"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

Similar Messages

Question about backing up Referenced Iphoto Library

I was wondering about the best way to back up a referenced iphoto library.
At this point in time I have my referenced iphoto library and my "master" photo library (a folder that contains all of the actual photos) on one external drive. I would like to back up both of these files to another external drive (on a monthly basis).
My question is, if I have both external drives on a the same time (both containing the Iphoto library & Master folder on each), and open up one of the reference iphoto libraries, which "master" photo folder will iphoto access? I want to make sure iphoto "references" the master folder I want it to.
I hope this question makes sense and appreciate any help.
Thanks.

Well that's for iPhoto 09 or earlier. In those versions the amount of space used was even greater with Referenced Libraries... (all those aliases take up space too...)
The installation consists of your Master Photos, plus thumbnails, Previews, database files and caches. In a managed Library the Masters are stored within the iPhoto Package File. In a Referenced Library the Masters are stored outside the iPhoto Package File. That's the only difference. So the total amount of space used in the Installation is... The same. Masters plus thumbnails, Previews, database files and caches.
Running a referenced Library offers no extra functionality, no extra capability and significant pitfalls. And it takes up the same amount of disk space.
For more on the pitfalls:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3062728?tstart=0
Regards
TD

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

Single Referenced iPhoto Library or Multiple Managed Libraries

I have a huge iPhoto library and I do very little editing. The library is on a firewire drive connected to an iMac. With iPhoto 11, the library has become sluggish (in addition to getting larger). I like to have all the photos in one library, but that seems to be the problem.
Having done some research, I am wondering whether it would be better to ignore the iPhoto file structure and make one complete "referenced library" or is it better to use iPhoto Buddy or iPhoto Library Manager to cut up the current library? Picasa may work faster, but I would like to stay in the Apple eco-system as long as possible. If one referenced library is the answer then how do you safely move the iPhoto Library files to the new file structure without corrupting the files and/or metadata?

Hi all. I am reading this post and thinking why would you want one huge library. I'm going through a nightmare right now with a corrupted massive library that houses my family's memories.
I had several time machine back ups. But it is only good as the data backed up. If corrupted then the backup has corrupted data. Garbage in, garbage out.
So I guess I'm asking. If you have 50k pics. Ranging, for example, from years 2005-2012. In all one library. When you open up iphoto to work with current pics, why stress it out to also bring in 5 years of pics that you probably almost never use.
Trust me. I love having all the pics at my disposal too.
But I've learned over the last two days that this seems like a huge risk.
If you have say 7 libraries ranging from 2005-2012. One of them gets corrupted. Only one gets corrupted ;)
The others are probably fine.
This whole rebuild and repair = totally worthless in my opinion. It not only didn't fix it, but it some now mysteriously added pics i previously deleted (like months ago)and rearranged other events. My library is totally shot. If I had several libraries I would be dealing with a disaster on a much smaller scale.
I also tried to rebuild with iPhoto library manager. Didn't work.
I'm a complete novice. But I'm sold on multiple libraries.
And for what it is worth, I spoke to a few apple senior techs. They told me they don't recommend libraries more than 40-50 gigs? Certainly not over 100 gigs.
Anyway I admit.... Part of me is also venting ;)

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.

Redirect referenced iphoto library??

I moved my iphoto library to an external drive because it was so large. (easy to do) Now Aperture can no longer refrence it. How do I redirect Aperture to look for the iPhoto library that now sits on an external drive.
I looked at "manage referenced images" page but not very intuitive to know what to do.

Steve - it's the iPhoto Library that's been moved, not the Aperture one.
In Aperture, select the images that have been 'lost' and navigate to File>Manage Referenced Images... There you should be able to navigate to the new location and reconnect the files.
Ian

IPhoto library size bloated by previews

I have worked through part of this issue in the iPhoto forum so now I just need a little clarity in the world of Aperture.
The issue was the old favourite - lack of HDD space on my retina MacBPro. I moved all the images to a referenced library - no issues there. But I found that the iPhoto library was still over 40GB. With help from the iPhoto forum I have found that the previews folder is the culprit.
I do not use iPhoto ever.
What I want to do is simply free up as much HDD space as I can. Do I really need the iPhoto previews if I am an Aperture user? Can I dispense with them and if so how?
Many thanks
Iain

