Original in iPhoto library or referenced?

When I created a new library yesterday I inadvertently set iPhoto to import from my folders (referenced library) Later I switched the option (I thought I was working on another library). Now I have to figure out which photos are referenced, since I want to delete them and bring them in again into the iPhoto library. How do I know whether the original is in the iPhoto library or referenced?

Well, I could do that. But the reason I am doing this exercise is that I am preparing to merge my 3 main libraries, all rebuilt and recovered from a crashed hard drive. I created a couple of test libraries, just to see how iPhoto Library Manager handled the files when I merged them, and that's when I discovered that that some identical photos came in twice, and into different events. I am pretty sure this will happen again when I do the big merger, and if so, I will need to know how to fix it, and creating a new library will not be an option for I will loose all my albums, etc. Since I checked the "do not import duplicates" I am assuming that iPhoto believes that they are different files because they come from different locations, i.e. iPhoto library or referenced library? Or what other reason could there be for the duplicate files not being caught?

Similar Messages

Can i use an old iPhoto library for referenced images?

I upgraded to Mavericks today (from Snow Leopard) and want to find a way to continue to view + edit images from my old iPhoto library.
My version of iPhoto is 8.1.2, and is 390GB. I have also been using Aperture for some time, and now have 3.5.1. The Aperture library is 71GB of Managed Images.
I have several backups of the iPhoto library of external disks. Can I set things up so that the images can be accessed by Aperture as Referenced Images'?
And if so, will the iPhoto structure (events, folders etc) be retained?

It's achieveable, but somewhat of a hack, and the best you'll get is something close to your event structure, but not albums.
I'd really recommend lêonie's approach above.
However, if you really want to play...:
There are two main problems to solve.
1) The files are inside the iPhoto library bundle which is not selectable from the import panel.
2) You'll have a combination of master, non-destructive edits, and previews. I no longer have an 8.1 library to check so I can't decribe the structure). You'll need to decide if you want to bring in originals and edits (where available).
You'll need to have a look around the iPhoto library structure; navigate to it in finder, right-click the library and choose 'Show package contents'.
Explore this until you are happy you know where the images are stored (orginals and edited copies), these are the images you can access directly.
To make them accessible for import in Aperture, drag any folders your are interested in (eg: originals, masters, previews, etc) to your finder favourites sidebar. This doesn't move them anywhere, it just gives you shortcuts to those folders that reside inside the iPhoto library bundle.
In Aperture, use 'Import->Folders as Projects' from the file menu. Here you can specify that the images stay in their original location (imported as referenced) and you can use the shortcut on your finder sidebar (created above) to navigate into the iPhoto library to pick up the images.
You can try the different options for the stucture of the import ('Folders and Projects' or 'Projects and Albums'). 'Folders and Projects' will probably work best as it will give something approximating your import history which may match your event structure, but the project names will likely not match the event names.
Once you've got them in Aperture, youll probably need to tidy up the structure, but in Aperture you can move and change projects as much as you want withouth affecting anything in the old iPhoto Library. The things that can impact the iPhoto Library are deleting or relocating any of the masters.
As I say, it's a bit of a hack, and in the long run you will probably be better off by just importing the library and relocating the masters. This will keep your event and album structure and be much cleaner, but it will give you an additional copy of the images, which I suspect is what you are trying to avoid.
Also, if you get future problems with your images, you'll have to explain all the above or people may have trouble helping you!
Andy

IPhoto library to Referenced iPhoto library

I am having difficulty transferring my iPhoto library (located on the internal HD) to my Referenced iPhoto library (located on a 3TB Ext. HD). I have most of my photos located in the Referenced iPhoto library. For some reason it started saving to the iPhoto library. I am now trying to transfer all the photos located on the iPhoto library to the Referenced iPhoto library. This seems more difficult than necessary, especially for someone who isn't "a simpleton". ::Sigh:: Help anyone please.....

