Sharing iphoto library with all accounts

hi, i've only had my intel imac for a month or two and i love it. the iphoto application is especially fun and useful for a family like us with lots of pictures, but there is one problem i'm having: there are 2 admin accounts on this mac, one for me and one for my dad. i'm the only person who has time to use iphoto and all of our pictures and slideshows are on my account. so if my dad wants to see the pictures or slideshows, he can't from his own account. is there a way to make this a sort of joint-application or perhaps another solution?

asli:
There are several ways to share a library with all users on the Mac. However there is one way which I use that lets each user have their own unique library of the same source files but are able to make their own edits, slideshow, etc. that are unique to their account and library.
This method involves you placing each new batch of photos in a new folder, aptly titled (I use the date of the shoot and a brief description like "01/18/05-Europe Trip") and place in a folder in the Shared folder on your Mac. Then each user creates a new library using iPhoto 6's alias mode (See the Advanced preference section of iPhoto's preferences). That way each library only imports alias files for each photo and not a full sized version. Then when a user edits a photos the edited version is saved in that library and the source files are not touched.
A couple of caveats are you must always place new photos in their own folder in the Shared folder. Each user can then move their version to new rolls or whatever. That's needed so each user can tell which ones are new. The other caveat is that if a user deletes a photo from their library it is only deleted from that library. Again the source files are untouched. The only way to delete a source file is thru the Finder.
I've created some Tutorials to assist users in converting over to an alias based system. Good luck.

Similar Messages

How to automatically sync a shared itunes library between all accounts?

Hi Guys
I have my itunes library on a separate drive in my desktop computer. My account points on this desktop to this library. I have another account on my laptop, set to automount this drive. iTunes on the laptop points to this library also. Both have admin rights to the iTunes library drive. I can add music or files from either account.
In order to sync what each account sees in iTunes, the iTunes Library file and the xml file in each accounts' iTunes folder needs to be the same in both accounts.
This is a pain whenever I have added to the library, eg downloaded a podcast, or ripped a CD. I know I can either manually drag the added files into the window of the iTunes that needs updating, or I can copy the iTunes Library file and the xml file from the most recently modified iTunes, or I can export the added playlist from the newer iTunes then add it to the older iTunes. All of these manual methods are not ideal.
Now, my question is, has anyone achieved an automated way of doing this with the minimum degree of fuss? I'm thinking along the lines of Automator perhaps, or using a backup program on either computer to sync the library files say every night. Or is there another way. Or is my method of sharing one library not the best way. (I know I can use iTunes sharing, but it means I can't modify the library from all accounts.)
Any comments?
Thanks
Michael

have you done a consolidate in iTunes?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93195
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301748
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesMac/5.0/en/670.html

How can you share a iPhoto library with another account user

I have recently seen the light and swapped from Windows to my lovely new iMac. However I am rather confused how I can configure my iPhoto library so my wife can view the same library in her account on the same machine (this was a simple thing within Windows, using shared folders). Am I missing something or do I have to duplicate the same library and place into my wife's account and then update each time we upload some photo's? Please help!

This may not be the "neatest" solution possible, but it's one that works. Just as iPhoto makes it easy to share photos between computers on the same network, you can also share photos between accounts on the same computer; but you'll have to be logged in with iPhoto running.
1) Configure iPhoto in your account for photo sharing (from iPhoto, select Preferences > Sharing> Share my photos).
2) Enable fast user switching from System Preferences > Accounts > Login Options. This is the key to the process, which will allow you to remain logged in while your wife is also logged in. It's also a very handy feature if you and your wife use the computer a lot from your own accounts.
3) Enable "Personal File Sharing" and "Remote Apple Events" from System Preferences > Sharing > Services. [I had already done this step, so I'm not sure if it's strictly necessary]
4) With iPhoto up and running in your account, use Fast User Switching to log into your wife's account (ie, you remain logged-in). [The Fast User Switching menu will be in the upper right of the main menu bar.]
5) From her iPhoto preferences, select Sharing > "Look for shared photos" if it's not already switched on.
Your photos will magically appear in the left hand column of your wife's iPhoto application using the name you designated in your copy of iPhoto.
Caveats: performance is not very good, you must be logged in and have iPhoto running, HP printers (if you have one) don't work well with fast user switching
Other solutions might be possible by "drilling a hole" into your account by altering the Unix permissions. I've used this technique to make my iTunes library available to other users on my machine. Such a solution would no doubt improve performance.
Finally, there are third-party products that allow you to manage multiple iPhoto libraries. I've never used these, but they might allow you to load the iPhoto library from another account assuming permissions are properly set.
Hope this is of some use; I'm sorry if it's a little more complicated than you might have expected.

