files manually within finder is a bad idea. I've recently created a holiday book project which contains a lot of family holiday photos from the library in a chosen layout and theme. If i created a new database with the option not to copy then re-added all my photos is there any way of retaining my book project?
In summary i want peoples opinions (especially Old Toad) of the advantages/disadvantages for each preference. Am i turning into a obsessive compulsive who's stressing over nothing!?
(Am i correct in thinking that a referenced library wont save any metadata?)

Answer 1

bert4243
Yes you can run a Referenced Library with iPhoto 08 but I strongly recommend against it.
Here's how ot works: iPhoto will not copy the files on import, but rather simply reference them on your HD. It will create an alias to the Original file, a thumbnail and, if you modify the pics, a Modified version.
Here's why I don;t recommend it:
1. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
2. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them
3. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
Always allowing for personal preference, I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
If disk space is an issue, you can run an entire iPhoto Library from an external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library as an entity from your Pictures Folder to the External Disk.
3. Hold down the option (or alt) key while launching iPhoto. 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.
If you're concerned about accessing the files, 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 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.
Your choice, obviously, but best to be aware of all the ramifications. By all means post back if you require more info.
Bluntly, there is no advantage to running a referenced library and three major disadvantages.
To specific cases:
I'm considering changing from the default setting to this in order to prevent the many duplicates that are generated by Iphoto which take up extra space.
It saves nothing.
I understand from a few tests (within finder) that a copy is created in the originals folder, and if any modifications are made then a copy will go in the modified folder as well as having a thumbnail version in the data folder (all within the iphoto library). In all that makes a total of 4 files for each imported photo, (the master original plus 3 extras)
Why are you keeping the "master original"? What does that achieve. Best to let iPhoto copy it into the Library and manage the file and then get rid of the "master original". That's the effective way to save space.
Beware comparisons between iTunes and iPhoto. The iTunes db is a very simple affair. It tracks the location of the file plus and playlists it may be used in, plus some metadata. The iPhoto db tracks the location of the file and any albums it may be in and some metadata... plus
The relationship between the thumbnail and the Original
The relationship between the thumbnail, Original and Modified version
Tracks any edits made by iPhoto
Tracks all the print products - boos, cards, calendars
and so on. It's a much more complex beast.
I have viewed a couple of other threads and Old Toad seems to give the impression that poking about and moving/deleting files manually within finder is a bad idea.
This is not a bad idea. It's a way to break your iPhoto Library. 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.
If i created a new database with the option not to copy then re-added all my photos is there any way of retaining my book project
No. A book is only in a database file. There is no way to move a book from one library to another.
Am i turning into a obsessive compulsive who's stressing over nothing!
I'm not in a position to judge, but as I sadi above there is no upside to running a referenced library and plenty of downside.
(Am i correct in thinking that a referenced library wont save any metadata?)
No, it will.
Regards
TD