Clearity is critical
End goal is when I click open on iPhoto for it to show me my photos on my external drive.
But your desire is not clear - iPhoto does not "show photos" unless they are imported into the iPhoto library - do you have photos on an external drive you wish to view? Then import them into iPhoto.
Do you have multi[ple iPhto libraries including one or more on the extrernal drive? Then to switch libraries you sue the switch library command under the file menu (iPhoto '11) or depress the option key and launch iPhoto and use the resulting select library window
When you click to open iPhoto is always opens the last opened library
and
I am trying to accomplish this by taking the photos in my iPhoto library (internal HD) and transferring them into the Referenced iPhoto Library (3TB external HD).
Again exactly what and how you are doing this is critical to getting teh correct answer - you can not sucessfully take photos form an iPhoto library and do anything with them - you must export photos from the iPhoto library to use them else where - and in you are importing them into a referenced library( once again you did not answer my question - is this a library when you have unchecked the iPhoto preference to copy imported items?) you are going to have major problems - this is strongly not recommended
In the event I need to pick up and go (fire, break-in etc.) I want to just be able to grab my external HD and go.
All you need to do this is to have your iPhoto library on the external drive - the EHD must be formatted Mac OS extended journaled) and you simply drag your iPhoto library from the internal drive intact as a single entity to the external drive, depress and hold the option key and launch iPhoto using the select library command to set the new default location
it is that simple
LN

Moving original images when using a "referenced" iPhoto library...

Hello.
My iPhoto library is "referenced" (ie. iPhoto does not copy the images when importing) to my RAW image library which is manually organized outside the iPhoto library. If I want to move the location of these images, does anyone know how iPhoto handles this? Does iPhoto loose track of them when I move them? Will I have to individually re-link all the images? Is there a good way of going about this?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kristin.

I've had a test alias library find all of the files automatically when the move was to a different location on the same hard drive. Moving to another hard drive it was hit or miss as Terence mentioned. Sometimes re-pointing to a single file in a folder got the whole folder, sometimes not.
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.

"Referenced" iPhoto Library becoming bloated...?

Hello,
My iPhoto library is "referenced" (ie. iPhoto does not copy the images when importing) to my RAW image library which is manually organized outside the iPhoto library. I do zero edits, etc. to the images within iPhoto (I do all editing via Adobe Camera RAW and Photoshop).
At the same time, I've only just created a new iPhoto library (again, a referenced library) and have just completed importing 8+ gigs of shoots from this year (all RAW images). Again, I have done zero edits on these images and haven't even opened them in Adobe Camera RAW or Photoshop.
Yet, this referenced iPhoto library is now sitting on my HD at a size of 3GB. I understand it still stores the JPG previews in the iPhoto library, but 3GB? As well, when I open the library (via "Show Package Contents") I see a large number of "modified" images (as well as the original JPG previews and aliases to the linked images).
First off, any ideas why I have so many "modified" images when I haven't done any modifications? And second, any ideas why my library is 3GB in size when it's only a referenced library?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kristin.

Do you have auto-rotate on your cameras? If so, this is just a flag, the files are not rotated. However, on import, iPhoto sees the flag and reads it as an instruction to rotate the image, which it does - hence a modified version of the pic.
Solution? Rotate before importing or turn off auto-rotate on your cameras.
Regards
TD

Using a backed-up iPhoto Library - HELP!!

Hi all. I'm looking for some guidance on how to recover photos that were recovered from a failing hard drive. My wife had a collection of digital photos that were originally imported in to Aperture 2.0. A while later, she started using iPhoto 09 for new photos. Eventually, she imported all of the photos from Aperture into iPhoto 09. Her collection is just over 2,500 photos. Well, last week, her hard drive started to act up and she asked me to back up her pics, and to do it from iPhoto as that's where the total photo collection then resided (Aperture + iPhoto). So I did, and we eventually had her hard drive repaired. After reinstalling iPhoto, I planned to just put the original saved iPhoto library that I backed up for her back into her pictures folder. I did, but now, when we open iPhoto, we are presented with the error message "unable to locate original" and the options are "cancel" or "locate original." So now you see our delimma (the originals went away with the bad hard drive).
Can someone please advise as to how to proceed? All of the photos are there, in the copied library, however, we are unable to use them as they are. Is there a way to convert them so they will work (hopefully without loosing all of their new attributes, e.g. "place", "faces", etc.)
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Regards, bamarich.

