Picasa and IPhoto

I have been a big fan of Picasa for years and was thrilled to see it come over to Mac. I have been unable to do what I would like, however, and was hoping I was just missing something. I am scanning slides into the Mac and the scans automatically transfer into Picasa. I then edit them from there. What I would like to do is then export these "improved" photos into IPhoto, as all of my other photos are there and sorted the way I like them. However, I am unable to do this as the IPhoto option in Export is shaded out. Is there something I am doing wrong or is it not possible to transfer photos from Picasa to IPhoto? Thanks!

However, I am unable to do this as the IPhoto option in Export is shaded out.
What 'IPhoto option in Export'? There's no such command in iPhoto. Nor can I find one in Picasa - though it's possible I've missed it.
I'm not sure that +any app+ can export to iPhoto, as iPhoto needs to Import photos. The most usual way to do this would be to export to a Folder and import to iPhoto from there.
Regards
TD

Similar Messages

Lightroom will not import my photos. It did up to a week ago. I have changed cards and cameras (both worked two weeks ago). I can import the photos to Picasa and iPhoto

Lightroom will not import my photos. It did up to a week ago. I have changed cards and cameras (both worked two weeks ago). I can import the photos to Picasa and iPhoto. I get the following error message:
Some import operations were not performed.
The following files were not imported because they could not be read [followed by a list of the files I wanted to import]
Thumbnails show up. LR just will not import them.
Any idea what is going wrong?

If the Import button is not clickable, that means that Lightroom thinks you have no new photos to import (one possible reason is that they are duplicates)
So, you need to figure out why Lightroom thinks that. The way I would do this is to search your Library module for at least one of the photos, by file name. To do this, you would follow all 4 of these steps in sequence:
Click on All Photographs in the Catalog Panel on the left of the Library Module
Turn off all Filters (Ctrl-L or Cmd-L once or twice)
Expand all stacks: Photo->Stacking->Expand All Stacks
Search for one or more of the photos using the Filter Bar (press backslash), search by File Name

Picasa and iPhoto best practices

I have read many a post on the difficulties between these two programs and I understand it is like comparing apples to oranges.
However, having said all that, what about some advice for the stubborn ones among us. Here are my questions:
1. How do I set up iPhoto 11 to work with Picasa?
2. What tool can i use to monitor folders for changes like what Picasa does?
3. How can i delete a photo in iPhoto and know it is gone for good (such as an ex wife).
4. How do I create an online disaster recovery plan so that if I lose my data, I do not lose my photos?
5. How can I avoid duplicates?
6. How can I ensure that If I download a photo from email or online that it gets into iPhoto and Picasa simultaneously?
7. How can I use my existing folder structure from within iPhoto?
8. What other tips and tricks am I missing?
Thank you to all the experts in advance...

2. Where or what would I search for to find the google hack (if i wanted)
You don't search. It's built in to Picasa.
3. Yes, I want the existing file structure to be recreated in iPhoto. If I go the iPhoto route, I want to recreate what I have already done in finder that has taken me months.
If you want to duplicate your Folder Tree in iPhoto:
Start at the bottom of the hierarchy and drag a folder of images to the Album Heading in iPhoto. The pics will be imported and an Album of the same name created.
You can then create the Enclosing Folders in the iPhoto Window (File -> New Folder) and drag the Album to it. Folders can contain other Folders (Nested Folders) and Albums.
However, is your folder system date based? Then this form of organisation is a bit pointless in iPhoto when Smart Albums or the Calendar tool (Click on the wee magnifying glass in the Search Box) mean you can find the photos taken on any day, month or year at a click. With Smart Albums it's easy to find photos from specific range - say, June 3 to August 25, 2009 etc.
If your folder system is theme based - Xmas pics, Birthday pics etc, then you'll find Keywords are much more flexible, and can be used in conjunction with other criteria for making Smart Albums and searches.
4. If I have copy files unchecked in preferences, and I delete iPhoto trash, will that delete it from finder?
No. iPhoto will not delete any file outside its own Library.
5. Because I had the copy files unchecked, is it best to start again with that preference checked and do an import if I go the iPhoto route?
Yes. Up to iPhoto 09 you could use an App called AliasHerder, to convert to the Managed Library but that hasn't been updated for iPhoto 11 yet.
Some other comment son iPhoto v Picasa:
1. iPhoto is integrated throughout the OS and is available in every Open... or Attach... dialogue in the OS.
2. iPhoto is colour managed.
3. iPhoto can integrate with a wide range of online sharing sites.
4. iPhoto has Keepsakes: books, calendar and so on
Finally, and this may or may not be important to you, but when you install Picasa you accept an End User licence that allows Google to update the application when it wants to, with no further recourse to you. Should there be a problem with an update, as can happen to any software developer from time to time, you have no way of refusing that update.
Regards
TD

Using picasa with iphoto?

