Problem importing my iPhoto library

Without going into too much detail I deleted my iphoto library and am trying to import a copy from my time machine. Have tried several times, various back up dates. I click on iphoto. It seems to be reinstalling well, even goes through a rebuilding process. But when it is all done I have all of my events with the same cover pic, and when I scroll over that pic, there are my pics behind it. But when I open the event in some the pics are there (along with several duplicates of that cover shot). In some of the events the pics aren't there, but when I double click on one of the duplicated pic, the pic that should be there appears. I know, sounds very confusing. I am thinking there is a proper way to import the iphoto back up, or a way of fixing the library once it is imported. As you may imagine, I am panicing, as it is over 10 years of photos. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I have done what you have suggested. It gives me a notice that library needs to be rebuilt. I say ok, and end up with the same. I have tried from 2 different back up dates and get exactly the same. I have deleted anything with a refrence to iphoto library from computer before initiating back up, so all that remains is the iphoto app. Any other suggestions.

Similar Messages

Problem importing old iphoto library into new computer

SO I ORIGIONALLY WROTE THIS TOPIC:
"Ok so I just bought a new macbook pro with iphoto 08 and i want to transfer my pictures from my old Imac with im guessing iphoto 06 and all the albums to my new computer. How do i do this. I tried it once but i did it wrong because i only got the pictures over there but no albums so i deleted them on the new computer and am ready to try again"
THEN I GOT THIS RESPONSE:
Quit iPhoto, copy the entire iPhoto library as a single entity from the old computer into the pictures folder on the new computer and launch iPhoto on the new computer - it will convert (a one way conversion) the library as needed and you will be set.
SO I DID THAT AND THE PHOTOS ARE THERE ON THE HARD DRIVE BUT WHEN I OPEN IPHOTO THERE IS NOTHING THERE
PLEASE HELP

Nick:
Have you checked the size of the copied library to make sure it's a valid one. To be sure you're opening the correct library launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, select the option to choose a library. Navigate to your pictures folder and select the library to copied over from your old iMac.
If your sure that's the library from the old iMac and it doesn't indicate any photos try the following in order as needed:
1 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select all options.
2 - rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 -Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 -Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your User/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File->Rebuild Library menu option
4 - In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
5 - Click on the Create button.
Note: It may take some time to create the new library if you have a lot of photos.
3 - start over with a new library and import the Originals folder from your original library as follows:
Creating a new library while preserving the Events from the original library.
Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
Open the library package like this.
Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
Drag the Originals folder from the iPhoto Library on the desktop into the open Photo window
This will create a new library with the same Events as the original library if you have the Finder checkbox unchecked in the Events preference pane.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Can't import an iPhoto library into Aperture

I'm using Aperture 1.5.2 and iPhoto 6.0.6 and cannot get Aperture to import my iPhoto library. I am following the procedure in the Aperture User Manual (p. 112) but it doesn't work. I don't get a beach-ball cursor or anything... no images, no disk activity, etc. This is regardless of the “Store Files:” or “Version Names:” or other settings in the dialog box.
I saw the Apple Support doc entitled “Aperture can't import iPhoto Library from iPhoto 6.0.1 or 6.0.2” which promises a fix in Aperture 1.1. Is this still the same problem? Or is it a different problem?
I know I can drag the photos from iPhoto into Aperture, but keywords are not preserved. Any suggestions?
PowerBook Al 15 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

I recently started using Aperture 1.5.2 and imported my iPhoto Library from iPhoto 6.0.6, so it's not an impossible task. I also had a lot of trouble with it. I can say it was a pain and there were several false starts and once it froze half-way through importing them. I did File -> Import... -> iPhoto Library and I left the files in their current location... but you said this was regardless of settings. I swear the thing just sat their for a good 20 minutes after I told it to import, although I can't recall if there was a spinning cursor or not. I'd get occasional errors about being unable to connect to server at the beginning (after it sat there for 20 minutes) and middle of the process. I just kept hitting Okay and if I had all other applications closed, Aperature finally did it. So... I guess that all amounts to: "I had problems, too, but after several tries it worked so maybe just keep trying and let it sit for awhile if no one else has a more helpful suggestion." Good luck!

Can some please provide instructions on how to import an iPhoto library from an old Mac to a new Mac without getting a bunch of duplicates? I tried transferring my pictures using an external hard drive and then copying it to the Pictures folder on my Mac

Can someone please provide instructions on how to import an iPhoto library from an old Mac to a new Mac without getting a bunch of duplicates? I tried transferring my pictures using an external hard drive and then copying it to the Pictures folder on my new Mac. I ended up getting a bunch of duplicates. My old Mac has an older version of iPhoto while the new Mac has iPhoto '11. Is that the cause of the problem? Please advise. Thanks.

Simply copy the iPhoto Library from the Pictures Folder on the old Machine to the Pictures Folder on the new Machine.
Then launch iPhoto. That's it.
This moves photos, events, albums, books, keywords, slideshows and everything else.
Regards
TD

Viewing imported hidden iPhoto Library photos in Aperture

I recently downloaded the trial version of Aperture and imported my iPhoto library. When I did that, hidden photos/events (marked as hidden in iPhoto) were not visible in Aperture. There is a "place-holder" with the original iPhoto event names for the now Aperture projects, but no photos are visible and I can't find a way to unhide them.
I have since purchased and registered Aperture, but this problem persists. Does anyone know how I can make these hidden files visible in Aperture?