What do you mean when you say:
All of the photos are there, in the copied library, however, we are unable to use them as they are.
and
So now you see our delimma (the originals went away with the bad hard drive).
It sounds like iPhoto was running in Referenced mode.* Was it?
If the actual photos “went away with the bad hard drive“ then they are gone.
Regards
TD
*If you're running a Managed library, then it's the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing
If you're running a Referenced Library, then you made a change at iPhoto -> Preferences -> Advanced and iPhoto is NOT copying the files into the iPhoto Library when importing.
Regards
TD

Aperture vs iPhoto library questions

Hello, I am brand new to Aperture from iPhoto. I am moving to Aperture to take advantage of the organization options because I am starting to run out of HD space with my 100 GB iPhoto library. I want to have the option in the near future to switch to referenced masters on an external drive. So my question has to do with the unified library between iPhoto and Aperture. When I upgraded to Aperture, I had to first update iPhoto to the new library format. I then opened my iPhoto library in Aperture. Everything I've read about the unified format has explained that it is compatible with both applications. But I've also read that iPhoto does not work with referenced masters. So, can I use Aperture to convert my iPhoto library to Referenced masters? Or do I need to transfer my photos into a native Aperture library first? And then once I switch to referenced masters, will iPhoto still work with my new library?
Thank you,
Ray

But I've also read that iPhoto does not work with referenced masters.
And then once I switch to referenced masters, will iPhoto still work with my new library?
Ray,
iPhoto can use referenced original master image file, it works well in iPhoto '11. Only, iPhoto has no built-in tools to repair broken references, if referenced files get accidentally moved or changed, so it is not recommended to do this in iPhoto. But since you now want to use Aperture, that will not be a problem. You will be able to repair broken references using Aperture. iPhoto will work well with a referenced Aperture library. I am using it all the time.
So, can I use Aperture to convert my iPhoto library to Referenced masters? Or do I need to transfer my photos into a native Aperture library first?
Yes, that is simple.
Upgrade your iPhoto Library by opening it in the latest iPhoto version, and then use the command "File > Open Library in Aperture". Now Aperture will work with your iPhoto library as an Aperture library. Events will show as Projects in Aperture, albums will still be albums. All keywords and ratings, Faces and Places will transfer.
To switch to referenced masters/originals select the images you want to relocate and use the command "File > Relocate originals".
You may want to read this page of the manual:
Aperture 3 User Manual: Working with Referenced Images
But make a full backup of your libraries before you start to reorganize them and relocate files.
Regards
Léonie
Since you are new to Aperture, the                 User Tips (15) might be helpful:
                 The Well-Trod Path: a Beginner's Guide to how Aperture's major parts inter-relate
                 Keep iPhoto - It May Come in Handy!
                 New to Aperture? Some Considerations when Designing your First Aperture Library
                 How do I access my Photos in Aperture?
and quite a few more

IPhoto library-file deleted - and originals missing in Aperture....

