IPhoto problem - missing thumbnails/pictures

For some reason, suddntly my iPhoto said I was having troubles with my database and that is was going to be repaired. Unfortunately, I am now missing all the thumbnails to all my pics so I have to physically click on them to see each one.
Does anyone have any advice as to what to do to correct this?
Thanks

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. Include the option to rebuild the thumbnails. It can take 3 or 4 goes for this to work

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Missing thumbnail pictures

some of the tv shows and videos i have downloaded to my itouch have no thumbnail picture...how do i get them to have picture so my son can see what show he is choosing since he cant read

Stelelosa
In the initial confusion, I may have accessed the
iPhoto Library Folder
If you changed anything in the iPhoto Library Folder
then the only solution is to change it back. If you
cannot do this, then you'll need to start again with
a new library. You can import your existing
collection into this library, but you will lose any
albums, keywords etc.
To recreate the library: move the iPhoto Library
Folder to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a
new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library Folder on your desktop and
find there the Originals folder. From there drag the
individual rolls to the iPhoto Window and it will
recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the
iPhoto Library Folder on your desktop.
Regards
TD
TD.,
Thanks very much for the info. I think that cracked it.
Stelelosa

IPhoto folder missing in Pictures folder

Hi,
I just recently got a new macbook pro and I've migrated all my stuff from my old computer. However, I jave just needed to attach some photos to a mail and when I clicked on the Pictures folder in the Finder window, there was no iPhoto folder. There is another icon, its an iPhoto Library icon, but its the 'package' that once double clicked brings you into iphoto. How am I meant to access the contents of this 'package' icon within the finder window that pops up after you click the attachment button in mail? Is there a way round this or am I going to have to send photos via the email photo button in i
photo?

There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
*For Users of 10.5 and later*
You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Command-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
(Note the above illustration is not a Finder Window. It's the dialogue you get when you go File -> Open)
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and later* ...
Many internet sites such as Flickr and SmugMug have plug-ins for accessing the iPhoto Library. If the site you want to use doesn’t then some, one or any of these will also work:
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. However, if you're using Gmail you can use iPhoto2GMail
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.
*If you want to access the files with iPhoto not running*:
For users of 10.6 and later:
You can download a free Services component from MacOSXAutomation which will give you access to the iPhoto Library from your Services Menu. Using the Services Preference Pane you can even create a keyboard shortcut for it.
For Users of 10.4 and later:
Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser
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.
Regards
TD

Missing Thumbnails in iPhone Device Library in iPhoto

Hi guys,
How do i remove those stubborn missing thumbnails from my iPhone device in iPhoto?
I have new pictures in my iPhone camera roll that aren't reflected here in my iPhoto when i synced it with iTunes.
Do i need to clear any cache or something? if yes, how?
thanks in advance!
Attached is a screenshot of the problem;
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8184/screenshot20100225atam1.png

i have solved the issue.
Restart my mac and it's done
thanks!

Some photos in iphoto are missing and there are blank thumbnails which when i try to open them show an exclamation sign

some photos in iphoto are missing and there are blank thumbnails which when i try to open them show an exclamation sign

The exclamation make is an indication that iPhoto has broken the file path to the original photo.
Make a temporary, backup copy (if you don't already have a backup copy) of the library and apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Select the options identified in the screenshot.
Fix #2
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
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
In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
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 but not books, calendars or slideshows. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

Once I fix the thumbnail pictures in iPhoto, how do I make them stay fixed. Everytime I turn the computer back on iPhoto goes directly back to having 1 picture for all thumbnails.

I have been having problems with the thumbnail pictures in iPhoto. It will typically show 1 picture for all thumbnails. I have figured out how to repair the thumbnail pictures, but everytime the computer is shut down, the thumbnail pics revert back to 1 picture for all.

With the amount of information you've provided it's impossible to offer a potential solution. We can't see your computer so we need to know the details of your problem and setup, i.e.:
what version of iPhoto are you using?
what system version are you running?
how do you fix the thumbnailsd?
what other fixes have you tried?
where is your library located?
did you apply any updates or upgrades just prior to the problem occurring?
are you running a "managed" or "referenced" library?
what type of Mac?
how much free space on your boot drive?
OT

IPhoto destructively turned all pictures with faces into thumbnails

I just noticed a gigantic problem with my iPhoto library. Images taken with multiple 5MP+ cameras all were destructively converted in the iPhoto library. The pattern I detected is that every photo with a face detected in it by iPhoto had its original picture turned into a 0.3MP thumbnail and the original sized picture is lost. Even if I go into ~/Pictures/iPhoto\ Library/Masters have been reduced in size. Of all my pictures in the last ~10 years that I used iPhoto to solely manage, none that has a face in it has been spared.
What is going on? Why would Apple ever want to destructively modify original imports?

