Navigate to files in iPhoto Library

New to mac!
I am used to organizational software organizing photos, but still being able to navigate to the files through windows explorer (now Finder). The way iPhoto is set up, I can't open a file that is in the iPhoto library from anything except iPhoto. I want iPhoto to catalog my photos, but still be able to open the files from other applications (e.g., Adobe Photoshop Elements, email, etc.). Can I use iPhoto to catalog pics while maintaining access to the pics from other applications??
Thx

Yes. There are numerous ways to access the files for use outside of iPhoto. See Terence Devlin's treatise on file access.

Similar Messages

How do you locate the file where iPhoto library is kept? I moved iPhoto library from hard drive to external dedicated photo drive.

I am trying to restore some elements of my iPhoto library using time machine.
Apple instructions call for locating the file where iPhoto library is kept, and tells you where it is on your hard drive. But I've recently moved my iPhoto library to a dedicated external hard drive, and copied my i photo library there. when i click on it, all the photos are there, but it's an iPhoto library, not a file.
When I go into time machine and click on the date i would like to enter, most of my apps have a circle with a line through it, unaccessible. So: a related question, how would i retrieve a photo file from time machine's previous backup? thank you.

Thank you!
I am trying to retrieve photo uploads from my Android phone. When I last updated my OS, most of these vaporized, leaving only thumbnails. I have had two lengthy sessions with Apple phone support, but still haven't solved the problem.
Apparently I can't go back to July '14 iPhoto in time machine and browse files; i have to copy the entire library.
Which I just did, taking 2 hours.
In order to open the iPhoto library from July '14, I had to first update iPhoto.
When I went into the files, the same problem existed -- photo files gone, only thumbnails there. So now I'm thinking that it's the update that was the problem. This scares me to death, because when we're asked to update, we don't get a menu of preferences to make sure something has been unchecked, like the copy option i had enabled when opening photo files from my phone, which i store in a dropbox folder.
No one at Apple could tell me why this happened, so I have no idea how to prevent it from happening in the future.
That's why I'm trying to create better backups...but i can't figure out deja vu, because it won't open and sync the iPhoto library folder -- it wants me to find the file, and i don't know where it is on the external dedicated photo drive.
I realize this is about six issues, not one. But I'm really appreciative of any help i can get!

Can't import .jpg files from iPhoto Library

What is the meaning of the error message I invariably get when attempting to import a photo file? It goes like this:
"The file could not be imported: The file “Macintosh HD/Users/alex/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2006/20060415 To Aigina with grandad and grandma/DSC04837.JPG” can’t be imported; QuickTime couldn’t parse it: -2048"
Many thanks, people.

One more thing: I went into iPhoto's preferences, in Advanced, and checked the first option (Importing: Copy files to iPhoto Library folder when adding to library). I then added one photo to the library.
Then, from iMovie, I selected that newly added photo and bam! it was in! So, I guess, iMovie can't handle correctly iPhoto Library photos if they have not been copied into the iPhoto Library folder structure, correct? Is that what the expected behavior of iMovie HD should be? or a bug to be addressed in future upgrades?
Many thanks, as always.

Importing WITHOUT 'Copy Files to Iphoto Library Folder'

Hi -
All right - I completely understand the significance of this command. Love that I can use iPhoto simply as a browser to run through all my pictures; however, if I choose not to Copy the Files on to iPhoto, how do I manually put the pictures somewhere else? Right now my iPhoto automatically pops open when I plug in my Canon. I looked in Preferences and didn't notice anything there.
Ultimate goal would be to manually get the pictures into my Documents folder and then import to Iphoto.
Thanks!
Grace

Grace
If you think
I can use iPhoto simply as a browser to run through all my pictures
then you don’t
completely understand the significance of this command
iPhoto is not an image viewer. There are many image viewers for the Mac. Search on MacUpdate. The great thing about these is that they simply show you the contents of a folder of images.
That’s not iPhoto. It’s a database. Images still have to be imported to it, they will still be indexed and - more importantly - once imported you get a lot of disadvantages and few advantages of iPhoto.
If you want to move your pics from the Camera to your own folders: use Image Capture. It’s in your Applications Folder.
Some comments on running a Referenced Library:
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.
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 Only*
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!
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and 10.5* ...
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*:
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.
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.
Regards
TD

Why is there a "modified" and an "Original" file in iPhoto Library?