Hi Léonie
Thanks for this. 37GB HDD space has been reclaimed!
A little extra research from your suggestion completed my revised workflow. I have not removed the new project previews option on the basis I work on the road with editing etc. SO in fact I keep the current project stored locally (not referenced) until edited etc. Then I'd manually delete the previews and update them to a lower sized image where required.
I have deleted all previews and updated those that are recent enough to warrant being able to share and sync.
How does that sound?
Thanks
Iain

Copied vs. Referenced iPhoto Library

I'm new to iPhoto, have two Canon cameras, 20D (DSLR) and SD850 (pocket Elph). I use Adobe Lightroom for my 20D photos and love it. But I use the SD850 for snaps everyday, carry it with me wherever I go and grab shots of life. For this I thought it might be faster easier to use iPhoto to manage my photos but didn't want to exclude the opportunity to use the same photos into Lightroom.
At first I wasn't aware of a "copied" vs. "referenced" mode. In fact to be frank, I think the definition of "copied" mode is counter-intuitive... to me copied means leave the file where it was placed on the disk and copy it into the iPhoto catalog database. But I digress... So I was in copied mode by default. Apple doesn't exactly make the "referenced" mode easily discovered, the docs don't mention it that I could find. I finally found it in these forums.
So after a few sessions of using copied mode I switched to referenced and loaded one card session of about 20 images. I then opened the "package" and looked in the Originals folder. All the images were there, no aliases, and each image was about 3MB, indicating a full image, not an alias. This was true for all the pictures.
My questions:
1. Why does the referenced mode still copy the image files into the Original folder?
2. What are the upsides and downsides between the two methods? I've read a few threads and it sounds like using referenced mode isn't a good idea, too many things that can go wrong. So in my case how else could I use the copied mode and still use the photos in Lightroom?
3. Is it easy to Export images back out of iPhoto library? Do they come out as they went in (JPG) and with/out changes? metadata? captions? I'll assume it would be like starting over in Lightroom with each photo re-modifying the images for changes, re-captioning, etc.
As for why I don't use Lightroom for everything... I would except iPhoto is more compatible with iWeb for fast web postings, blogging, etc. and iPhone display. If only Lightroom could do more... maybe it will in 2.0.

1. Why does the referenced mode still copy the image files into the Original folder?
I don't know, but I would try trash the com.apple.iphoto.plist file from the home / library / preferences folder and reset things to the way you want them and test again.
2. What are the upsides and downsides between the two methods?
a. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
b. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them
c. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
Always allowing for personal preference, I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
Frankly, there are two issues using iPhoto and Lightroom. Both want to manage the files, and Lightroom adds metadata that can cause problems too. But most of all, neither application is aware of the other (unlike iPhoto and Aperture, for instance). Personally, I would go for one or the other.
3. Is it easy to Export images back out of iPhoto library? Do they come out as they went in (JPG) and with/out changes? metadata? captions? I'll assume it would be like starting over in Lightroom with each photo re-modifying the images for changes, re-captioning, etc.
Yes it is. If you want the Original file, just go File -> Export and under 'Kind' select 'Original'. If you want the changes or metadata you can export including those in the same dialogue.
If only Lightroom could do more... maybe it will in 2.0.
My own impression is that Adobe is trying to create a 'enclosed eco-system' for its' apps, where they are tightly integrated with each other and ignore the OS and others. You might like to explore Aperture 2.
Regards
TD

Aperture seeing changes to referenced iPhoto library

I am a newbie with Aperture 3 having used iPhoto for a couple of years. I have 3 or 4 older iPhoto libraries and a current iPhoto library. My wife uses the same iMac and likes iPhoto.
I have set up Aperture to reference all the iPhoto libraries.
My question is simple: what do I need to do to make sure Aperture is able to see any new photos that get imported to iPhoto by my wife? It doesn't seem to see the changes. Surely I don't need to re-import each time she adds a couple of shots?