I was considering downloading Picasa as an easy way to share photos with family. If I do so, will I be forced to chose between using one or the other for editing/viewing. Do they work well together?

Yes you can upload to Picasa Web Albums directly from your Mac without using the Picasa app. Search on Google for a plug-in or use any of the usual methods of accessing your Library.
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.
I would not recommend using Picasa and iPhoto together. Picasa can access the iPhoto Library but uses an unsupported hack to do this. A change to the iPhoto Library or even a system update could easily break that link.
Regards
TD

Picasa web album and iPhoto

Excuse me if this is a dumb question but I couldn't see an answer in the forums and don't want to embark on something in a way I will come to regret!
I use iPhoto 11 for all my photo storage, editing etc and want to continue doing so. But for a particular group of images (a very small sub-set) I want to share them publically on a web album. Picasa has been recommended as easy and user-friendly - but I do not want to start using the Picasa software to edit or organise my images. Can I just upload images from iPhoto to a web album without downloading the Picasa software - and without Picasa somewhow accessing or changing my iPhoto library? Are there incompatibilities between Picasa andiPhoto that make this difficult or risky (I read somewhere about an unsupported hack in the Google software)? Any advice from more experienced users would be much appreciated.

Picassa and iPhoto are not compatible
But I believe that you can upload to Pocasa Web from Safari or any web browser - any web browser can access the iPhoto library using the media browser
LN

I used Picasa and want to switch to iphoto but I want to keep the structure

Is there anyway I can keep the structure I set up for my photos in picasa and keep it in Iphoto? Does Iphoto import the photos onto the hard disk or does it leave it in the location I have it (external hard-disk) Picasa just displays the photos but not actually places them on different location, is that the same with iPhoto?
A little help would really be appreciated Thanks

Is there anyway I can keep the structure I set up for my photos in picasa and keep it in Iphoto?
no - iPhoto is a relational database and manages photos - it does not allow you to control the structure - and there is no reason to - one of the primary reasons to use iPhoto is because of its amazing ability to find photos by any of many criteria
Does Iphoto import the photos onto the hard disk or does it leave it in the location I have it (external hard-disk)
Sort of - iPhoto does have an option to reference the photos in a location of your selection but it is not recommended for many reasons - and iPhoto will not reflect any changes you make to the referenced photos and your referenced photos will not be modified when you edit in iPhoto - plus importing and deleting is more difficult and upgrading or changing hardware is much more difficult
Picasa just displays the photos but not actually places them on different location,
Correct - Picasa is a photo viewer - iPhoto is a photo manager
is that the same with iPhoto?
No - see above
LN

I was importing photos to picasa from iphoto and it shut down when i returned i had no photos in iphoto

i was importing photos to picasa from iphoto, and it shut down when doing so. when i restarted i photo, all of my photos were gone. where are they?? please help??

Make a temporary, duplicate copy of the library and try the three fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your Home/Library/Preferences folder.
2 - delete iPhoto's cache files that are located in your Home/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder.
3 - reboot, launch iPhoto and try again.
NOTE: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding the the Option key. You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.
Fix #2
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library.
Select the options identified in the screenshot.
Fix #3
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

How do I transfer photos from Picasa to iphoto?

How do I transfer photos from Picasa (Google) to iphoto?

Did you ever figure this out? I have 400 photos sent to me from my nephew in Picasa and I want to move them to IPhoto. Picasa seems to let me do it but only 1 photo at a time..ugh.

