Referenced vs. managed Library

My goal for iPhoto 6 was to organize my 12k + digital photos already in folders on my hard drive. I'm currently using Adobe Bridge and have never been pleased with it. I did NOT want duplicate photo files in the iPhoto 6 Library. After reading the "iPhoto 6 Missing Manual" by Pogue & Story I proceeded as follows:
First I went into Preferences - Advanced - and UN-checked "Copy Files to iPhoto Library folder when adding to library".
Then I dragged and dropped my picture folders from "Finder" into the "Source" column in iPhoto to create "albums"
Despite following what I thought was the proper procedure, ALL my pictures are now duplicated in the "Library" - just what I DIDN'T want.
So, what did I do wrong?
And how do I fix the iPhoto Library and Albums to merely reference the actual photo files on my hard drive. Should I delete the duplicate photo folders from my hard drive in Finder or iPhoto Library? What is the safest way to proceed?
Thanks in advance,
Steve in AZ

Steve
When you work with a referenced library iPhoto creates an alias in the Originals Folder that points to the file in your own folder system. Are you sure they're not aliases in there? iPhoto will also make a tiny thumbnail (in the Data folder) and if you modify pics, a version in the Modified folder.
You need to be aware of a number of potential pitfalls using this system.
1. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
2. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them
3. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
Always allowing for personal preference, I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
If disk space is an issue, you can run an entire iPhoto Library from an external disk:
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library as an entity from your Pictures Folder to the External Disk.
3. Hold down the option (or alt) key while launching iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and navigate to the new location. From that point on this will be the default location of your library.
4. Test the library and when you're sure all is well, trash the one on your internal HD to free up space.
If you're concerned about finding the files, that can be easily done from the iPhoto Window.
There are three ways (at least) to get files from the iPhoto Window.
1. *Drag and Drop*: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
2. *File -> Export*: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.
3. *Show File*: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.
To upload to MySpace or any site that does not have an iPhoto Export Plug-in the recommended way is to Select the Pic in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export and export the pic to the desktop, then upload from there. After the upload you can trash the pic on the desktop. It's only a copy and your original is safe in iPhoto.
This is also true for emailing with Web-based services. If you're using Gmail you can use THIS
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.
If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser. Or, if you want to access the files with iPhoto not running, then create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use THIS
Also, for 10.5 users: If you use the extended Open or Attach dialogue (with Column View) you can scroll to the bottom of the Shortcuts and find the Media browser there. Select any pic you want from there.
Your choice, obviously, but best to be aware of all the ramifications. By all means post back if you require more info.
Regards
TD

Similar Messages

  • Changing from "referenced" to "managed" library

    I usually shoot RAW, so I didn't want an 80Gb iPhoto library, especially since I use Adobe Lightroom (far superior). I have however, started using iPhoto to keep track of a small library of JPGs exported from Lightroom (and stored on an external HDD) for use in iWeb. I am preparing to reorganize my hard drive and would like to move the files on the external to my internal. Of course, iPhoto only has shortcuts to the files, which is the behavior I want to undo. Ideas?
    One question: Can I manually replace the aliases with the original files by copying them into the package?
    If there's an easier way, I'd prefer it, but this solution would suffice in a pinch.

    Which folder are you dragging onto the app's icon? You have to open the iPhoto Library, open the Originals folder and drag the individual sub folders onto AliasHerder.
    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.≤br>
    Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

  • Managed library size vs images plus referenced library

    I have referenced library 18,1Gb and 109,7Gb image folder (all of them in Aperture). If I like to move to managed library, is it bigger or smaller than 128Gb (18+110) and if it is, is the difference significant? Do anyone know that?

    Today a Managed-Masters Library for you would be about six times as big as your current Library, meaning six times larger Vaults and/or Library copies that take longer to create. And a Managed-Masters Library would keep growing and slowing the drive it lived on.
    If currently your Referenced-Masters Library and the Masters are on the same drive maybe now is a good time to move the Masters to an external drive to maintain the speed of the internal drive with the Library on it. Or if you have lots of space leave Masters where they are until the drive gets about half full.
    -Allen

  • Aperture - Converting Managed Library to Referenced Library?