I ran out of space on a 100 Gig drive today.. My iphoto library shows 23.9 gb on the bottom left hand side of the iphoto screen.. But when I look at the drive I find the "modified" file is 23.9 gig and the "original" file is 78 gigs.
Anyone know if I need both of those files?
Thanks. Gil

Gil
Yes you most certainly need both of those.
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 or otherwise making changes will prevent iPhoto from working and could even cause you to damage or lose your photos.
iPhoto always preserves your Original file. When you edit, export or whatever, the app uses a copy for these actions. In doing this it’s working to the best principles of Digital Asset Management. So, in your Modified folder are the edited versions of the pics. This is why you can use the Photos -> Revert to Original command. It’s also the basis of the Non-Destructive editing feature.
If you don’t want this way of working then, simply, don’t use iPhoto. You simply cannot stop it doing this.
If disk space is an issue you can run your Library from an external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library 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.
Regards
TD

How to Clear Iphoto and Rebuild from another file, not Iphoto Library?

I have over 7000 images. Some of the Iphoto thumbnails are from my desktop file and some from the DATA file copied into Iphoto. I want to rebuild my thumbnails using all of the pictures on my desk top, not copying them/duplicating into Iphoto. The reason I want to rebuild Iphoto is years ago while copying and moving pictures on another PC the picture data was deleted and the date data of the pics was lost. If I load the images, Iphoto mixes the images up. I have organized all the pics on my desktop into folders by month and year. When I tried to rebuild, old photos show up again so I deleted the original Data (photos) in Iphoto and after rebuilding they reappeared with many images just black boxes. I was expecting a blank page so I could start to build the thumbnails from my desktop folders.
How do I get a blank screen/no images in Iphoto? Select all the images and drag to trash? To be safe I have all my pictures saved on 2 ext hard drives. Also can a select a group (i.e. by month) and change all the date info at one time?
If you can help...THANKS

BgMc
It’s difficult to advise you because you’re using non-standard terms. I’m worried that if I misunderstood something that I might give you a bum steer.
Some general principles: Don’t “clear iPhoto”. Instead make a new Library: Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'.
When you have this new Library working you can delete the old one.
In general, if you have a Folder of images and you drag them to the Source (or left-hand) Pane in iPhoto the pics will be imported and a new Album and Roll will be created. This may help.
Some of the Iphoto thumbnails are from my desktop file and some from the DATA file copied into Iphoto.
I have no idea why you would want thumbnails. Surely you want the full sized files? What’s a desktop file? Do you mean Desktop Folder?, also what’s a DATA file?
I want to rebuild my thumbnails using all of the pictures on my desk top, not copying them/duplicating into Iphoto.
This makes no sense to me. Why are you rebuilding thumbnails? And if you don’t want to use iPhoto then why are you posting here?
so I deleted the original Data (photos) in Iphoto and after rebuilding they reappeared with many images just black boxes
Here’s a really good general principle:
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 or otherwise making changes will prevent iPhoto from working and could even cause you to damage or lose your photos.
Regards
TD

Import jpeg files into iPhoto library - closes iPhoto

I scanned some images and saved them as jpeg. They will open and display fine using various applications. When I try to use File > Import from iPhoto 6, iPhoto closes without importing the file. When I reopen iPhoto, a message tells me that an image file in the library failed to import and I'm prompted to import it. Why I say yes, it again closes without importing.
I've tried this with numerous files, always with the same result. And this also occurs if I use the drag & drop method, rather than using the imprt function.
Any suggestions? I'm running OS X 10.3.9
Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Your suggestion led me to the solution, I think. Thank you.
The original scans were VERY large (about 4 MB each) and were stored in .JP2 format (a .JPEG format updated in 2000 to reduce lossiness.) They "choked" iPhoto.
I re-saved them in uncompressed .TIF format and also saved resized versions of under 1 MB each.
Result: As .TIF files, iPhoto accepted both the large (as big as 6.2 MB) and the smaller (1 MB) files.
Theory: The problem was with the .JP2 and resaved .JPG files. I think that iPhoto won't deal with .JP2 formatted images, even if they have been resaved as regular .JPGs.

How to merge RAW files into iPhoto Library?

Hi,
I have several (Aperture-) modified photos in iPhoto. When I click on any one of those photos in iPhoto (9.5.1) and then click on File -> Reveal in Finder -> Modified File – it reveals the location of a jpg-file inside my iPhoto Library. So far, so good.
However, when I choose File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original File it takes me to an external folder (located in my Home Picture library) and reveals the original RAW-file. I don't know why they are in a folder outside the iPhoto library but I suppose it has something to do with me editing them outside of iPhoto. And this is not a library but just a regular folder containing RAW-files.
How can I merge all my RAW-files so that they are, neat and tidy, all inside my iPhoto library?