New to mac and iphoto, questions about photo structure & organization

I bought a new Macbook Pro a couple of days ago and am still figuring things out. I wasn't displeased with windows...I just decided to try a mac anyway, So far, I adore it except for one thing, the pictures.
I spent hours researching whether to download and use picasa 3 for mac or iphoto. I decided on picasa....and now I've changed my mind. (Mostly because I tried to take pictures of the moon tonight, and they looked great in camera, but Picasa could only pick up a black screen whearas iphoto actually saw and defined the moon- and with the editing software on the two, the picasa auto-edit looked like a picture that was created in microsoft paint, and iphoto came out with a beautifully contrasted photo).
Now that I decided to use iphoto, I have been researching how to switch and still seem to have a lot of questions. (I've poked around numerous forums but have found conflicting answers on different sites).
1) I organize my pictures by folders with the month and year. I know iphoto organizes events, which it seems to determine based on photo similarity. Will my photo structure still appear in finder -> pictures?
2) Is it possible to stop iphoto from organizing my pictures and just trust me on what I want?
3) All of my friends and family use PCs, and there is a chance that due to financial concerns, when I eventually replace my macbook pro (far in the future) I could switch to a pc. Does iphoto make transferring pictures more difficult? (If I understand correctly, it does not change the photo file, a jpeg is still a jpeg but I want to be sure)
4) I do not want iphoto to duplicate all of the pictures already in my library....if I import from finder-users-pictures, will it simply use those, or duplicate all 150gb worth of pictures?
5) Any other tips for someone completely new to macs and iphoto?
6) This is very silly, but how do I uninstall picasa (I know how to uninstall on a windows but want to make sure I do things correctly on my mac!)
Also, just a "bonus"- regarding events vs. files I create, will iphoto create events within the program but leave my file structure in the library it imports from alone? If I use finder to go to where I store my photos, will I still see my file structure regardless of what iphoto does?(Does that make sense? I'm having a hard time trying to describe it)
I apologize if this question is foolish or misplaced- I did read many other posts but didn't see the answers I was looking for.

Your questions are neither foolish nor misplaced.
The first thing I strongly suggest is that you make a trial iPhoto Library. Import 100 or 200 pics and explore. Iphoto isn't right for everybody, and if you're going to use it you will need to rethink things a little.
1) I organize my pictures by folders with the month and year. I know iphoto organizes events, which it seems to determine based on photo similarity. Will my photo structure still appear in finder -> pictures?
A: Events are based entirely on Date and Time not on 'photo similarity' You can set the interval for what makes an Event in the iPhoto Preferences: iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> General Pane: Autosplit into Events... And select from the drop down menu.
Will my photo structure still appear in finder -> pictures?
Yes or no, depending... iPhoto can run as a Referenced or Managed Library. In the former case, yes you files will be visible in the Finder, in the latter case they won't.
Note that Referenced or Managed refers +only to file storage+ It offers no extra functionality, it does nothing at all. App like iPhoto are your go-to app for your photos. If you use it, then you never access the photos via the Finder. Ever. It's always via iPhoto or the many, many hooks into the OS that it has.
I'll detail more on Referenced v Managed below.
2) Is it possible to stop iphoto from organizing my pictures and just trust me on what I want?
I'm not sure what you mean by this. Iphoto does basic date and time organisation by default. You can change it, you can change the location of the photos in Events, merge them and then using the other tools available - Albums, Smart Albums, Faces, Places etc you can organise your photos whatever way you want.
But what do you mean by pictures. There is a distinction between Photos - the image of your child holding his dog - and files: A Jpeg is just a file. Iphoto is designed for you to +forget about the jpeg+ and get on with the interesting bit: the pics of your younger and his pet.
3) All of my friends and family use PCs, and there is a chance that due to financial concerns, when I eventually replace my macbook pro (far in the future) I could switch to a pc. Does iphoto make transferring pictures more difficult? (If I understand correctly, it does not change the photo file, a jpeg is still a jpeg but I want to be sure)
A Jpeg is a Jpeg is a Jpeg. If you migrate to another app or an entire OS you can export the photos plus any and all metadata you've added to the Finder and move it on. (Caveat: You cannot export Faces. There is no agreed standard on any system for exchanging this info.)
4) I do not want iphoto to duplicate all of the pictures already in my library....if I import from finder-users-pictures, will it simply use those, or duplicate all 150gb worth of pictures?
It can do either. And this brings me back to the Referenced v Managed discussion above. By default, iPhoto will Manage the files, that is, it will copy them into the Library. You can choose not to, but I strongly recommend that you don't:
*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 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 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.
*If you want to edit the photo in another application:*
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.
5) Any other tips for someone completely new to macs and iphoto?
*To Push Home a point*
For someone inexperienced with Macs and inexperienced with iPhoto I cannot stress enough that Managed Library is the way to go. I understand there is comfort in seeing all those folders. But inside the Library that's all there is: all those folders, stored so that an inexperienced user can't grub things up!
The iPhoto Library Folder is a Package File. This is simply a folder that looks like a file in the Finder. The change was made to the format of the iPhoto library because many users were inadvertently corrupting their library by browsing through it with other software or making changes in it themselves. Want to see inside?
Go to your Pictures Folder and find the iPhoto Library there. Right (or Control-) Click on the icon and select 'Show Package Contents'. A finder window will open with the Library exposed.
Standard Warning: 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.
Now close that window and forget about it.
So, once you've imported your photos to iPhoto in a Managed Library, the surplus duplicates are +your folders+. Of course, in time, trash them to get back the wasted disk space. But don't do it today or tomorrow. There's no hurry. When you feel confident that you understand how iPhoto is working and that's it's working for you, theat's the time to reclaim the space.
I organize my pictures by folders with the month and year.
If you want to duplicate your Folder Tree in iPhoto:
Start at the bottom of the hierarchy and drag a folder of images to the Album Heading in iPhoto. The pics will be imported and an Album of the same name created.
You can then create the Enclosing Folders in the iPhoto Window (File -> New Folder) and drag the Album to it. Folders can contain other Folders (Nested Folders) and Albums.
However, is your folder system date based? Then this form of organisation is a bit pointless in iPhoto when Smart Albums or the Calendar tool (Click on the wee magnifying glass in the Search Box) mean you can find the photos taken on any day, month or year at a click. With Smart Albums it's easy to find photos from specific range - say, June 3 to August 25, 2009 etc.
If your folder system is theme based - Xmas pics, Birthday pics etc, then you'll find Keywords are much more flexible, and can be used in conjunction with other criteria for making Smart Albums and searches.
6) This is very silly, but how do I uninstall picasa (I know how to uninstall on a windows but want to make sure I do things correctly on my mac!)
Drag the app to the trash and empty it.
Regards
TD
v