Just moved my Aperture-library to my new iMac. Unfortunately almost all pics came from my old iPhoto-library which is gone now.
I can't do anything but look at the pictures. Can't edit, export, share etc.
When trying to e.g. export a file Aperture says 'The selected original image is either offline or not found. Please reconnect it and try again.'.
Don't ask about the backup from Time Machine - that too is gone...
Now what?
Thanks.
Thomas

How did you import your old iPhoto photos? And with what Aperture version?
Before the unified Aperture - iPhoto library has been introduced, it was possible to import an iPhoto library as referenced. This left all originals in the iPhoto library, so iPhoto continued to work, but Aperture could use the master files. Is that the way you imported your iPhoto library, with the master files in there original location?
When trying to e.g. export a file Aperture says 'The selected original image is either offline or not found. Please reconnect it and try again.'.
That is the typical error message, when Aperture cannot access the original files. And Aperture wil not be able to do anything with your images, unless you restore the missing originals.
Just moved my Aperture-library to my new iMac.
Where did you move your Aperture library from ? From an older mac? From a backup?
Did Aperture work on that old Mac and could access the originals?
Do you still have that old mac, and is there any chance that recovery software could retrieve the missing original files on that mac?
Sometimes Aperture reports originals as missing, even if they are managed inside the Aperture library.
You can find out, where Aperture is looking for the original files, if you select some image files in the browser and use Aperture's command "File > Locate Referenced Files".
In the panel that opens, you can see the path to missing files in the upper right corner below the thumbnail.
What do you see, when you use that command?

Aperture and iPhoto library deleted

I upgraded my Aperture w/no problem. About one month later, all images in Aperture and iPhoto dissapeared. "Genius Bar" checked, said no problem and didn't have a clue. Bought a Time-Machine backup at store, had a consultant there show me how to set up, but he had a problem as the Airport Utility was gone. He said that was rare and downloaded it. He suggested there could be a connection to all this. I'm afraid to use the iMac. Help? Doing search for images or libraries no good, will show libraries, but with zero files. Tnx. Leif

How did you import your old iPhoto photos? And with what Aperture version?
Before the unified Aperture - iPhoto library has been introduced, it was possible to import an iPhoto library as referenced. This left all originals in the iPhoto library, so iPhoto continued to work, but Aperture could use the master files. Is that the way you imported your iPhoto library, with the master files in there original location?
When trying to e.g. export a file Aperture says 'The selected original image is either offline or not found. Please reconnect it and try again.'.
That is the typical error message, when Aperture cannot access the original files. And Aperture wil not be able to do anything with your images, unless you restore the missing originals.
Just moved my Aperture-library to my new iMac.
Where did you move your Aperture library from ? From an older mac? From a backup?
Did Aperture work on that old Mac and could access the originals?
Do you still have that old mac, and is there any chance that recovery software could retrieve the missing original files on that mac?
Sometimes Aperture reports originals as missing, even if they are managed inside the Aperture library.
You can find out, where Aperture is looking for the original files, if you select some image files in the browser and use Aperture's command "File > Locate Referenced Files".
In the panel that opens, you can see the path to missing files in the upper right corner below the thumbnail.
What do you see, when you use that command?

Why do I have 3 iPhoto Library folders?

I have three iPhoto Library folders named iPhoto Library, iPhoto Library (original) and iPhoto Library (original) 2. Can I delete the two "original" folders and keep all current photos? Based upon the date, they appear to be old folders from previous upgrades and no longer useful - "original" is from 2010 and the "original 2" is from February 2012. I need more space on my hard drive - help!

Depress the option key, launch iPhoto and use the select library command to look at each library. Any that you as sure you do not want can be deleted
LN

Link missing from iPhoto Library to picture files

In iPhoto '08 when pointing to a picture and using drop down box to "show original file" it shows the linkage/ file tree diagram from picture to next level up subdirectory to Original to iPhoto Library to Pictures. Yet when looking for my picture files from Finder to User to Pictures to iPhoto Library there is no linkage to the Original subdirectory. NB there is no arrow under the iPhoto Library indicating a subdirectory. All that shows is a Preview column showing size of the pictures in the file but no file. How can this be fixed so I can find pcitures from Finders approach.