However, when I choose File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original File it takes me to an external folder (located in my Home Picture library) and reveals the original RAW-file.
You can use Aperture to move the raw originals back into the iPhoto/Aperture library, if your iPhoto and Aperture versions are still compatible.
Open your library in Aperture and select all photos with raw originals in the Browser and use the command "File > Consolidate Originals".
You will be prompted, if you want to move the files or to copy them. Select "Move files".
The reason they originals are outside the library is probably caused by the way you imported them. Check your import settings in Aperture.
In the Import panel the option "Store files" should be set to "In the Aperture Library".
And in iPhoto the "Advanced" preference for importing should be "Copy items to the iPhoto Library"
Regards
Léonie

How to merge external RAW-files with iPhoto library?

Hi,
I have several (Aperture-) modified photos in iPhoto. When I click on any one of those photos in iPhoto (9.5.1) and then click on File -> Reveal in Finder -> Modified File – it reveals the location of a jpg-file inside my iPhoto Library. So far, so good.
However, when I choose File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original File it takes me to an external folder (located in my Home Picture library) and reveals the original RAW-file. I don't know why they are in a folder outside the iPhoto library but I suppose it has something to do with me editing them outside of iPhoto. And this is not a library but just a regular folder containing RAW-files.
How can I merge all my RAW-files so that they are, neat and tidy, all inside my iPhoto library?

I am glad you found the answer useful
What probably happened, was that you imported your original files as referenced. This feature is not recommended in iPhoto, since iPhoto does not support it well - or not at all. I did not want to point that out in the iPhoto forum. In Aperture it is very useful, however, if your library is so large, that it will not fit on one drive. Then you can store the originals on a different drive. Aperture handles referenced images very well.
For some background reading you may want to have a look at this manual page, just in case you may want to use this feature one day:
Aperture 3 User Manual: Working with Referenced Images
-- Léonie

How to copy referenced files into iPhoto library

I have a mixture of referenced files and copies in my iPhoto library. I changed now the preferences to always copy files when importing new photos. But, how can I copy the old referenced photos into my library (they are all over the place)? Is there anything like "Copy all files to the library"?

csmun
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
But, how can I copy the old referenced photos into my library (they are all over the place)? Is there anything like "Copy all files to the library"?
I'm afraid there isn't - you'll need to do it the hard way I'm afraid.
What might help is to go into the Library/Originals folder and examine the aliases there. Right click on an alias and select 'Show Original' A finder window will pop open with the Original File. Then replace the alias with the original.
Regards
TD

How to repair a damaged jpg file in iphoto Library

I hace some damaged jpegs in my iphoto Library which i want to repair. I've used stellar software but no results.
does anyone know a really good tool to repair jpegs?

civil engineering wrote:
You 're wright, i didn't provide you details how the matter occurred and what kind of damage there is.
So i give you the link of another discussion i've opened to look at.
Mac Pro 3.1 os 10.8.5
iphoto 11 problem with showing up some photos
In your other post, you indicated that
"The whole matter occurred after disk defragmentation with Tech Tools pro 7 or Drive Genius 3, I don't remember which of them i used to the disk that iLibrary exists … Also disk warrior reports that "Detected that the resource header is damaged and cannot be repaired!" "
The jpeg repair tool you were using can sometimes recover a photo file if several pixels are missing. Typically the photo is recovered with some black portions corresponding to those missing pixels, probably not optimal but better than nothing.
Unfortunately, your mention of "defragmentation" in connection with the corrupted files is alarming to me. Files on a computer are not stored in one single place, they are typically stored in pieces all over the physical disk. The file catalog provides a map that the computer uses to put these pieces back together when you, say, view a photo. Defragmentation is almost never required for a modern Mac, and if one exercises a defragmentation tool on a system that has a few small directory or catalog problems (caused maybe by a computer freeze or a forced restart), those can become magnified as all the myriad file pieces are moved around ("defragmentation" tries to unify as many of those pieces as possible by physically moving them around on the disk). Which is why making an archive backup is always necessary before defragmentation -- but disk defragmentation is not needed anymore with modern operating systems, I wonder why you would use such a tool as the benefits are small or nonexistent but the potential to greatly magnify a small issue into a big problem is significant.
Well, that's history now, but you can perhaps try a few of the other jpeg fixing tools that are commercially available. Also, try opening the problem jpegs with some other programs, such as Adobe Photoshop or other software. I fear that your corrupted jpegs are really a symptom of more systemic directory or disk problems. I would (a) back up everything securely [two backups is extra safe], and then (b) run your Apple hardware test suite to test your hardware as a failing hard disk and/or memory can lead to such unfixable file corruption, and if (b) shows everything is ok, then (c) run Disk Warrior to try to detect and repair whatever directory corruption exists. The jpegs may not be fixable, they may be missing essential file components, sort of like losing the first 20 pages and last 20 pages of a 200 page novel plus getting the chapters out of order and losing the chapter numbers, you might never be able to figure out the story in the novel if those pages cannot be found and the right chapter order cannot be determined.