The best way to import photos from Picasa to iPhoto

Hi,
Many of my friends share their pictures online using picasa. Sometimes, I'd like to copy these pictures to keep a backup offline. As a software, I use iPhoto; not picasa. What is the best way to import pictures from picasa to iPhoto?
I first tried to subscribe to the RSS feed using iPhoto and then copy the pictures from there to my library, but then the dates of the pictures are set wrong: instead of indicating when the picture was shot, it indicates some other date (I guess it indicates the date when the picture was uploaded to picasa).
Then I decided to install the software picasa.app. From the webalbum of my friends, I could download the pictures directly to picasa.app. Then I exported them to the desktop, and from there imported them to iPhoto. The dates where set correctly, but I lost all the titles and comments of the pictures.
Do you have any method to download the pictures while keeping both the dates and the titles correctly?
Thanx!

There is a direct option in Organizer which lets you import from iPhoto. This is under Import dropdown menu in left panel.
If you are importing from iPhoto'09, your Tags, Albums Events, captions, star rating would also get imported apart from your media. This works differently for iPhoto'011 where you can get only the media to the Organizer,
Just a couple of things to know:
1. If in iPhoto preferences, you have chosen to create copies of your photos in iPhoto library and your library hence refers to the media store inside the library package, then on importing from iPhoto, Organizer would create copies of all those media under your pictures folder. That means, it would not corrupt your iPhoto package or modify it in any way.
2. However, if in iPhoto, you are organizing by using references to original location on your Hard drive i.e. you are not creating copies of media in iPhoto library then on importing from iPhoto to Organizer, the Organizer would also use the same references and would not create copies of the media.
Hope that helps!
~V

Picasa to iPhoto - help needed with folders/importing

I am converting over from Picasa on windows to iPhoto on a new iMac I recently bought. And I have to say, the conversion has not been as smooth as I thought it would be. Any help will be appreciated highly
1. In Picasa, I was able to see my underlying folder structure. At the same time I was able to arrange pictures from multiple folders into albums which became the metadata container.
Question: Is there a way to easily see the folder structure of the underlying file system rather than have the iPhoto library which seems to show simply in terms of years.
2. From other posts on the discussion board it seems like I can simply drag the folder from Finder to the source section of iPhoto to somewhat mimic what I described in #1 above. If that is the only option, I have the next question, and that is -
Question: If I drag and drop a folder from Finder to the source section of iPhoto why does iPhoto not bring everything in as "Originals". I see that some of my pictures go into the corresponding "Modified" folder. It seems like there is an internal "modification" that is done at the time of import which I am unable to check on/off.
Question: Also, in the same method, I see that the picture got duplicated on the file system - once appearing in the original folder which I dragged from the Finder, and the second time showing up under Originals or Modified folders within the iPhoto library folder under Pictures.
How do I elimiate this duplication? Can I eliminate it and keep the "file system folder structure" available?
Thanks in advance!