Thanks. First of all, I really appreciate the time you are taking to try and help me.
To begin, attaching pictures for emailing purposes wasn't the main problem for me, because I am using Mail to read my Yahoo mail, and have been using the email button in the iPhoto app.
My frustrations were when I was on a site, such as Shutterfly, snapfish, and I was choosing the pictures that I wanted to upload. I have thousands of pictures and because I don't keyword or rename them, I was used to being able to find the pictures I wanted by the visual in file system. Based on the folder names. I guess I am confused, because when I click the browse button, I am presented with what looks like a finder window. So, maybe my question is how to view the picture files via the finder. I was referring to your suggestion:
"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."
When I do the above, I still keep just launching the app. not seeing the files that are hidden within.
I did follow your instuctions below, but was unable to attach. Only when I dragged the photo to Safari on the dashboard, did it open in a separate Safari browser. It did not link or merge with the attach window.
Open Safari and go to attach a pic to an Email. The attach window descends in Safari
Now, pop back to the iPhoto Window and drag the pic from the iPhoto Window to the attach window
Does that work?
If it does, you can then try replacing the iPhoto Window and use the Media Browser window, but remember you're dragging from the browser to the Safari window, not trying to find a file via the Attach window.
Yes but iPhoto is nothing like Windows Explorer. If you want to mimic that format you would use the Finder, not iPhoto. iPhoto is a database application, a photo organiser, not the main Computer filing system.
I guess this is more what I would appreciate help with. Although, I think I need to spend a little more time in iPhoto creating Albums, versus the Events that all of my pictures have be organized in by default.
I think you might have misunderstood my comment below...I just want to be able to find the photo files with a visual not just the file name. Because I have no other way to find them in a browse situation.
Of course, you'll be able to do the same. But why you would want to work via "little thumbnails" when you can do so in more comfort via the Media Browser or the iPhoto Window I don't know.
I was formerly using Picasa on my Windows computer, which is a really easy app. and when I created a new album, it was very easy to find in the Windows Explorer when browsing for an upload. Obviously I need a little more time with the iPhoto, but I have been trying to do this for about 2 months when I got the computer, with what I thought was pretty decent common computer knowledge, but feel totally lost. I guess I feel a little bummed that I made a switch to Mac based on the concept that it was simpler, but it has proven to be much for difficult to do the very basic things I use my computer for everyday.
You've changed Computer, Operating System and now you've made an enormous change from using the File System to organise your pics to using a Photo Organiser. There's going to be change involved, and some learning to be done.
Thank you again for your time.
Kari

Renamed iPhoto library now unable to open?

Hi
As it was the start of a new year i thought that i would start a new iPhoto library - i went into finder and renamed the iPhoto Library - iPhoto Library2006 - this forced iPhoto to open up new iPhoto Library which of course was empty.
Now if i try to open iPhoto Library2006 using iPhoto Library Manager or iPhoto Buddy i still get the (empty) iPhoto Library?
I have since deleted the new iPhoto Library and renamed the iPhoto Library2006 to it's original title - iPhoto Library.
In Finder this library thows up as 1.62GB but still opens with 'no photos'.
I'm using iPhoto 6.05
Where have i gone wrong folks?
Thanks

Ian
I'm sorry to say, but it looks like somehow in the Naming/Renaming business you have overwritten the library file. With a folder size of 1.63 gigs, I would expect that file to be several megabytes. A 4kb file is brand new.
Do you have a back up? If so, now is the time for it. If not, then you'll need to rebuild your library from scratch: To rebuild 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.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

Moving current iPhoto library to the Aperture library

Hi!
When I installed Aperture, I imported the pictures from iPhoto, but I left the "original" files in the iPhoto library (that was one of the options).
Now I would like to move those originals permanently to the Aperture library, and delete the iPhoto library. I don't want to have duplicates in iPhoto, since I won't use that software anymore.
How can I do that?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Gus

Just curious if your metadata path points to the iPhoto library (see my post right after yours)? Does it really think the iPhoto version is the master, or did it make the new Aperture copy the master?
If the latter, you might just put the iPhoto one on a hard disk or other storage media, as a copy of your original images/iPhoto library (then delete from hard drive). Sense of security to be able to go back to square 1 if a catastrophe occurs.
Message was edited by: Tobman

How can I move my old iPhoto library into a Referenced Library format and use that as my default?