How to distinguish separate files from files in iPhoto Library file

Hi,
In my iPhoto library I have a mix of pictures which were copied into the library and ones where I retained the original picture file and made a library entry to it.
I want to export those pictures which were contained in the library. I don't need to export the pictures where I retained the original.
What is the clever way of identifying the pictures stored in the iPhoto library and exporting just those?
Thanks
Mike

Afraid not.

Elements 10 Editor error on File / Open iPhoto Library folder

We have Installed PSE 10 and properly associated iPhoto to use PSE Editor. When we open iPhoto, we can click a photo, click on Edit.. and the photo appears for editing within the PSE Editor. This part is GOOD.
Our problem is that we don't use iPhoto, and would prefer to open the Editor directly, click on FILE / OPEN... go to our iPhoto library, double click.. and select photos from that pathway. Instead, the iPhoto folder does NOT open.. and we get the error:
"Could not complete your request because of a program error."
We have reinstalled PSE twice, and the same problem occurs.
Are we doing something wrong, or does PSE Editor NOT work to open the iPhoto folder?
Thank you for your help!

When you have imported you images into iPhoto, they are placed in your Library. The library is a special type of folder, similar to a ZIP or other compressed format. Photoshop Elements is unable to open this compressed directory, which is why you get the error. Basically, you need to get your images out of iPhoto and into a normal folder. You can do this by pulling your iPhoto library into the Organizer (File > Get Photos and Vidoes > From iPhoto).

Accessing my picture files in iPhoto library on Time Machine

Ordinarily when I need to access my photo files in the iPhoto library I control click to get the menu where I can go to "show package contents." Once inside that I can get access to the files.
However, when on Time Machine and I try to control click on the iPhoto library nothing happens.
Anyone know how I get access to the photo files.
It seems to defeat the purpose of Time Machine if I can't access old files.
Thanks in advance.
Russell

Ordinarily when I need to access my photo files in the iPhoto library I control click to get the menu where I can go to "show package contents." Once inside that I can get access to the files.
Why one earth would you risk corrupting your library doing that when any of the following will work:
There are three ways (at least) to get files from the iPhoto Window.
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.
To upload to MySpace or any 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
Also, for 10.5 users: If you use the extended Open or Attach dialogue (with Column View) you can scroll to the bottom of the Shortcuts and find the Media browser there. Select any pic you want from there.
Regards
TD

Ghost files in iPhoto Library waiting for import holding up program

I have a new iMac (not sure which OS operating system). iPhoto came with it. I downloaded some photos. It seems that it got caught up on the RAW files. Eventually those were downloaded too. But now every time I open iPhoto I get a message say "X# of photos have been found in the iPhoto Library that were not imported." But they had been imported. And if I say Import, then it gets hung up trying to import and nothing imports anyway. I then have to do a forced close.
Then the next time the message comes up, the number has gone up; it's now 5000+ photos allegedly waiting, when I just started off with a couple hundred. I've deleted everything in iPhoto. I still have the photos on my camera CF chips so they're safe.
Can I re-install iPhoto or kill the waiting area where all these alleged photos are waiting in some sort of image library purgatory?!

BARW:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. Since you still have the files on the memory card, delete the entire iPhoto Library folder from your Pictures folder. Launch iPhoto and, when asked, opt to create a new library. Launch Image Capture and connect your camera. Use IE to upload your files to a folder on the Desktop and then disconnect the camera. Now try to import that folder into iPhoto.
Does the folder contain just RAW files or RAW and JPGs?
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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
MBP 2.16Ghz; G5 Dual Core 2GHz, 2G RAM ea, 250G HD; G4 Dual 1Ghz, 1.5G RAM; Mac OS X (10.4.9) 22" LCD, 710G FW HDs, Canon: SD700IS/i850/LIDE 50, Epson R200, 30G iPod, 2G Nano

Navigate to files in iPhoto Library

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