Managing iPhoto Library with multiple accounts

I want to share my iphoto library with multiple user accounts on the same machine. Any suggestions how to do this so when new photos / events are added & created they are accessible to all?
Thank you.

I have another question, do you know anything about using the "referenced library" approach instead? Would this work better?
When you use a Referenced Library you are responsible for file management of your photos, not iPhoto. So when you say "work better", what do you mean?
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:
There are 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.
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.
Regards
TD

Sharing iPhoto Library with PCs on Same Network?

Hi,
I work in a rug showroom, and I love how easy it is to organize photos of our inventory in iPhoto. Most of our photos are high-res, so the built-in e-mail function is extremely useful. However, I'm the sole Mac in a showroom full of PCs, and I'm getting sick of having to do all of the e-mailing for everyone in the showroom. So, my questions are:
1. Is there a simple way to share my iPhoto library with the PCs on our network?
2. Is there an application for PC that is like (or just is) iPhoto that will allow me to share with a PC?
3. Is there a better solution? (Unfortunately, we're not getting any new computers...)
Thanks in advance for your help!

lahmadin
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
1. Is there a simple way to share my iPhoto library with the PCs on our network?
No, iPhoto has no such capability. You could try share the images from the iPhoto Library Folder but that could easily lead to your library being corrupted. I would not recommend it.
2. Is there an application for PC that is like (or just is) iPhoto that will allow me to share with a PC?
Google's Picasa is frequently mentioned a similar to iPhoto, but it doesn't have a Mac version.
3. Is there a better solution? (Unfortunately, we're not getting any new computers...)
What's your budget? Check out apps like iView or Extensis Portfolio
Regards
TD

Sharing iPhoto Library between Two Accounts

I've read many threads on this topic and have some limited understanding.
My situation is same as many others, I wish to have one person (me) to have full control over the library and like the other accounts on the iMac to have "read" privileges of the "master" iPhoto library only. But I would like them to be able to "copy" photos from the "Master" library to their own library for editing or using in class projects.
At the moment I moved the Library to the Shared Folder and enabled sharing. However I ran into the "Disk is locked" problem and the other accounts can't access the "Master" library in the "Shared Folder".
I looked at the "Media" account suggested by Terence Devlin but I think that means the other accounts will see the shared photos but can't use any of the iPhoto features such as viewing by Event.
Is there a way to setup iPhoto so each account can view both the "Master" library while inside iPhoto, with all the Sorting features working, and have their own local library setup where photos from the Master can be copied over and then manipulated?
Can this be done if setup on external hard drive?
If iPhoto can't do it, is there a third party software that allows this to be done? That is view/copy from Master library into local library?
Message was edited by: iMacaroon

I wish to have one person (me) to have full control over the library and like the other accounts on the iMac to have "read" privileges of the "master" iPhoto library only. But I would like them to be able to "copy" photos from the "Master" library to their own library for editing or using in class projects.
If you want the other user to be able to see the pics, but not add to, change or alter your library, then enable Sharing in your iPhoto (Preferences -> Sharing), leave iPhoto running and use Fast User Switching to open the other account. In that account, enable 'Look For Shared Libraries'. Your Library will appear in the other source pane.
Remember iPhoto must be running in both accounts for this to work. To use a photo in their own account they can simply drag the pic from the shared Library to their own inside the iPhoto Window.
I looked at the "Media" account suggested by Terence Devlin but I think that means the other accounts will see the shared photos but can't use any of the iPhoto features such as viewing by Event.
It doesn’t mean that. Viewers will be able to see the Events, Albums and so on. To use a photo in their own account they can simply drag the pic from the shared Library to their own inside the iPhoto Window.
If the other users have no ability to add or edit the Library there is no point whatever in using the Media Account.
Is there a way to setup iPhoto so each account can view both the "Master" library while inside iPhoto, with all the Sorting features working, and have their own local library setup where photos from the Master can be copied over and then manipulated?
See above.
Can this be done if setup on external hard drive?
This will allow users to manipulate the Library, so you won’t be the sole owner.
There are no third party apps that can share the Library.
Regards
TD