TD,
Thanks for the excellent explanation of the application and how it differs from what I have been used to doing. Without going into too much details, I would like to say that Picasa may be a file organizer, but it does allow me a concept of "albums" which is virtual and when I choose to put the same picture in multiple albums, it does not make a new copy each time.
But I am not here to compare Picasa with iPhoto, only here to see how to do things in iPhoto the same or better way.
Rolls, on the other hand) in the iPhoto Window (View
-> Film Rolls) correspond exactly with the Roll
Folders in the Originals Folder in the iPhoto Library
Folder. You can move photos between Rolls, you can
rename rolls, edit them, create them, as long as you
do it via the iPhoto Window. Check out the Info Pane
(wee 'i', lower left) the name and date fields are
editable. Edit a Roll Name using the Info Pane, the
Roll Folder in iPhoto Library Folder/Originals will
also have the new name.
So, rolls are in fact "real" and not virtual concepts right? I would actually be moving the files from one roll to another underneath when I move a picture in iPhoto from one roll to another. Is that the correct understanding I have?
And, then FYI: A Note about the iPhoto Library
Folder:
In this folder there are various files, which are the
Library itself and some ancillary files. Then you
have three folders
Originals are the photos as they were
downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that
you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
This allows the Photos -> Revert to Original command
- very useful if you don't like the changes you've
made.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app
needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
Very cool. That makes sense, and I did read about this folder structure in some other posts which is very helpful to get started.
If I drag and drop a folder from Finder to the
source section of iPhoto why does iPhoto not bring
everything in as "Originals". I see that some of my
pictures go into the corresponding "Modified" folder.
It seems like there is an internal "modification"
that is done at the time of import which I am unable
to check on/off.
Your camera has an Auto Rotate feature, right? What
happens there is that your camera doesn't rotate the
pics, it simply puts a flag on them "Display Me This
Way". Part of the core philosophy of iPhoto is to
leave your original file untouched, so it creates a
modified version, showing the rotation. How to stop
it? Turn off auto-rotate or rotate the pics before
they come into iPhoto.
Excellent point. I will change that setting on the camera. Of course for all the pictures I have downloaded already, I suppose there is no way to change the rotation settings, right?
Also, in the same method, I see that the picture
got duplicated on the file system - once appearing in
the original folder which I dragged from the Finder,
and the second time showing up under Originals or
Modified folders within the iPhoto library folder
under Pictures.
How do I elimiate this duplication? Can I eliminate
it and keep the "file system folder structure"
available?
Trash your Original file structure. Let iPhoto do the
file management. Freaky, right? Well don't do it
right away, leave it until you feel confident in
iPhoto, until you feel that you can trust the
application.
The other alternative is to not copy the files into
the iPhoto Library Folder (You can change this at
iPhoto -> Preferences -> Advanced). The down side is
that iPhoto will still create the modified and data
folders, when you delete from iPhoto you'll need to
track down the individual pic yourself to delete it
from the HD and things like migrating the library to
an external HD or a new machine can be trickier.
Ok, now that I understand the application a little better, I see that the original files and folder structure is not useful at all.
But unfortunately, I would like to keep the folder structure on my external hard drive so that if I log into windows on bootcamp, I could use Picasa to access the same set of pictures. I currently have an automator action (backup folder/sync folder) which takes all the contents of Pictures folder and replicates it to the external drive. Then when I log in from Picasa, I have set the option to only scan the external drive.
If I trash the original structure and simply sync the iPhoto Library folder, and then access it through Picasa, will there be any problems if Picasa drops some of its "database type" files (I know for sure it drops a Picasa.ini)?
If I do not move any files from one folder to another, is it ok to let Picasa access the iPhoto Library folder?
Most people who want to keep their own structure do
so because they're afraid they won't be able to find
the picture files: 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.
Thanks very much again for the detailed explanation. I really appreciate it.
And, as I said above, Rolls have a direct
correspondence with the iPhoto Library Folder.
And I suppose if rolls are "real" then the virtual equivalents would be things like smart folders?
-rpmm

New to iPhoto: Database Corruption and iPhoto Package

Coming from the PC I'm used to individual files with Picasa and Photoshop and I'm confused about a few things:
1. Is the iPhoto database separate from the iPhoto package file that stores all of the images?
2. And if you were to lose your database because of corruption, do you lose all of your individual photos?
3. Or if the package somehow became corrupted, do you lose your original images?
4. Slightly off-topic -- does Aperture store the images separately or does it use the same "database package" concept as iPhoto?