    I goofed. I've been using Aperture for a while, and I now realize that by importing my image files directly into my Aperture library on my 1TB iMac hard drive, this managed library is now 430GB... I need to streamline. I understand (now) the benefit of using reference libraries wherein the image files themselves are stored elsewhere (I have a 3TB external USB drive) and the Aperture library accesses/utilizes the files from that location. The big question - how do I convert my current managed library to that referenced library model? If I copy my entire 430GB Aperture library folder from the iMac hard drive 'Pictures' folder over to the 3TB external drive, it's still a managed library in that new external drive location but now with USB access times added to the Aperture work flow... correct?
    I'm assuming I need to somehow 'export' my image files to the 3TB external drive, and then tell Aperture to build a reference library off of those image files - correct? If so, is there an specific way to do this? Also, if I create a referenced library as described above, I assume that in the future I will need to import image files from my camera to the 3TB external drive outside of Aperture, and then use Aperture to import them from that 3TB drive into the Aperture reference library via Aperture 'Import'... correct?
    Thanks in advance for any insight here.

    It's all a lot easier than you expect.
    Libraries are neither managed nor referenced, they are just libraries. It's the images within the libraries that can be either managed (stored with the library) or referenced (stored external to it). So within a single library you can have a combination of both (if you have a reason to).
    But the simple answer to your question is, select all your photos, and from the file menu choose "Relocate Originals". It will prompt you for where to store them. Create a folder on your external (eg "Masters" or "Originals") and chose a folder structure to store them in (I use the project name for subfolders - but more complex options can be created using 'edit'). Press relocate button and go have a well earned beer while it relocates them for you.
    Andy

  • IPhoto Managed Library and Referenced Library. What is the difference?

    In a reply regarding iphoto TD mentions managed library and referenced library. What is the difference and how do you set them up?

    A Managed Library is the default setting, photos are copied into the iPhoto Library on import. In this scenario, iPhoto is responsible for the file management.
    A Referenced Library means that iPhoto does not touch the files when you import them. They remain where they were and iPhoto References them in their location.
    Simply go to iPhoto Menu -> Preferences -> Advanced and uncheck 'Copy Files to the iPhoto Library on Import'.
    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.
    However, you need to be aware of a number of potential pitfalls using this system.
    1. Import and deleting pics are more complex procedures
    2. You cannot move or rename the files on your system or iPhoto will lose track of them on systems prior to 10.5 and iPhoto 08. Even with the later versions issues can still arise if you move the referenced files to new volumes or between volumes.
    3. Most importantly, migrating to a new disk or computer can be much more complex.
    Always allowing for personal preference, I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organisers.
    If disk space is an issue, you can run an entire iPhoto Library from an external disk:
    1. Quit iPhoto
    2. Copy the iPhoto Library as an entity from your Pictures Folder to the External Disk.
    3. Hold down the option (or alt) key while launching iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and navigate to the new location. From that point on this will be the default location of your library.
    4. Test the library and when you're sure all is well, trash the one on your internal HD to free up space.
    If you're concerned about accessing the files, There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
    *For Users of 10.5 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.
    *For working with an External Editor*
    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.
    Lots of folks are attracted to the idea of a Referenced Library - well I can see my files! But, frankly, unless you're an experienced Mac user I would stay well away. Not infrequently we see folks here complaining that iPhoto has "lost their photos" when what has happened is that they have imported from the Camera Card in Referenced Mode, then erased the card. Even more common, any change in the path the the file - renaming a disk, folder or file - for instance when migrating to a new machine, when trying to make space on the start up disk by moving files off the an external - also causes big problems.
    If you really, really want to run a Referenced Library check out Aperture. It has tools that are much stonger in the area - like migrating tools and reconnecting tools.
    Regards
    TD

  • Question related to use of a managed library in iPhoto11

    Question 1 - A family member decided to place folders with photos on the desktop. I want to import those photos and delete those folders from the desktop? Will the photos be properly transferred and stored in iPhoto 11?
    Question 2- The photos were placed on the desktop for external transfer via email, drop box etc. Can this be done within iPhoto 11 instead of locating photos external to the software?