Sharing iPhoto library between 2 accounts

I share the same MacBook, which has now run out of HD space, with one other person. Each of us has their own iPhoto library when we really only need one master library that each of us can use. Is there a way to: 1) consolidate both libraries into one master library and, 2) allow both accounts to use that library to edit, change, etc. photos & videos from that library? Is it possible to have the library living on an external HD attached to an AEBS and still be accessible when needed? Finally, how does this impact on syncing photos with my iPhone? Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Is there a way to: 1) consolidate both libraries into one master library
Yes. You can use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager ($20) to do this. Or, if you have Aperture 3.3 and iPhoto 11 (v9.3) you can do it with Aperture.
2) allow both accounts to use that library to edit, change, etc. photos & videos from that library?
Yes, and the easiest way is to have it on an External Disk set to ignore file permissions. (See Below)
Is it possible to have the library living on an external HD attached to an AEBS and still be accessible when needed?
Yes but: Is this a wireless connection? If so, viewing will be fine. But if you're trying to edit the Library (that is, make albums, move photos around, keyword, make books or slideshows etc.) or edit individual photos in it via Wireless be very careful. Dropouts are a common fact of wireless networking, and should one occur while the app is writing to the database then your Library will be damaged. Simply, I would not do this with my Libraries.
It will work perfectly well with a wired connection.
Finally, how does this impact on syncing photos with my iPhone?
Not at all.
How to set up sharing:
For iPhoto 09 (version 8.0.2) and later:
What you mean by 'share'.
If you want the other user to be able to see the pics, but not add to, change or alter your library, then enable Sharing in your iPhoto (Preferences -> Sharing), leave iPhoto running and use Fast User Switching to open the other account. In that account, enable 'Look For Shared Libraries'. Your Library will appear in the other source pane.
Any user can drag a pic from the Shared Library to their own in the iPhoto Window.
Remember iPhoto must be running in both accounts for this to work.
If you want the other user to have the same access to the library as you: to be able to add, edit, organise, keyword etc.
Quit iPhoto in both accounts. Move the Library to the Users / Shared Folder (Note: we're seeing increasing reports of permissions issues with this set up)
(You can also use an external HD set to ignore permissions, a Disk Image or even partition your Hard Disk.)
In each account in turn: Double click on the Library to open it. (You may be asked to repair the Library Permissions.) From that point on, this will be the default library location. Both accounts will have full access to the library, in fact, both accounts will 'own' it.
However, there is a catch with this system and it is a significant one. iPhoto is not a multi-user app., it does not have the code to negotiate two users simultaneously writing to the database, and trying will cause db corruption. So only one user at a time, and back up, back up back up.

Sharing itunes library with all users on the same computer

I am trying to share the itunes library with 4 users on the same computer. Please tell me how.

I've been trying to find a way to do this easily as well. It would be good if you could set iTunes to use the "All User" documents folder instead of the My Documents folder for the storing the main library and just use the My Documents Folder for individual playlists.
Follow the instructions in the link provided by Mimico Kid.
** It is not important that the shared folder is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Music. It can be any shared folder on the PC. On mine it's H:\iTunes as I don't have the space on the C: drive.
When you've done that make sure that your Adminstrator account's copy of iTunes shows the Library, Playlists and Album art as you want the all the users to see them.
Then copy all of the remaining files from the Administrator Accounts iTunes folder into every other users iTunes folder.
** C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Documents\My Music\iTunes
If any user adds songs or modifies playlists the administrator will need to log on and copy the files from that users iTunes folder to everyone elses.
This might be a slightly cumbersome way around the problem but it works for me. It has the disadvantage or advantage whichever way you look at it that every User will see an identical view with identical playlists.

Can I share one iPhoto library with all the users in my iMac?

I moved the library to the shared folder and gave it 775 permissions but when I try opening it with the second users it asks if I want to fix permissions. I click OK and after a while it tells me it is locked... which kind of tells me I won't be able to share it but I wanted to confirm... Thank you.

No, you cannot share your photo library in a shared folder. That will give permission problems.
You need to move your iPhoto library to a disk volume or a disk partition where permissions are ignored.
See this support article: iPhoto: Sharing libraries among multiple users
-- Léonie
Have you considered to use iCloud Photo Sharing to let your family see selected photos?

Sharing iPhoto Library with Different Users on Same Mac

Surely what I'm trying to do is not that unusual!!?? I'm a new Apple User coming from the 'dark' PC side and was hoping Apple would be better.
Our family has a single Mac running Mavericks. My wife, children and I have our own logins but we'd like to use iPhoto to store our photos and share the same library. Has to be common......right?
I'm told if we try to share a photo library on the Mac it will cause problems and therefore two choices are:
1. Move the iPhoto library to an external drive or
2. Move the iPhoto library to a disk image.
I'm not sure about this disk image option but luckily(I thought) have both a 2TB Time Capsule and 3 TB WD MyBook Live Drive. I don't really use the MyBook Live and simply use 'Time Machine' to backup the Mac to the Time Capsule.
I thought the easiest way to resolve the iPhoto library problem was simply to put the library on the MyBook Live drive and then I thought I could simply get 'Time Machine' to backup the MyBook Live drive as well as the Mac. From what I can see, 'Time Machine' won't backup external drives.
Given my configuration and hardware can someone PLEASE suggest a good option. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible. :-)
Surely if Apple would simply allow the iPhoto library to be shared but only accessed by one User at a time it would make it dead simple.
Your earliest possible reply would be appreciated.
Thank you!!