1. Is the iPhoto database separate from the iPhoto package file that stores all of the images?
Yes and No. It depends on the settings you choose. In the default setting both the photos and the database are contained within the Library Package. For more see below*.
A Package File is simply a folder that looks like a file in the Finder. The change was made to the format of the iPhoto library because many users were inadvertently corrupting their library by browsing through it with other software or making changes in it themselves.
Want to see inside? Go to your Pictures Folder and find the iPhoto Library there. Right (or Control-) Click on the icon and select 'Show Package Contents'. A finder window will open with the Library exposed.
Standard Warning: 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.
2. And if you were to lose your database because of corruption, do you lose all of your individual photos?
No. The db is a couple of files inside the Library. The photos are at no more risk that when a file goes bad in any folder.
3. Or if the package somehow became corrupted, do you lose your original images?
There's no way for a package to become corrupted. Like I say, it's just a folder.
Of course, the protection for any data on your computer is a good up-to-date back up.
4. Slightly off-topic -- does Aperture store the images separately or does it use the same "database package" concept as iPhoto?
Yes and no. Depends on the settings you choose.
* And this is the below piece to see:
There are two kinds of Library: Managed and Referenced.
A +Managed library+, is the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing. In this scenario iPhoto is responsible for File Management.
A +Referenced Library+ is when iPhoto is NOT copying the files into the iPhoto Library when importing because you made a change at iPhoto -> Preferences -> Advanced. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.
*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:
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!
Many internet sites such as Flickr and SmugMug have plug-ins for accessing the iPhoto Library.
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.
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.
Aperture - which is somewhat more expensive that iPhoto - has much better tools for running Referenced Libraries. I have no reservations about running Aperture in that mode.
Regards
TD

Help transferring Picasa to iPhoto

I have only recently moved to a Mac (hurrah) but when transferring my photos from Picasa to iPhoto, they all came across ok but without any comments/titles I had on them ... just a long set of digits.
Can I get the comments back ??

RokNok,
Congrats on your new iMac. I don't think you will be able to, probably an issue when the transfer occured. However I'd suggest calling AppleCare, you have 90 days of free telephone support and they may have a solution.

Importing Faces Data from Picasa to iPhoto or Aperture

I own both iPhoto and Aperture, but I have a ton of photos that I have performed face recognition on within Picasa. I want to move photos over to my Mac, but for some reason iPhoto will not recognize the face data. I made sure to store the face tags within the picasa photos and not a seperate folder, but I am guessing that iPhoto doesn't support those tags. Is there a third party software or script to leverage the face data I have already labeled in Picasa within iPhoto or Aperture? While naming faces isn't hard, alot of time was invested to labeling faces in my pictures.

Here's what I did to automatically export all face tags as keywords. I used this great free tool called AVPicFaceXMPTagger to insert all the face tags as keywords into the IPTC and XMP headers of the image files. After running the tool in Windows I imported the photos to iPhoto. Now I can search for photos that contains one or more people easily.
Please mind that:
It took ~2 hours to go over my entire library of photos that contains ~20,000 images with 9,925 detected faces of 130 people.
This is not a perfect solution. Using keywords you can make OR search, not AND search. For example, searching for "Tim and Chris" will retrieve all photos of Tim, Chris as well as Tim and Chris.
The keywords do not completly replace the functionalities of face recognition tags, e.g. keywords do not show up under "Faces", the recognition engine needs tags to suggest new detections, etc.
The tool is a Windows EXE file so it will only help a Windows-Picasa to OS X-iPhoto migration.

Import photos from picasa to iphoto

can I organize in albums and not have all phots labeled as what tey imported as?

Picasa the application or Picasa the Web service?
There is no direct way to move from Picasa to iPhoto. I'm not sure what the export options in Picasa, but what would work is if you can export an album into a folder drag that folder to the Album heading in the iPhoto window. iPhoto will import the photos and make an album of the same name as the folder.
There are other ways - like keywording and smart albums, for instance - but they depend on the export possibilities of whereever you are coming from.

Picasa and IPhoto

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