In the top right corner of the browser is a search box. By default it is set to show unrated or better images. If you click the triangle beside the magnifying glass you'll get a drop down. One of the choices is *Show All*. Select that . You're hidden images should appear.

How do i import an iPhoto library from a time machine backup?

how do i import an iPhoto library from a time machine backup? I did a back up and i formatted my machine. How do i get iphoto to be the same?

This screenshot shows how to restore a library from Time Machine.
There is NO importing necessary. One should never import one library into another. Just restore it to your Pictures folder and launch iPhoto.
OT

How do I import an iPhoto Library (V.7.1.5) created on my old MacBook (10. 6.8) into my new Macbook pro (10.9.1) running iPhoto 9.5.1? I tried copying onto memory stick and moving to new mac, but new iPhoto doesn't recognise the library.

How do I import an iPhoto Library (V.7.1.5) created on my old MacBook (10. 6.8) into my new Macbook pro (10.9.1) running iPhoto 9.5.1? I tried copying onto memory stick and moving to new mac, but new iPhoto doesn't recognise the library.

So what exactly did you copy over? If it's a 12 gig iPhoto Library then it sounds like the files are there. Perhaps the copy went wrong along the way.
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Repair Database. If that doesn't help, then try again, this time using Rebuild Database.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. (In early versions of Library Manager it's the File -> Rebuild command. In later versions it's under the Library menu.)
This will create an entirely new library. It will then copy (or try to) your photos and all the associated metadata and versions to this new Library, and arrange it as close as it can to what you had in the damaged Library. It does this based on information it finds in the iPhoto sharing mechanism - but that means that things not shared won't be there, so no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your events, albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

How do I import an iPhoto library to an existing iPhoto library?

I have about 6-7GB of photos stored in iPhoto on an old MacBook. I want to import them to an existing iPhoto library on my wife's new iMac. What's the best way to do this without losing any data? I have an external USB HD, but I'm not sure the best way to move the files (ex: drop the iPhoto library icon into the new drive, etc).
Any recommendations?

The only way is to NOT import - Never import an iPhoto library into another iPhoto library
you move the library to the new machine - Connect the two Macs together (network, firewire target mode, etc) and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac and it will open the library and convert it as needed and you will be ready move forward.
LN

All my photos have been imported to iPhoto library. Is it safe therefore to delete all photos in the Finder pictures folder? It seems crazy to have them duplicated (all are backed up externally). And are they full size images in iPhoto?

All my photos have been imported to iPhoto library. Is it safe therefore to delete all photos in the finder picture folder? It seems crazy to have them dupllcated ( all are backed up anyway). And are they the full sized images stored in iPhoto?

Assuming you have iPhoto set to the Default setting, then yes, your full sized photos are copied into the iPhoto Library and so you can delete your own stored in the Finder.
Easiest way to check: Select a photo in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original. A Finder Window should open with the file selected. Is it stored within the iPhoto Library? You can tell easily in the Finder's column view.
As an FYI:
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.
(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:
There's a similar option in Outlook and many, many other apps. 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 10.5 Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser
Other options include:
Drag and Drop: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
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.
Show File: a. On iPhoto 09 and earlier: 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. 3.b.
b: On iPhoto 11 and later: Select one of the affected photos in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.

Elements Organizer 11.0 has no option to import my iPhoto library.

I have a MacBook 4,1, Mac OS 10.6.8, Photoshop Elements 11.0 and iPhoto 8.1 (iLife '09). Photoshop Elements Organizer 11.0 has no option anywhere to import my iPhoto library as described in the manual for Organizer 11. I've repaired my permissions, tried restarting multiple times and uninstalling and re-installing Photoshop Elements 11 and Organizer 11 with no luck. What am I doing wrong? Help!!!

If you have the latest version of both (iPhoto version 9.3 and Aperature 3.3) then you have no need to import the iPhoto library into Aperature as both iPhoto and Aperature can share the same library (so you do not duplicate your storage) -- http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5260
LN

Can I import my iPhoto Library from iPhoto 7.1.5 to iPhoto 9.5.1?

I'm trying to migrate from my old ('08) iMac to my newer MBP, but I cannot seem to successfully import my iPhoto library. The original version is 7.1.5 and the one on my MBP is 9.5.1. I have tried various techniques, mainly variations on copying the iPhoto library to USB drive and then moving to the Pictures folder on the MBP, but iPhoto refuses to import/recognise the library. It does not appear to be corrupt. Is it because the original library is incompatible with iPhoto 9.5.1, or is there some other way I could try?

but I cannot seem to successfully import my iPhoto library.
Never import one Library to another. Every version and thumbnail is imported like a distinct photo, you lose all your Albums, Keywords etc., the link between Original and Previews is destroyed, the non-destructive editing feature is ruined and so on. In summary: it's mess.
What you need to do is open the Library - see Neil's link for the upgrade - and update it.