Is that MyBook Live a NAS?
iPhoto needs to have the Library sitting on disk formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Users with the Library sitting on disks otherwise formatted regularly report issues including, but not limited to, importing, exporting, saving edits and sharing the photos.
See this article
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5168
for more. Note also the comment:
“Additionally, storing the iPhoto library on a network rather than locally on your computer can also lead to poor performance or data loss.”

Mixed environment - sharing iphoto library with pc to sync to iPhone?

I have a MacBookPro and my wife has an XP desktop computer. We both have iPhone 3Gs, and I keep all of our photos in iPhoto. She's a bit jealous that I can easily sync our pictures to my phone and wants to do the same from her PC.
Is there anything that will do this. Even just to get the photos to the PC easily to then sync to the phone? If I tried to put the iPhoto library on our network would she be able to see it/access it from her XP machine?
Help!!
Jim

Well the righteous thing to do is get your wife a nice Mac desktop computer. Christmas is just around the corner. Otherwise the next best solution would be to let your wife peruse your iPhoto library on your computer to select and export those photos she wants to add to her iPhone. Then transfer them to her machine where she can use iTunes to sync to the phone.
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. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. 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.
Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

I ACCIDENTLY DELETED MY IPHOTO LIBRARY WITH ALL MY PICTURES!!

I was going through my pictures folder and was deleting things I didnt want and I guess I highlighted the iphoto library threw it into the trash and then emptied the trash! PLEASE HELP! I HAD SO MANY MEMORIES IN THERE!! I can afford a recovery program either. PLEASE HELP!! Thank You

Welcome to the Apple Discussions. You can use SubrosaSoft FileSalvage to recover deleted files from your HD. It will let you run it in the demo mode to see what files it can recover before you have to pay for it.
It might be time to construct a backup strategy to protect from future file loss.
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.

Sharing iphoto library with windows computer

Hi. My husband has a windows laptop with an itty bitty hard drive, and not enough room to store photos.
I have all of our photos in iphoto on my Macbook Pro.
Can I simply export my iphoto library to an external hard drive so that he can also access the photos? Or is there a better way?

I understand that that I can't just share my library.
I'm more looking for a way that my husband can access the photos. And, I guess, as a back up in case something were to happen to my laptop and for some unfathomable reason I chose not to get another Mac. (I already back up with Time Machine).
I have Mountain Lion. Do you know what my husband would need on his PC to use PhotoStream? Where are the photos stored on PhotoStream?

Sharing iPhoto library with Windows PC?

Is there any way (even using a 3rd party solution) to share an iPhoto library to Windows users, so they can browse pictures by albums? I used a Macbook Pro as my primary system, but my gf uses a Windows based PC. She likes to put together photo books, but it's a pain that the only way for her to get pictures is for me to copy them for her.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

No, iPhoto has no cross platform ability whatever. Attemting to access the Library from another OS can lead to a corrupted Library.
Regards
TD

Sharing iphoto library with different users

I have a new imac, set up different users for myself and my wife. We have been uploading our photos to iphoto on my account and evertime she would like to access them she has to log out and into my account.
Any way to share the library between users?

There is a bug in iPhoto 11 that prevents two users having the app opened at the same time, so Sharing using the preferences method is pretty much pointless until that's fixed.
That said:
For iPhoto 09 (version 8.0.2) and later:
What you mean by 'share'.
If you want the other user to be able to see the pics, but not add to, change or alter your library, then enable Sharing in your iPhoto (Preferences -> Sharing), leave iPhoto running and use Fast User Switching to open the other account. In that account, enable 'Look For Shared Libraries'. Your Library will appear in the other source pane.
Any user can drag a pic from the Shared Library to their own in the iPhoto Window.
Remember iPhoto must be running in both accounts for this to work.
If you want the other user to have the same access to the library as you: to be able to add, edit, organise, keyword etc.
Quit iPhoto in both accounts. Move the Library to the Users / Shared Folder
(You can also use an external HD set to ignore permissions, a Disk Image or even partition your Hard Disk.)
In each account in turn: Double click on the Library to open it. (You may be asked to repair the Library Permissions.) From that point on, this will be the default library location. Both accounts will have full access to the library, in fact, both accounts will 'own' it.
However, there is a catch with this system and it is a significant one. iPhoto is not a multi-user app., it does not have the code to negotiate two users simultaneously writing to the database, and trying will cause db corruption. So only one user at a time, and back up, back up back up.
Regards
TD

Sharing iphoto library with all accounts

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for