Hi, I have been using iPhoto for photo management where all the jpegs have been living, in organized events by date and subject for some time. I recently upgraded to aperture and am using the same iPhoto library. The issue I have is that I use Carbonite for my cloud back up and I am able to look at the pictures I have on my PC with the same folder organization I have them on my PC hard drive. This is apparently not possible for iPhoto library. The only way to access a picture on the iPhoto library in the cloud is to go through the master and hope you can find the specific picture since they are not organized in a comprehensible manner (like events or folders) in there.
So the only solution I can think of is to move the current iPhoto library to a referenced image library and use that as my default library from now on. This way I get cloud access and the events will hopefully turn into folders with dates and subjects that I can continue to keep organized to satisfy my OCD tendencies.
So the question I have is that:
1. How can I make a reference Library for Aperture/iPhoto?
2. How do I move the current library to the Referenced Library in an Organized manner? My wish list would be a series of folders labeled with the date and the subject, like I have in my iPhoto library right now.
3. If there is any alternative, your suggestions and recommendations would be much appreciated.
My computer: Mac Mini (Mid 2012), Lion, 16GB RAM.
Thank you kindly,

Or is there a way to go through aperture to make a new reference library that I can move the masters into later?
you do not move the masters into a references library - you turn your current library into a referenced library. As Terence Devlin said:
File -> Relocate Masters
What you should set up:
Select a folder, where you want to store your referenced files - probably on an external drive.
Decide on a hierarchical folder structure inside this folder - that is completely up to you.
Select a project from your library and use the command "File -> Relocate Masters/Originals" to move the original image files to the folder where you want to go them to. Only take care not to send two projects to the same folder.
Alternatively, if you do not care about the folder structure Aperture will use, select all images at once from the "Photos" view and let Aperture decide how to assing the folders - in the "Relocate Originals" dialoge you can specify a subfolder format.
Regards
Léonie

IPhoto library - managed or referenced

Hi,
I am new to OS X and I am still looking for the best way to use build-in applications before I start looking elsewhere. Next up: photos.
I do have substantial library of images from different sources. Generally, I like sorting and managing them myself. In the past (Windows era) I used picasa to quickly view, sort, and delete photos and Photoshop to edit them. So I ran a quick test:
1. copy smaller directory of images to my Mac (/Users/user/Pictures/folder_1)
2. import folder to iPhoto
3. View
It looked OK so I tried the second. Soon I realized, that all images are duplicated in the iPhoto folder. That brought me here where I learnt about "managed" and "referenced" libraries. It seems, that folks here argue against using "referenced" approached. I think by now I sort see the differences, but I am not sure if I really understand the consequences. So, what would experts here recommend if I'd like to be able to do following:
1. picture organization (in iPhoto and on the hard drive)
2. the hard drive organization comes from my current back-up practices (I use rsync):
     a. copy/update folders to home file server
     b. burn one or more folders to DVD
     c. file server makes additional copy to different HD (sort of like mirroring but not quite in real time)
3. make sure I keep originals (jpeg, tiffs, and most often raw files)
4. in future I might want to switch to Lightroom or Aperture to catalog/organize images
What bugs me about "managed" approach that I have no control over HD organization, which might be ok, if everything else works.
So to my outstanding questions:
=======================
I. I am not sure how to properly back-up my images. Is there a way in iPhoto to back up everything? Or in another words, what would be a proper way to back up images from iPhoto?
II. What can I do when I run out of disk space while using managed library?
III. What will happen when I move image folder while using referenced library? Will all the links/pointers be updated?
IV. Can I simply delete iPhoto's "library folder" and start from scratch? I could also try (which I did not) to make a new library ...
V. Can one convert managed iPhoto library to Lightroom/Aperture while maintain corrections, keywords, tags, etc?
I do realize that this has tons of information and questions, but I feel this is quite convoluted problem. I'd rather spend some time in the beginning to set it up correctly rather than pulling my hair later on.
Thanks for your advice.
Cheers, R>