No - it has nothin to do with Aperture and iPhtoo sharing the same library
the next thing to do is
Connect the two Macs together (network, firewire target mode, etc) or use an external hard drive formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) 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.
It is very likely that you did not do this but that you imported the old liberary - NEVER import an iPhoto library into another iPhoto library - but even if you did it correctly something went wrong and you need to redo it
LN

I upload all of my photos from my iphone 5 onto my macbook air to get more space on my phone, and now whenver i try to upload it says there is no more storage or there was a problem transferring a picture. what can I do to get more space onto my iphoto?

i upload all of my photos from my iphone 5 onto my macbook air to get more space on my phone, and now whenver i try to upload it says there is no more storage or there was a problem transferring a picture. what can I do to get more space onto my iphoto? I've tried putting the pictures on flashdrives, but iphoto would no tlet me transfer.

I don't know how large the SSD (solid state hard drive) is, or how big your iPhone 5 is, but with some iPhones having 64GB and some Airs having as little as 64GB and some having as much as 512GB it's not hard to see how storing the contents of your iPhone 5 on your Macbook Air could run you out of space.
Go to the Macbook Air and bring up a finder window and pull the Go menu down and go to the Computer. Right click on the Macintosh HD and select get info. See if there is any available space on the MacBook Air. If not you are out of SSD space (you're storing more on your Macbook Air than it has storage for). I'm not sure if iTunes can store its library on an external hard drive or quite how you would make that happen. But even if you managed that, when the hard drive was disconnected, you would lose access to your library. Using a smart media card might be possible (I don't know) but it would probably be irritatingly slow. If you have a small Air and a big iPhone you might just have to find a different computer to sync to. Just remember a 64GB iPhone is a big chunk of SSD for a Macbook Air. I did it with my previous and my current Air but even my previous one had 256GB and I really just fit.

I have set up iPhoto 11 so that pictures will be edited in Photoshop elements 11. I selected the option to edit in another application. But when I select edit in iPhoto, elements opens but the photo does not open in elements. What is the problem?

I have set up iPhoto 11 so that pictures will be edited in Photoshop elements 11. I selected the option to edit in another application. But when I select edit in iPhoto, elements opens but the photo does not open in elements. I'm using a Macbook pro 15 inch with retina display with OS 10.8.4 What is the problem?

http://barbarabrundage.com/2011/10/05/adobe-hide-and-seek-setting-pse-10-as-exte rnal-editor/
It relates to Elements 10, but it's the same for 11.

Iphoto library missing and cannot recreate thumbnail

I cant find iphoto library under the picture folder and so I tried to recreate/repair thumbnails. However, alt+command during the launch of iphoto do not bring up any window for the recreate/repair function . A friend suggested that I reinstall iphoto, I check update and iphoto states that 9.4.3. is the latest (?). Not sure what I shd do now.... to reinstall means I will have to pay for the app? Cos I bought this Mac from someone...

Thanks Terence for your followup.
Actually I haven't loaded anything in before so it is blank.
I manage to create an iphoto library folder jus now and finally I am seeing the iphoto screen with a side bar.
I can see my device in the side bar and they detected that I hv 4106 photos..
but none of the pic is visible on thumbnails and the loading of the pic stopped and hanged at 147 of 4106 without anything visible in thumbnails at all. What shd I do now?

IPhoto images missing. All pictures were there, now they pop up momentarily then disappear. Any suggestions?

iPhoto images missing. All pictures were there, now they pop up momentarily. Any Suggestions?

This article recommends rebuilding the iPhoto Library but emphasizes having a backup first. Do you have one?
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2638
Also, repair permissions.

Why do i get different photos when i hover or click on a thumbnail picture in iPhoto?

When I hover or choose a thumbnail picture in iphoto I get a completely different photo from that album. Is something corrupted?

Try to rebuild your thumbnails.
What is your iPhoto version? Assuming it is iPhoto 9.5 hold down the key combination⌥⌘ , while double clicking the iPhoto icon to launch iPhoto in First Aid mode. Keep holding the keys down, until you are seeing the First Aid panel.
Select "Rebuild Thumbnails".
If rebuilding the thumbnails does not suffice, try the "Repair dtabase" option, and finally the Rebuild database. But make sure, your update of your iPhoto library is current and working, before you try a rebuild.
-- Léonie

Missing Thumbnail Fix, at least for me

I had an extremely frustrating issue with missing thumbnails (dotted blank boxes) with iPhoto 6 that migrated to iPhoto 8 with no relief. I tried all the thumbnail and library rebuilding, and permission repair issues to no avail.
In my case, the original images were fine - if I double clicked on an image, it would open fine in iPhoto - right-clicking to reveal the original in the Finder worked fine too. But for about 100 photos, no thumbnails.
I finally discovered that if I edited the image in some minor way, the thumbnail would rebuild. The easiest was to rotate the image (selecting multiple worked as well), and then undoing the rotation. I don't know what caused the issue to begin with, but this action fixed the issue in a way the built-in rebuilding option could not do.
Hope this helps.