I have set up Aperture to reference all the iPhoto libraries.
No you haven't, because Aperture is not able to do that. What you've done is set Aperture to import files while leaving them in their current location, which happens to be inside an existing iPhoto Library.
The only integration between Aperture and iPhoto is to assist you to migrate from iPhoto to the more powerful app. There is no dynamic relation between the two apps, iPhoto has no ability whatever to read the Aperture Library and what ability Aperture has towards the iPhoto one is designed for migration.
Specifically:
what do I need to do to make sure Aperture is able to see any new photos that get imported to iPhoto by my wife?
Nothing. There's nothing you can do.
It doesn't seem to see the changes.
See above.
Surely I don't need to re-import each time she adds a couple of shots?
Surely you do. File -> Import -> Show iPhoto Browser will allow you to bring over individual pics/ Events or Albums. However this will only work in Managed mode, the files will be copied to the Aperture Library.
Regards
TD

Why has my iPhoto Library become huge ?

Since I upgraded to iPhoto 11 the size of my library has tripled.
I have about 19,000 pics. Most are about a MB in size.
How could my library be 72 GB?
If I recall correctly it was about 20 GB before the upgrade.
Thanks, Eli

I did a standard upgrade from the previous version of iPhoto.
I ran a scan with Grand Perspective to get a better idea of the package contents of the iphoto library.
One of the things that stuck out was the iPod photo cache which is 16GB.
(We sync two iPhones with this iMac)

Best way to export iPhoto library?

Hey folks,
I was wondering what is the best way to export all the master/unedited images I have in my iPhoto 11' collection just to have it all in the Photos folder. I would like to start making the move to Lightroom 4 and give it a test drive. It would be nice to keep the organizational structure that I have going on now in iPhoto with my events. Can any one help? If Lightroom doesnt work out for me, I would want to make a referenced iPhoto Library and keep the images in the photos folder. Thanks for the help.

Have a look at my first post on this thread, which predates that export option in iPhoto, that pretty much deals with the issue with older versions. One of those options is free.
I'm just kind of irked by the idea that you should treat folders and files on your own computer as untouchable.
There are a couple of ways to look at this.
One: they're not at all untouchable. You have described perfectly how you might touch them. What we're saying is that touching them in that way may cause you dataloss, but if you want to do that, knock yourself out . But know the risks you're running. Look at it this way: there's no reason you have to use the doors on your car. You can jump through the sunroof, but don't be surprised if you hurt yourself on the gearstick.
Two: If you're the kind of person who really needs to visit with your files and folders for some reason, then run a referenced library. It makes for more work, adds zero extra capability and is likely to store up issues for the inexperienced user, but it's quite possible. For more about how, and the pitfalls:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3062728?tstart=0
Three: The bigger issue here is that you're going to have problems in the future. The files/folders metaphor is going away in computing now. Everything - even text editors - are becoming databases. The files are just dumb storage, the important part is the data - the actual photos. iPhoto is about the data, not the files. The Finder is about files.
These two user tips explain this is more detail:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4491
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4921
Regards
TD

BUG: iPhoto 9 Slideshow - Text Slide Bugs and iPhoto Library Corruption

I was wondering if anyone else has run into the following issues:
I have had multiple issues with iPhoto crashing, stop responding, and database corruption where I cannot open iPhoto. These issues all began when I tried to use the new themed slideshow in iPhoto v9.1. Previously, I had only used iPhoto to create basic slideshows with iPhoto v7.x. I was hoping that I would be able to create my masterpiece in iPhoto 11 (v9.1) but I have only been frustrated by my attempts so far.
What should have been a 3 - 4 hour operation has become a 20 hour nightmare and I still don't have a slideshow to show for my efforts. This has been one of my most disappointing uses of Apple software ever.
Repeatable, reproducible bugs that I have run into include:
1. Deleting a photo that appears in the timeline before a sub-title causes havoc with subsequent sub-titles (a.k.a. Text Slides). Subsequent subtitles are randomly copied to pictures following the one it was assigned to. Further, there is no subtitle icon in the timeline and the photos have to be manually modified to eliminate the subtitle. Work around is click the "Text Slide" button
2. Zooming and/or image placement is not preserved and not visible when previewed, exported, or iPhoto is closed and then reopened.
3. The iPhoto Library becomes corrupt and permissions problems prevent me from working with my photos. This happens while working on slideshow. I have had to rebuild my library and repair permissions no less than five times since I started working on my slideshow.