    1. If you're running a managed library, yes.
    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. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) 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.
    2.For help accessing your photos in iPhoto see this user tip:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4491
    3. For more on iPhoto and file management see this User Tip:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6361

  • IPhoto vs Picasa - Referenced vs Managed

    I want to use one of these 2 sw tools for managing our iPhone photos.
    My jpg folder container has 6 GB of photos.
    When I import these photos in iPhoto as a managed library - resulting library weighs in at around 13.31 - so twice as much as original raw Jpeg folder.
    When Picasa scan this folder - it doesnt change it's size.
    When I create new library as a referenced Library - what happens is the new lib file weighs in at 6+GB - so again it copied full raw jpg files, and added thumbnails on top of it.
    So the question I have - will iPhoto be unusable after the DB is corrupted and referenced links are broken - even though the referenced files are already in the iPhoto Library per se ?
    Someone will ask me what I tried to achieve - I wanted to keep using iPhoto for syncing albums to our iDevices. I thought I could do this while not doubling source of jpgs.
    I also like the way slide show are presented and ease of use while ordering stuff from iPhoto.
    OTOH I like how picasa handles management - it has albums as virtual management tool, while not touching your folder structure - in this case the structure is simple:
    iPhonePhotos/YearRecorded
    I also found out i can import photos through image capture into 2014 folder and then reimport same folder into iPhoto (in referenced mode). Only new photos are recognized and added, and then this event can be manually merged with old 2014 folder.
    It's a bit longer process but it's fairly easy.

    Use the one you like. It really doesn't matter which is "better" it will bring you no joy if you don't like using it.
    Don't use iPhoto in referenced mode - you're only storing up issues for further down the road.
    For more on iPhoto and file management see this User Tip:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6361
    As to the size of the Library: my guess is that your jpegs have exif display tags. iPhoto reads the tags and produces a Preview of the image for sharing purposes. One of the big differences between the two apps is the OS integration.

  • Referenced vs managed VS. file locations

    I've always used referenced files; now keeping the AP library on the local disk and the referenced image files on an external FW800, 7200rpm 16MB cache drive. (I think there was a time when even the library was on an external drive - using a previous version of AP.)
    I recently read in one post that you should really keep the library on the local drive, not an external (something about it being safer to do so). And if referencing files, you can put them on an external HD.
    If this is true and one were to use a managed file system, does that mean the library (which includes the images) should always reside on a local drive? The user guide indicates how to move the library to another drive, but must it always be "in" the mac and not on an external drive?

    pvonk wrote:
    Yes to OWC - I've purchased a four of these in the past year (FW, not eSATA) and like them so far.
    With inspiration from another post, I've decide to abandon the referenced library in favor of the following strategy:
    Copy files from the photo card (using ImageIngesterPro) to an external FW800/7200 OWC drive. Then import into AP managed library on the internal 7200 drive, keeping the OWC as a backup of the originals. The OWC is backed up using Chronosync to another OWC FW800 external. The vaults are also made to that OWC. So I have originals on one drive, library on local drive, and vault on another external. In addition, I use Time machine on yet another home drive and a second at work. Plus I use CrashPlan for another backup of the internal. (I'm a safety kind of guy.)
    You might say I'm over protective on the backups, but, ignoring these, my workflow is
    card -> external --(import)-->local managed library.
    I will eventually try using the local drive next for a project.

  • Referenced vs Managed, Fragmentation etc

    There are two hugely helpful (and huge!) posts in this forum on the subject of fragmentation and whether to use referenced or managed images. Many thanks to Kevin Doyle in particular for his erudite discussion of the topics. However, much of what he says applies to heavy pro users and I am left a tad confused over what might be the best strategy for a light user such as myself.
    Most (80%) of my photography is done on film (usually rangefinders and usually medium format 6x7) and then scanned in on an Epson flatbed, each image tends to be 50-75 MB but I do have some that are 150MB+. Currently, I have around 2,000 files in Aperture, which gives me a Library of around 24GB. Very small beer compared to most of you guys.
    I built my Aperture 3 library from scratch (GPS off, Faces off) and so far it has performed reasonably well - not screamingly fast but no sudden hangs or crashes either. However, having read the two recent mega-posts on this issue, I am wondering how best to proceed and I'm keen to adopt best practice now rather than to unlearn bad habits a few months down the line. My workflow is still evolving but for now I scan onto my laptop hard disk, use PS Elements to remove any dust or scratches (but no other changes) and then import into Aperture as a managed image (ie a "Master" image that is OK at the pixel-level). I then use Aperture to make any further changes (levels, curves, convert to B&W etc).
    So far so average. My Aperture Library is still in my laptop Pictures folder - the default Apple location (I know, I know..) with a backup on my Time Capsule and a Vault on a LaCie portable hard disk (not quite enough backups, I realise that).
    So my question is, am I such a small user that I should go back to not worrying about all this, or should I change the way I work? I am tempted to move to a system in which I have an external hard drive, partitioned so that a portion (50-100GB?)is set aside for the Aperture Library using referenced Masters and the remainder set aside for the Masters themselves, and then clone that hard disk as a backup. Or is that overkill and would it be OK to keep the Library on my internal hard drive?
    Thanks in advance
    Ian