Tom:
To help prevent loss like you experienced see the tip at the end of my signature.
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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

IPhoto just destroyed my pictures.

I feel sick.
My workflow:
Import pics from camera using Image Capture. Browse. Use iPhoto with "Copy Items to the iPhoto Library" unchecked just for red-eye correction, enhancement, etc, then export back to original folder so I can archive the corrected pics.
Has always worked until now: after editing, the originals are simply gone. iPhoto erased them, and all that is left are the 60k thumbnail versions in the data folder. I cannot believe the idiocy behind this application.
Yes, I know. I should have backed up first, then worked on a copy.
But still. Who the h--- would design a program that destroys the data it imports?
I am erasing all traces of this sub-amateur piece of s--- from my computer.

Rather like yourself, I‘ll accept the diagnosis of iPhoto Error once it is definitively shown. For that you’ll need to replicate the event, and provide step-by-step instructions for others to do so. If you can then you’ll have made a very useful addition to our knowledge of the application.
From your Workflow, the problem arises here:
So I'll import the photo or photos with red eyes in them, with, as I said before, the preference to copy the photos to the iPhoto library unchecked...Then, corrections and edits complete...
The pics were available for editing, which means the Originals were in place.
I export from iPhoto back to the Finder.
Thing is, the files that are missing here are the Modified version, not the Original files. You’re not exporting the Originals, you’re exporting the edited versions.
Once you’ve opened the files for editing, iPhoto never refers to them again. And even if it did, it could only refer to those ones that were imported. It simply does not know about the other files at all.
So, while iPhoto may have lost the *Edited Versions* how could it also have lost the Originals?
As you know when you edit in iPhoto (and this is regardless of whether you’re running a Referenced or Managed Library) the app +opens a copy+ of the Original file and saves the changes to the Modified version in the Modified Folder.
So, again, iPhoto does not touch the Original, does not move it, delete it, overwrite it. It copies the contents into RAM, that’s all. Iphoto carries out the edits as saves them back to the disk +in another file+ entirely.
So, there’s the area in your Workflow to focus your research on.
If I might, a comment on your Workflow. And again, I stress, I offer these comments for those who may read this post in a month’s or year’s time as much as for yourself.
I’m profoundly committed to the KISS principle - Keep it Simple, er, Stewart, or something !
The problem with complex workflows is that over time, with tiredness or distractions, it’s too easy to make a fatal error. Folks don’t make errors the first time they use the workflow. The error will happen the 58th time, or the 123rd time, or the time the baby cries or the dog barks or the doorbell goes, it’s late... whatever.
You’re using three apps: Image Capture to move the files from your camera, The Finder (or something else) to browse them and iPhoto to edit them, and they are crossing over each other to manage the files, or you’re trying to prevent them managing the files. In essence, they are each claiming the same data, or trying to. Thing is, iPhoto can do all three jobs seamlessly.
A more simple version of the workflow might run like this:
Import the Pics into iPhoto (with ‘Copy Files...’ checked.) Iphoto copies the pics into the Library. View, sort and edit as you require. Now you’ve fixed your red-eye, made whatever crops you need, made edits using Photoshop or whatever external editor.
Then Export from iPhoto: If you want the Original files, use the File -> Export command, Kind: Original... If you want the edited versions plus the untouched Originals... then Kind: Current will get those. If you want both then you’re probably best just using iPhoto
Now you have your pics in the Finder, store them as you will.
Then, trash the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder. The whole thing, as a single unit. Just drag the Library to the trash and empty it. Next time you open iPhoto it’s like using it for the first time.
This way you have a single application all the way through the process until you go to store the files.
That and a dollar may buy you a cup of coffee some places.
Regards
TD