iPhoto's slideshow feature is fine but no tool for a "masterpiece".
Alternatives to iPhoto's slideshow include:
iMovie, on every Mac sold, as is iDVD.
Others, in order of price:
PhotoPresenter $29
PhotoToMovie $49.95
PulpMotion $129
FotoMagico $29 (Home version) ($149 Pro version, which includes PhotoPresenter)
Final Cut Express $199
It's difficult to compare these apps. They have differences in capability - some are driven off templates. some aren't. Some have a wider variety of transitions. Others will have excellent audio controls. It's worth checking them out to see what meets your needs.
However, there is no doubt that Final Cut Express is the most capable app of them all. You get what you pay for.
Regards
TD

Iphoto library edit with Aperture

can I edit my iphoto library in Aperture 3? If I am using Aperture and viewing at my referenced iPhoto library and delete a photo from the iPhoto library, will that photo be deleted, or in the trash, when I open up iPhoto?

can I edit my iphoto library in Aperture 3?
No, but you can damage it.
If I am using Aperture and viewing at my referenced iPhoto library and delete a photo from the iPhoto library, will that photo be deleted, or in the trash, when I open up iPhoto?
Depends. If you don't delete the master then iPhoto will be unchanged. If you do then you'll trash the iPhoto Library
Aperture and iPhoto are entirely different applications that work in very different ways.
The only communication between the two is as follows:
Aperture is able to parse the iPhoto Library to allow it to import the contents while stacking the Originals and Modified versions, preserving metadata and so forth.
Aperture can share its Previews with the iLife apps, including iPhoto.
That's it.
So, specifically, what interaction there is between the two is designed to facilitate migration from iPhoto to the more powerful app. After that, iPhoto has exactly the same relationship to the Aperture Library as, say, Pages or iMovie.

Elements 11 overides iphoto library

When I loaded elements 11 for mac on my macbook pro I can no longer access my pictures thru iphoto without using the opt/comm click method on the iphoto icon and the iphoto library is now empty and and Adobe has them all. What happened? - Diana

You'll have to describe what's happening in more detail. PSE never automatically imports anything from iphoto unless you told it to. Were you using a referenced iphoto library, by any chance? There is absolutely no way that PSE would empty the iphoto library. Even the "from iPhoto" command makes duplicates, specifically to avoid ever writing into the iphoto library.
Did you ever use File>Open in any program recently and point it to your iphoto library?

I was trying to move iphoto library to my external hardrive, realised it was incompatible with Mac. The iphoto will not open now, message is "Iphoto library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable". I have read other posts.

Hi,
I was trying to save a copy of my iphoto library by copying images to my external harddrive. I wasn't sure how to do it, realised the hard drive is not compatible. Now the iphoto library wont open and reads "iphoto library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable".
I have tried to use options command and click on iphoto then rebuild yet nothing happens and same error message occurs.
I have gone to my personal drive, desktop, iphoto library, and found file Albumdata.xml and when i click on it, there is a lot of text in it, i am assuming these are all my photos.
I have tried clicking and dragging this file to iphoto app and it doesn't work, as the same error comes up in iphoto being in use or unreadable....
What am I meant to do with albumdata.xml file and how do I reopen Iphoto from here on in?
Please help as I am not technically minded and still trying to understand how to use the Macbook at all as I am used to Microsoft.
Thank you very much,
KS

Rule Number One - NEVER go directly uinto the iPhoto library - there are no user servicable parts in it and making any change no matter how small can corrupt your library and cause data or photo loss
Exactly how were you trying to save a copy of your iPhoto library?
Albumdata.xml does not contain your photos - and again NEVER make any changes to the content of the iPhoto library - no dragging - no changes - never go into the library
We need to know exactly what you did
And probalby the easiest solution is to load your backup from before you messed things up
For reference after you get things working
Moving the iPhoto library is safe and simple - quit iPhoto and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive - depress the option key and launch iPhoto using the "select library" option to point to the new location on the external drive - fully test it and then trash the old library on the internal drive (test one more time prior to emptying the trash)
And be sure that the External drive is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) (iPhoto does not work with drives with other formats) and that it is always available prior to launching iPhoto
And backup soon and often - having your iPhoto library on an external drive is not a backup and if you are using Time Machine you need to check and be sure that TM is backing up your external drive
LN

"Referenced" iPhoto Library becoming bloated...?

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