    I recently converted our ~50,000 image 400Gb Aperture library to referenced from managed. Using the relocate masters function it was very easy to do and not horrendously time consuming. In your situation I wouldn't worry about converting to referenced in the future if needed, it is pretty easy to convert the library either way.
    One thing you could do with you only having a small managed library is duplicate it onto a new partition of your internal drive, and then relocate the masters to an external, thereby converting it to referenced, and see if you notice any speed improvement. It won't take long to do, and for you the results would be real world. The small referenced library you'll end up with would be quick to defrag by moving it off the partition and then back on again. If it works you can keep it that way, if not delete it.
    Message was edited by: Shuttleworth125
    Message was edited by: Shuttleworth125

  • Referenced Vs. Managed work with Photoshop editing

    How Referenced Vs. Managed work with Photoshop editing
    1) My photos are saved on a local hard drive
    2) IF, When editing with Photoshop i like to save over the original since i never like the original to begin with.
    3) Any I make other light changes like filters I do not save over the original.
    Where do the Photoshop edit versions go.  i tried playing with just one Folder. Imported one folder as managed and one as referenced..... and can't find the edited version? Am I saving it wrong? I tried TIFF I tried Jpeg…..
    Also when i imported the folder as a managed file i still saw the original folder under "pictures" does that mean it's on my hard drive twice, once in Pictures and once in the Aperture Library? That would take up too much space.
    Thanks in advance, Orly

    DocOrly wrote:
    Got it. Thanks!
    I just wish i could figure out the Photoshop part.....
    I want to continue using it while i am learning Aperture..... But the copies desapear POOF. It only reflects if I work in Managed and Save it as "Replace".
    The option to 'Replace' sounds like you are using Photoshop Elements?
    I run the full version of Photoshop (which doesn't have a 'Replace' command), so I don't know the full extent of the saving options of PS Elements. I do know there are a few preference options for importing and saving which can change the behavior so you might check with the PS Elements help system if that is what you are running.
    Also, you might check the thread linked below for some tips:
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/20310393#20310393
    Note - with the full version of Photoshop (I use CS6); the process is as William specified where one needs to use the 'Save' command to save the file directly back to Aperture to reflect the edits. There is also an Apple provided tip here:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5128
    Hope this helps.

  • Referenced or Managed?

    I'm sure this topic has been discussed much before but I'm asking in relation to Aperture 3 and my older Intel laptop specifically.
    I've got a rather large library and I'm trying to decide whether to keep it as a managed library or create a new referenced library. The kicker is it's running on a Drobo system and right now as a managed library and it's starting to show signs of being pretty sluggish and I've got a LOT of stuff to add still. For the time being I'll still be on an older Intel laptop with just 2gb of RAM until I can get my dream desktop rig this summer.
    With all that being said should I keep it as a managed library or would a referenced library give me any performance boost?
    Another reason a referenced library sounds good is being Spotlight searchable unlike a managed library that isn't, unless this has changed.....has it?

    Aperture does not use XMP to store adjustments - in fact it only produces XMP for other apps if you want it to. If you question is will Aperture keep all the adjustments and metadata exactly like before if you reference you masters the answer is yes. Just use relocate masters on any selection of images to put the masters wherever you want to.
    There is a bunch of file management stuff here;
    [http://photo.rwboyer.com]
    RB

  • Referenced and managed files

    I know this is a topic with a wealth of discussions but my search doesn't seem to bring up what I'm looking for.  Can anyone direct me to previous discussions or other web sites that deal with the whole topic of referenced vs. managed files?  Is there a good book to pick up for that?  I want to have Aperture access my photos from an external drive (for freeing up hard drive space) and I need to better understand how to do that.  Yet it sounds like I should be keeping it in Aperture as well via some sort of compressed file (managed?)  Basically assume I know nothing and want to understand the ins and outs of referenced/managed masters.
    Thanks,
    Steve Hadeen

