IPhoto Library-only blank thumbnails??

Hopefully there is an easy solution to my problem. I wanted to create another (additional) Library. In the Help section, it told me to RENAME my current iPhoto library in the finder. I opened Pictures and renamed the folder.
Obviously that was my mistake, resulting in the "missing Library Images" When I now open iPhoto I get only blank thumbnails with titles.
Hope someone can guide me. Have approx 3500 images I would not want to lose.

When you launch iPhoto the library you last used will open. To switch, Option-launch and choose the other library. Same thing to switch back. There's no way to specify one or the other as the default, but you could remember to choose your preferred library when you finish working, so that it will open the next time you launch.
If you want to be able to transfer photos from one library to the other while preserving albums, keywords, etc. then look at iPhoto Library Manager. It is the only way to move items among separate libraries while preserving metadata. It adds the further convenience of enabling you to switch libraries quickly. I haven't used it personally, but it is highly regarded by other members of this forum. It could be just what you need.

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In my iPhoto library, only some images appear as thumbnails. The rest are blank but appear briefly when scrolling through or properly when double clicked. Any ideas?

In my iPhoto library, only some images appear as thumbnails. The rest are blank but appear briefly when scrolling through or properly when double clicked. Any ideas?

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

Can iPhoto (or iPhoto Library Manager) identify thumbnails that no longer connect to a full image. I can restore these from Time Machine (I've done so for 3 images) but don't fancy manually clcicking on every photo in my library to find which need restore

I have been preparing photos for export and found some have a thumbnail but no image, only the exclamation mark upon selection. I have restored three 'broken' thumbnails via Time Machine. I want to indentify all the broken thumbnails so I can choose which to restore and also find them quickly in Time Machine. The only way I currently know is to select each thumbnail, individually, and see if it brings up the exclamation mark 'image'. Is there a way to find only the 'broken' thumbnails?
Thanks

I went to TM and "Browse Other Backup Disks", selected the USB drive used for TM, browsed for the most recent backup and, one by one, copied each of the folders within /Users/NAME in the TM backup to /Users/NAME on the freshly installed MBP hard drive. The folders I'm referring to are Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures, Public. I overwrote the existing (empty) folders.
That's not how you restore. Might work for other material (pure fluke that,) but iPhoto is a database and the back up is stored in increments. Time Machine needs to reassemble it from the increments.
Enter the Time Machine interface, go to the Pictures Folder. Locate the iPhoto Library you want to restore and click restore.
Regards
TD

Somehow my pictures in the iPhoto library are blanked out

I have just been updated my Mac and the iphoto to 11 v. 9.2. I have switched to iCloud and is now using photostream. I had a lot of pics I started streaming and during I was editing the pics. from our vaction. Suddenly I'm told that the iPhoto library has an error and needs to be updated. I let the MAC do so, and then suddenly all my pictures in my iPhoto are blanked out. At this time all my 1000 pics are still not all streamed, but iPhoto it is still streaming though I can't see any pictures in the photolibrary??? I can only see empty squares where the pics were supposed to be. I then check my iPhone and I see that pictures at still streamed from iPhoto. Then I search for my pics in "Finder" and it seems they are still there however I would like to get them back in the same order as before?? Also I made a half made photobook, but the pictures in the book are also blanked out? Can anyone 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

Iphoto Pics Show Blank thumbnails with "!" in the shadow

My library file has pics in it and shows data taking up space but when I open IPhoto, all my thumbnails are blank. when i click on the pics, a shadowbox with an exclamation point shows up. The file was ok until I copied the entire library file to an external to transfer to a new system. All i am trying to do is pull one library to a new desktop. The original library file was nowhere to be found including in the pics however it did have content when i opened iphoto application. I went to an application of iphoto manager and it found and pulled the file but after that, all my images show up as blank.
Bunce

That happens when iPhoto loses the file path to the original photos.Try the three fixes below 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.≤br>
Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Iphoto 11 only shows thumbnails not photos

I cant see the actual photo unless I am switching between them. If i stop and move the photo to the side a little it shows. But if i let go it goes to a black screen. I have tried everything such as rebuilding and rebuilding in photo library manager etc etc. The thumbnails show up fine in anysize.

Apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Since only one option can be run at a time start with Option #3, followed by #4 and then #1 as needed.
Fix #2
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 Home/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: 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. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

How does an "iPhoto Library Copy" folder get created? It has an icon that looks like a stack of photos with a pink flower. It contains all my photo's (as far as I can tell) and the original "iPhoto Library" only contains "AlbumData.xml?

I upgraded to Lion last month AFTER wiping the hard drive for the second time on my 2011 macbook pro. I am now suspecting that transferring my photos (I have over 8,000 saved on sd cards) to my computer is bringing all this trouble.
I was able to rectify some problems by dragging import file from library to desktop etc... But I am worried that these Copied Libraries and recovered photo files and AlbumData.xml file are a sign of something darker loomng ahead...

Sorry but we have no idea what's going on, or gone on, on your machine. Neither can we see it. We only have your somewhat sketchy post. You mention that you can rectify "some problems", you mention "all this trouble" but neglect to mention what these problems and trouble actually are. So, I'm afraid it's hard to respond to your post in a meaningful way.
A couple of thoughts: 8,000 photos is not a problem. iPhoto is good for 250,000 in any one library. So, unless you have very limited HD disk space, this is not the source of whatever issues you are having.
If you're dragging parts of the iPhoto Library around the place, yes there could be trouble ahead. Don't change anything in the iPhoto Library Folder via the Finder or any other application. iPhoto depends on the structure as well as the contents of this folder. Moving things, renaming things, deleting them or otherwise making changes will prevent iPhoto from working and could even cause you to damage or lose your photos.
There are two ways to get a copied library: one is to duplicate the Library yourself (either accidentally or deliberately) or while restoring from back up.
Regards
TD

Why does my iPhoto library keep losing thumbnails?

I own an external Hard Drive containing my photographs and in the past 2 weeks, my iPhoto thinks it's a good idea to lose all of my thumbnails for my photographs.
When it tries to rebuild itself, nothing happens and remains the same and when I do it myself it's the same thing with no result. Had to create a new library but lost all of my photographs and when I redirected to my original library all photo's appeared!
Thought it was my hard drive but it seems to be working fine as my music library is on there too and seems to be working fine?
Is this an issue synonymous with iPhoto and has anyone experienced this. As a freelance photographer, this is rather annoying!
Thanks for reading,
Stevie.

Thanks for the info guys.
The Format is Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
Just to let you know, my iPhoto Library did the same thing again where all thumbnails were missing. When I select an album to view, the pictures appears as cut outs similar to when first importing.
To resolve this I had to select another Library I had setup then re-select my original library where all of my photographs appeared.
Really not liking this system as I'm worried it may cost me money in losing the work of my clients. Appreciate your words of wisdom and advice; one and all.

Importing from an iPhoto library only half appear in the application but half are left in the library,how to move on?

when I import from an upgraded iPhoto library half the photos appear in the application but half are left in the library. How do I get my iPhoto to show all the photos?

Thank you this. It is the version that came with Yesomite which asked me to upgrade the file from an earlier version of iPhoto 6. This did and it it rebuilt the Library. when I came look at the photo on the latest iPhoto only half go them appeared. I was opening the library that comes from the choice when you hold down command and option keys at the applecation start up. The other photographs were in the updated library but did not appear on the screen in the application window. They are present in the library but not showing in the application. IS that I have not given the time for them to load? This seem unlikely however. Thanks again

Shared iPhoto library not showing thumbnails

I have tried to start sharing my photos across my network at home. Although the shared items show up on the remote computer, no thumbnails (empty box) or names appear. All is fine on the base computer. The photos themselves are viewable when double clicked on the remote computer.

That's an indication that you need to rebuild that library's thumbnails. That's because when you enlarge the thumbnail at some point iPhoto starts using the Original file. So backup the library and launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed to rebuild the library. Select All options.
Click to view full size
NOTE: You can try just rebuilding the small thumbnails first and see if that will do the job. If not then rebuild all thumbnails.
OT

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.