I would like to use iPhoto to see existing Picture folder without importing

The following is a question for Aperture, as well.
I have a huge Picture file (90G), and I do not want iPhoto to import that Picture folder thereby making a duplicate. I only want one Picture file, the existing system folder called Pictures. And I want iPhoto to "reference" those files. I have seen references to setting up iPhoto (and Aperture) to use photos in outside libraries. I have seen them called "referenced"
But I can't find a specific instruction on how to set up iPhoto to do this. And I think it is crazy to have an iPhoto library of 90G, and an aperture library of 90g (already made that mistake, want to get rid of it), because that would give me three sets pf photos, with Pictures, and iPhoto and Aperture Libraries within Pictures (that's where the Aperture library is now). And the iPhoto library is there too, but is now empty. I do not want it to be filled. The User guide says Aperture (and by inference, iPhoto) can "link" to outside photos and create "referenced" libraries.
That is what I want to do, because I do not want my files within iPhoto and Aperture, because they are too hard to handle for other purposes, like using Preview for a quick look, or using Photoshop for editing. Not to mention the waste of disk space created by 2 libraries and the Pictures folder. And the confusion over time about which Photo is the real one.
Surely there is a better way, a way to have iPhoto (and Aperture) use the existing Picture folder in OSX (Snow Leopard).
Can anyone help me here?
Just tell me there is a way to do this, please.
Hope someone can help.

Your question is based on a false premise. It makes no sense to use iPhoto, Aperture and the Finder to manage the photos. The Finder isn't a photo manager. It's a file manager. If you can't grasp that distinction then you stick with the Finder. Both iPhoto and Aperture (and Lightroom, and Picasa) are Photo Managers. The entire point of these apps is to manage the photos without recourse to the files.
If you use a Photo Manager then you don't use the Finder's Quicklook, you use the application's viewing and sharing features.
Think of it this way: would you write your novel in Word, Pages, TextEdit and Nisus Writer at the same time? And also expect to be able to read it without launching your Word Processor?
So, yes, this is crazy:
And I think it is crazy to have an iPhoto library of 90G, and an aperture library of 90g (already made that mistake, want to get rid of it), because that would give me three sets pf photos, with Pictures, and iPhoto and Aperture Libraries within Pictures (that's where the Aperture library is now).
Because you would not use all three options. iPhoto and Aperture do essentially the same job. If you've purchased Aperture then that's the one to use. It's the more powerful application.
But regardless of which you choose, when you do you give up looking at the files in the Finder, you use the Photo Manager.
, because I do not want my files within iPhoto and Aperture, because they are too hard to handle for other purposes, like using Preview for a quick look, or using Photoshop for editing.
Both apps provide integration with Photoshop. Using Photoshop via the Finder and not via the app will cause you problems.
None of these apps are like Photoshop. Photoshop is a layer based pixel editor. These other apps are Digital Asset Managers. It's not the same thing. Photoshop has no management capability at all.
And the confusion over time about which Photo is the real one.
Now you need to do some reading on Photo Managers. All of them use a Non-Destructive workflow. All of them preserve your original photos, The concept of the "real one" makes no sense when you have many possible versions based on a single master file.
You've not grasped the key distinctions in managing digital photos. You're confusing photos with files, confusing the file manager with a photo manager and have given no consideration to Digital Asset Management. I would consider these issues before going any further.
FWIW: using a referenced Library with iPhoto:
*How to do it:*
Simply go to iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> Advanced and uncheck 'Copy Files to the iPhoto Library on Import'.
*What Happens:*
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.
*Some things to consider:*
1. Importing and deleting pics are more complex procedures. You have to to put the files where they will be stored before importing them. When you delete them you'll need to remove the files from the HD yourself.
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.
4. Because iPhoto has no tools for managing Referenced Files, if, for some reason, the path to the photos changes then you could find yourself resolving aliases for +each photo in the Library+ one by one.
My own opinion:
I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organiser
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 Users of 10.5 and later*
You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Command-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and later* ...
Many internet sites such as Flickr and SmugMug have plug-ins for accessing the iPhoto Library. If the site you want to use doesn’t then some, one or any of these will also work:
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. However, if you're using Gmail you can use iPhoto2GMail
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.
*If you want to access the files with iPhoto not running*:
For users of 10.6 and later:
You can download a free Services component from MacOSXAutomation which will give you access to the iPhoto Library from your Services Menu. Using the Services Preference Pane you can even create a keyboard shortcut for it.
For Users of 10.4 and later:
Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser
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.
Using iPhoto with Photoshop:
You can set Photoshop (or any image editor) as an external editor in iPhoto. (Preferences -> General -> Edit Photo: Choose from the Drop Down Menu.) This way, when you double click a pic to edit in iPhoto it will open automatically in Photoshop or your Image Editor, and when you save it it's sent back to iPhoto automatically. This is the only way that edits made in another application will be displayed in iPhoto.
Note that iPhoto sends a copy+ of the file to Photoshop, so when you save be sure to use the Save command, not Save As... If you use Save As then you're creating a new file and iPhoto has no way of knowing about this new file. iPhoto is preserving your original anyway.
Regards
TD

IPhoto problem - missing thumbnails/pictures

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