Problem when renaming iPhoto Library

I recently renamed two iPhoto Libraries. A day later I plugged in my external HDD to do a Time Machine (TM) backup and noticed that TM deleted ALL my previous backups except the last one, stating there was not enough space.
My conclusion is that renaming these libraries caused TM to see them as NEW libraries and wanted to back them up all over again, meaning I needed 40GB of space rather than the 15GB available and let to the deletion of all my previous backups (without warning)!
I have posted about this in the TM forum, but decided to mention it here as well to warn others of this potential problem.

problem when copying iphoto library from ext hd to ext hd. stops after 2 gb saying there was data with same name on target hd. but that one is brandnew and freshly formatted.
How are your external HDs formatted? Both need to be formatted MacOS Extended (Journaled, not case sensitive) to work with iPhoto.
If the file system differ, you may have problems with ambitious filenames, for example, if one drive is case sensitive and the other not.

Importing my iPhoto library into Aperture. Best way to avoid duplicates?

Hi,
I'm a new Mac user. I have been in the very slow and tedious process of transferring my photos from my HP hard drive to my Mac. I used iPhoto for a very brief time before purchasing Aperture 3. (I've used photoshop for years.) I haven't yet Imported or consolidated or whatever the correct term would be the iPhoto library into the Aperture library. I've been avoiding it because I know there are some duplicates. Mainly just a few "Events" from the last few weeks before starting using Aperture. Now with the new update, it seems like it's a great time to get it all consolidated into an Aperture library that I can use in both iPhoto and Aperture. What's the easiest way for me to proceed? I'm sorry for my lack of proper Mac terms....I'm learning!
Thanks so much for your help!
Christy

Clear as mud??
If you want to see all your images - those now in your Aperture Library and those in your iPhoto Library- then you need to merge both Libraries into one Library - I'd import your iPhoto Library into the Aperture Library.
This combined Library will be compatible with both Applications.
To merge your iPhoto Library into the Aperture Library do the following:
Make a backup of your current iPhoto library (libraries)
Upgrade to iPhoto 9.3, if you have not already done so.
Open your iPhoto Library at least once in Photo 9.3 to upgrade the Library.
Unhide all hidden images. You cannot unhide them when viewing the Library in Aperture.
Quit iPhoto.
If you have not already upgraded to Aperture 3.3, do it like this:
Backup your current Aperture library.
Rebuild the Aperture Database using the Aperture Library First Aid Tools: Launch Aperture with the cmd-options-key combination (⌘⌥) firmly held down, then select "Rebuild Database".
After rebuilding upgrade to Aperture 3.3 and launch Aperture to upgrade the Aperture Library.
With Aperture still open, double click your iPhoto Library. Aperture will prompt you, if you want to add or merge your iPhoto Library - choose "Merge". This will avoid importing duplicate images, as far as Aperture can tell that those are the same images - same filename.
You will have to weed out some duplicates yourself - this is best be done by sorting the images by capture date, then duplicate shots will appear side by side.
Post back, if you have more questions.
Regards
Léonie

I've imported an iPhoto library from a disc to my iPhoto 09 account, but I have to leave the disc in to view the pictures in full screen... Is there a way to import the files to my hard drive?

I've imported an iPhoto library from a disc to my iPhoto 09 account, but I have to leave the disc in to view the pictures in full screen... Is there a way to import the files to my hard drive?

I've imported an iPhoto library from a disc to my iPhoto 09 account,
What exactly did you do?
Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?
A Managed Library, is the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing. The files are then stored in the Library package
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. The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.

Aperture will not import my iphoto library

When trying to import my iphoto library to aperture 3 I get a warning that says: Importing libraries from versions earlier than iPhoto 7.1.5 is not supported. Please upgrade your iPhoto library with iPhoto 7.1.5 or later. But my iPhoto is the most up to date version available 9.2.1 so I do not understand why I would get this warning, heck I don't even think my iPhoto was EVER that old. PLEASE HELP!

Ok so I think I got aperture to import my iPhoto library, well actually I know I did although it's either not complete or I'm not happy with how they apear and are all marked as iPhoto ariginals.
But I had backed up my iPhoto library by draggin the file "iPhoto Library" in my Pictures folder to an external drive earlier and this time I when in Aperture 3 I clicked File > Import > Import iPhoto Library I chose the one off the external instead of the original and it worked right away. So no idea why it would not work off the original but at least I got it.
And your link I think was fine, I am useing Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 and for some reason when I click links safari likes to add https// to the beginning of each link or address even if it's already there let alon is not putting the colling in so it really is https// instead of http:// but thats another story. I am begining to wonder if I should have just upgraded to OS X Lion instead of the unreleased Mountain Lion as I'm guessing there will not be many updates to it till they actually release it to the public.
But if anyone else was having the iPhoto Library issue, just back it up by dragging it somewhere else than importing to aperture 3 and your all good! And thanks for refering that Frank, the help was appreciated very much.

Problem importing my iPhoto library

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for