Noob question iphoto library

Hi,
I am a first time apple user (windows before) and starting to use iPhoto 09. All my pictures reside on a network share (RAID 5) hosted on a windows server. I put them there for the obvious reasons (its a raid 5 drive, ample storage and accssible by all computers on my network).
I want to add these photos to my library. My questions what happens if I do this. Will iphoto copy the pictures over to my mac (meaning i will have 2 copies of them) or will the library only hold a link to the photo meaning that the iphoto library only contains some metadata.
Futhermore if I retouche the photo's in iPhoto will the orginal be changed or does iPhoto keep these changes in the library (like picasa from google)
Finally if I add the network share to the library and a windows machine adds fotos to it will Iphoto automatically detect the changes and add the new pictures to its library ?
I hope someone can answer my question or point me to a location where I can find the answers
Many thanks

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
My questions what happens if I do this. Will iphoto copy the pictures over to my mac (meaning i will have 2 copies of them) or will the library only hold a link to the photo meaning that the iphoto library only contains some metadata.
By default the files will be copied to the Library on the Mac. You can change this, but please note the implications of this:
Simply go to iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> Advanced and uncheck 'Copy Files to the iPhoto Library on Import'.
Now iPhoto will not copy the files, but rather simply reference them on your HD. To do this it will create an alias in the Originals Folder that points to your file. It will still create a thumbnail and, if you modify the pics, a Modified version within the iPhoto Library Folder.
However, you need to be aware of a number of potential pitfalls using this system.
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 on systems prior to 10.5 and iPhoto 08. Even with the later versions issues can still arise if you move the referenced files to new volumes or between volumes.
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.
Futhermore if I retouche the photo's in iPhoto will the orginal be changed or does iPhoto keep these changes in the library (like picasa from google)
If you modify the pics via iPhoto or an external editor then the modified version of the file is stroed in the Library. There is +no way+ to edit the original file with iPhoto.
Finally if I add the network share to the library and a windows machine adds fotos to it will Iphoto automatically detect the changes and add the new pictures to its library ?
No.
You can set a app such as Hazel to watch a folder for you. Other than that you’ll need to add the pics to iPhoto (File -> Add to Library) yourself.
A general comment on your set up: iPhoto is best suited to managing photos that it controls (i.e. Are stored in the Library, in the default mode.) iPhoto has no cross platform capability whatever. It;s intended as a Mom and Pop photo organiser. You might be best to consider another app.
Regards
TD

Blank thumbnails, no photos

I don't know if Spyder Pro Calibration Software did anything to my computer but after an error with Spyder installing, I tried to get into LR to upload some photos. In Library I see catalog with number of photos but only blank thumbnails in view screen. If I click on one of them, nothing happens. I tried to access photos from computer LR backup folder, date shows of backups but they are blank.
Any idea on how to get my photos back?

If your photos are truly gone, it's unlikely that your Spyder calibration deleted 100s or 1000s of files. If you mean you just can't see them in LR, but they are actually on your HD--right-click Show in Explorer, then sure, redo your monitor profile, or switch back to the previous profile named something like sRGB.

Iphoto library won't burn to DVD

I'm having problems burning my library to DVD. I'm using a iomega external DVD+/- burner. When I select the pictures i want to burn from the iphoto window, i get this error..."NO DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR BURNING". I tried burning a DVD with another application and it worked fine so I'm assuming it's between iphoto and the burner. I have the latest patch burn installed as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is the only way I can get my library on DVD with all the photo information and film rolls intact.
Thanks.

Share ==> burn creates a mini iPhoto library only usable by iPhoto and includes multiple versions of each Photo so the disk requirements several times the sie of just the selected photos
the answer is to select all the photos in the album, export them (fil menu ==> export - see the user tip on exporting for details of the export options) to a desktop folder and use the finder to burn that folder to disk
LN

Accessing photos in iPhoto Library without importing the whole library?

I watched the Aperture video tutorials and thought I saw how to access photos to manipulate from the iPhoto Library without importing the library, but now I can't find the reference!
Ideally I don't want to import the whole iPhoto library as it is rather large.
I simply would like to open photos from it to work on.
However, when I try to import files and navigate to my Pictures folder there is no sign of the iPhoto Library, only an empty file called "iPhoto Library Recovered Photos".
Note that I can access photos in other folders but I can't even see my iPhoto library, let alone open photos from it.
Message was edited by: Ian R. Brown

GOT IT AT LAST !
Browse through iPhoto Library as above and drag chosen photo(s) into the project in the Inspector.
The photo can then be adjusted and finally saved by selecting File>Export>Version etc.

IPhoto Library-only blank thumbnails??

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