    Hi Steve.
    It's hard to understand -- but not _that_ hard  .  A book is not required.  See if this short description helps.
    Be careful (and specific) with your nomenclature -- it will keep you from getting mired in the bogs of confusion that rim our sun-lit plateau.  Your camera creates files.  You import files into Aperture.  On import, Aperture puts that file somewhere, and thereafter refers to it as a Master.  The Master is never altered.  You control where Aperture puts it (and you can have Aperture move it at any time).  What you see in Aperture is an Image.  Every Image has a Version and a Master.  The Version is a text file containing instructions on how to vary the Master to produce the Image.  The Version of the first Image created by Aperture when it imports a file is essentially null (it contains no information).  When you create a new Version, Aperture names it "Version 2".  (The confusion here is that Aperture encourages the user to call Images "Versions".  This is a bit of a devil's bargain: it helps the casual user, but confuses the careful user.)  You can see the Master of any Image displayed in the Viewer at any time by typing "m" (it triggers the Image/Master toggle).
    All you need to do is have Aperture move some or all of your Masters to your external drive.  Note that you can easily, at any time, convert Masters from Managed to Referenced and vice versa.  Note too that backing up your Library does not back up any Referenced Masters.  You must back up Referenced Masters in addition to backing up your Library.
    Message was edited by: Kirby Krieger -- minor clarification.

  • Managed Library

    This is copied from a post back in 2009
    1. Do I now have two copies of the original photos I copied into the folders first--the one I copied and one created by iPhoto?
    Assuming that you have a Managed Library, yes.
    If you're running a Managed library, then it's the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing. Simple Check: Select a pic in the iPhoto Window and right click on it. From the resulting menu select 'Show File (or 'Show Original File' if that's available). A Finder Window will open with the file selected. In the Finder you can track back to the location of the photo. If it's Managed it will be inside the iPhoto Library.
    *Every answer from here assumes you have a Managed Library*. If you haven't, by all means post back.
    I don't get how to see if it's a managed library--I did all the steps and got to the finder, then clicked the back button and it just went to the window with the HD icon and Network icon. Does that mean it isn't a managed library? How do I make it one? I want to be able to delete all of my files of pictures that are already imported to iPhoto (from documents, and downloads, etc.) but I don't want to lose them if they're not safe in iPhoto.
    I hope this makes sense, I'm confusing myself. Thank you

    This shows the difference between managed and referenced as far as iPhoto's preferences are concerned:
    If you have a managed library then you can delete the source photos that you imported into it. And managed means iPhoto takes care of all house cleaning when you delete photos, move them around, etc.  There's nothing you need to do outside of iPhoto when running a managed library.  And, as Larry suggested, it's not recommended.
    OT

  • Managed library equivalent in lightroom

    I was considering moving from Aperture to Lightroom (and even got a licence for it).
    I might revert my decision because I did not find a way to manage my files that is as practical as the managed library of  Aperture.
    Most of my pictures are offline, and on different HDs.
    I have various backup of my pictures, in different places, so I need to be able to easily reconnect them to my master library.
    Aperture libraries (the equivalent of the catalog in lightroom) have a  structure that does not change.
    I can simply simply locate files and reconnect them to the library. The library looks the same regardless where the files are.
    In lightroom, if I connect images from a different HD, the files are moved under a different HD tree.
    The structure of the library is lost and split under various HD headings.
    This is very inconvenient for me, because then the catalogue structure changes and things get very messy very quickly.
    Is there any way to avoid this?
    Can I have one structure in a master catalog and be able reconnect files to it without changing it?
    Thanks for any advice on this. I would like to use lightroom, but if I cannot sort this issue out I will give up on it. :-(
    Best
    Silva

    SilvaFer wrote:
    This is all very useful, thanks. I will experiment with collections.
    If I understand well, a good routine could be:
    1) import files normally, creating a new folder
    2) drag this folder in collections, to create a new collection that correspond to the folder imported
    3) when the collection is created, I can ignore the folders and work through collections.
    Yes, that is the shortest possible workflow for this.
    I would like to select multiple pics in a collection and locate referenced files for all of them at once.
    However it appears that I have 2 options, but none ideal
    1) reconnect  pictures from a collection. The locate menu appears when I click the "?" in an individual picture, but I cannot find it for a selection of multiple pictures. It is true that when i click "?" for one picture I am also asked if I want to "locate nearby missing photos", but I would like to retain control of what pictures I select and reconnect... and I am not sure what "nearby missing photos" really means
    2) I can revert to the  folder structure: go to the corresponding folder, use the command "find the missing folder" and link pics to a different HD from there. But I would love to avoid the extra step of going back to folders, and just stick to collections.
    I would do a short variation of 2): right-click on the image indicated as missing in the collection, and choose "Go to Folder in Library". This will navigate you into the folder without you manually searching it.
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