First off, you need to make a clear distinction in your head between your photos and the files that contain them. Best way to explain this: The Beatles wrote a song called 'Let It Be'. They didn't write an mp3 called that. Tht mp3 is just a container for the song. So too that Jpeg, Tiff or whatever is just a container for the Photograph.
iPhoto is designe for folks who want to organise their photos and don't really want to bother with the files. Import the photos and then forget about the files. They're stored somewhere - and where matters very little.
So, if you're concerned about organising Files forget about iPhoto. You'll never be happy with it. It just won't do what you want.
I make this digeression to begin with because pretty much all your specific queries treat the Photos and Files as interchangebale concepts.
Specifically: to Managed v Referenced:
1. There is no difference in functionality. You get no extra abilities either way. None whatever. There is no functional advantage to running a Referenced or Managed Library, it's just file storage. Why? Because you never access the files anyway.
2. There are big differences in the reliabilty if the Library. If you run a Referenced Library then you run a greater risk of damaging the Library yourself - especially as a new user.
So, run a Managed Library. It's safer.
So, this question actually makes no sense - if you take my meaning:
1. picture organization (in iPhoto and on the hard drive)
You can't organise pictures on the Hard Drive. You can organise the files, not the pictures.
the hard drive organization comes from my current back-up practices
Change your back up practises. You're not just backing up files now, you're backing up a database - that's your files and whole lot more.
3. make sure I keep originals (jpeg, tiffs, and most often raw files)
Iphoto does this automatically. It treats the original like a film shooter treats the negative. It will never alter it in any way. You can export the original at any time, or revert to it from an edited version.
4. in future I might want to switch to Lightroom or Aperture to catalog/organize images
There is an upgrade path to Aperture. There ins't one to Lightroom.
What bugs me about "managed" approach that I have no control over HD organization, which might be ok, if everything else works.
Organise your photos in the iPhoto Window in any way you want. Events, Albums etc. If you want to migrate at some point in the future to an app that does'nt have an upgrade path, then you export from iPhoto to the Finder.
Apps like iPhoto2Disk or PhotoShare will help you export to a Folder tree matching your Events.
I. I am not sure how to properly back-up my images. Is there a way in iPhoto to back up everything? Or in another words, what would be a proper way to back up images from iPhoto?
With a Managed Library you back up the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder. This gets everything.
II. What can I do when I run out of disk space while using managed library?
Move the Library to a bigger disk. You can run a Library from any disk formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Or make a second Library. Or third.. etc
IV. Can I simply delete iPhoto's "library folder" and start from scratch? I could also try (which I did not) to make a new library ...
Yes, from the Pictures Folder. Or hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'
V. Can one convert managed iPhoto library to Lightroom/Aperture while maintain corrections, keywords, tags, etc?
To Aperture, yes. You can simply import an iPhoto Library. To Lightroom, sort of. As I descibed above you can export from iPhoto to the Finder. However, what to export? The Original will be just that - the original and that will contain no metadat added in iPhoto. Or, the Editied version which will have all the metadata but won't be the original...
Note: these issues exist no matter what Manager you migrate from or to - you have pretty much the same issues if you go from, say, Lightroom to Aperture or vice versa.
As I said at the beginning, the key thing to decide is whether you want to manage files or photos. Once you settle on the answer to that it will be easy to decide which way to go.
This thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3062728?tstart=0
Discusses some of the issues specific to running a Referenced Library in iPhoto is some detail.
By ll means post again if you want more.

Original in iPhoto library or referenced?

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