Should I merge my multiple iPhoto libraries into one?

I have used iPhoto to organize my photos since I started using a Mac in 2004. Back then, when iPhoto was at number "5" or perhaps even less, I found it more convenient to divide my library into several libraries, one for each calendar year, since, as I recall, iPhoto didn't yet have nearly as many ways of searching for photos as it does today, with iPhoto 11. Today iPhoto is much more sophisticated, and offers many options for organizing and finding photos, by date, faces, location, events, etc. I am wondering if it no longer makes sense to keep my libraries separate by year, and would it be easier to re-merge them all back into one library in iPhoto 11. It is kind of a pain to have to open and close different libraries each time I am looking for an old photo because I can no longer remember what year the event occurred in. Yet I am also afraid that merging my libraries (one for each year since 2002, when I went digital with my photography) might open the proverbial "can of worms" and create more problems than it solves. I'd love to hear from any who have had similar experience.

iPhoto does not have yet the option to merge libraries, unlike Aperture. You would have to use the paid utility "iPhoto Library Manager" to do this.
But iPhoto certainly can cope with larger libraries than before, and it is very useful to have the ability to search all photos at once or to use photos from many years in albums and books. For example, if you want to make a book for an anniversary with pictures from different years, it would be more involved, if you have the photos in different libraries.
Regards
Léonie

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Merging of multiple aperture libraries into one master library

Over the years, due to limited disk space on my Mac, I ended up having now 3 aperture libraries in 3 separate external hard drive, totaling between he 3 libraries over 2TB of photo storage. I just purchased an additional 4TB external drive (my 4th external hard drive from Lacie) to put ALL my separate Aperture libraries into ONE (1) master Aperture library. I would like to know if anyone could help me with a set of step by step instructions to MERGE my 3 separate Aperture libraries into ONE (1) MASTER library on my newly purchased 4TB external drive. I've looked online and found several articles dealing with merging libraries from multiple computers. I tried them all and was NOT able to do what I would like to do. PLEASE, if any of you have done what I would love to do or knows how to do it, I would appreciate your help. A step by step instructions regarding how to do it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much! Robert

Thanks Kieby,
This is what I did: 1.) File/Swith to Library/Other/New To create a new Aperture library which I called MasterAperture Library. The new library was created on my new 4TB external driver.
2.) I then CLOSED Aperture and re-opened it using my default Aperture library located on my Picture folder (Aperture Library).
3.) I did: File/Export/Project as new Library. I chose my external hard drive with the filename: MAsterAperture Library, EXPORT.
The first time I did that nothing happened, I still had an empty MasterAperture Library files without any pictures.
Then I did the same thing thing, except this time, I high lighted my first Projects and went down to my items on my albums and then CTL-H so everthing would be high lighted (ALl my projects and all my albums). Then I did step 3 to the MasterAperture Library and I was able to get the MasterAperture Library as an image copy of the content of the Aperture Library located on my Pictures folder.
Then another problem came up, when I tried to replicateduplicate the same steps outlined above to merge my other 2 remaining libraries, I could NOT do so because the process, at that time, told me that the file MasterAperture Library already exists and if I were to continue, the content of MasterAperture Library will be replaced. Of course this is not wantt. I would like to be able to MERGE the contents of the 2 or 3 remaining libraries that I have currently located in different external drive/locations into the file MasterAperture Library located on my 4TB external drive, and do so, if possible, without too many duplications (if possible, because if I have to remove duplicated projects/albums/photos later, I am willing to do so)!. By the way, I've read the Aperture userguide more than once and have tried the approaches suggested in the guide without succes yet. Thanks again for your kind help. Regards, Bob

How can I import multiple iphoto libraries into Photos beta

I have successfully imported a single iPhoto Library into the Photos Beta app. However I have several other iPhoto libraries that I would like to import into the Photos library. Think of is as merging everything into one now that there's iCloud backup.
I started with iPhoto back in 2005 and have created a separate library every three years ever since. Each one is quite large, ~40 gigs.
What is the best means to import additional libraries into my new Photos library. Unfortunately the File import option on Photos does not allow for a selection of iPhoto Library file type.
Thanks,
Brian

Merge all iPhoto Libraries into one before migrating them to the new Photos.app.
You cannot add additional libraries to a Photos library, only additional photos. Or have several Photos libraries, but only one of them can sync with iCloud.
To merge your iPhoto Libraries into one, use either Aperture, if you have it (see: Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries), or the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager: Download it here: iPhoto Library Manager

Combining multiple iPhoto libraries into 1.

I have 4 different iPhoto libraries on my external hard drive that I collected in the last 5 years. I'm tired of switching libraries each time I need to see a different time period. What is the easiest and best way to organize everything in one place? I hear that Apeture is good for this. IS there a video tutorial that covers this process?

The best way woud indeed be Aperture: Here is a knowlege base article by Apple explaining the procedure:
Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries
Aperture 3.3: Using a unified photo library with iPhoto and Aperture
But since Aperture is not exactly cheap, you might prefer not to invest into Aperture, unless you are considering to switch to a more advanced image management software anyway. Then that would be a very good investment. Aperture has more advanced image editing options than iPhoto and better organisational tools. It works well with very large photo libraries. You'll find some tutorials, the manual, and other help on the Aperture Support Page: Aperture Support
Another option would be the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager, but that would not be able to maintain all metadata.
Regards
Léonie

Merging iPhoto libraries into one aperture library

Hi,
I am trying to merge my iPhoto library containing the photos of 2013 into one big library containing all pictures of the previous years.
Until now I used iPhoto Library Manager. It did not work today.
Apperture says it will not merge because the new library is a copy of the big one, which it is not.
I have also tried to export the new pictures as a new library and then import this one. Apperture crashes everytime.
Please can someone help me?
Thank you
Hex

Aperture says it will not merge because the new library is a copy of the big one, which it is not.
You can try to circumvent this, by turning the old library into a new one: Create a new, empty Aperture library and add one dummy image to it. Then import your iPhoto 2013 library into it with "File > Import > Library".
Now try to import this transformed iPhoto Library into your main Aperture library with the photos from the previous years.
I have also tried to export the new pictures as a new library and then import this one. Apperture crashes everytime.
That is not a good sign. You should try to fix these crashes first. Does it crash when you are exporting from your iPhoto library or when you are importing the exported library?

How do I combine two iPhoto libraries into one without losing pictures or creating duplicates?

How do I combine two iPhoto (iPhoto 09) librairies into one without losing pictures or creating duplicates?

Two ways - use Aperture or use iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ -
LN

How to merge multiple iPhoto libraries on one Mac

When I (option+click) on iPhoto I see 3 libraries to choose from. I don't know how I got them but I want to merge all 3 into a single library. How do I do that? I downloaded iPhoto library manager already but from there I am lost.

You'll need to purchase it.
Then check the instructions here - 6.4...
http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/Help/table%20of%20contents.html

Merging 2 iphoto libraries into one

I had to open a new iphoto library and now have 2, how could I bring them together on the same MacBookPro

As far as I know the DVD/CD import still works -- I don't have iPhoto 6. It requires that you library fit on a CD or DVD.
iPhoto Library Manager doesn't yet work with iPhoto 6. You could try this technique (it uses the CD/DVD support):
http://www.faughnan.com/digcam.html#LibraryMerge
It's not been tested yet with iPhoto 6. I expect my copy Monday and will test.
Any merge attempt requires lots of backups. It's very imperfect. If I were you I'd wait a while and see if IPLM can be updated.
If you are annoyed by this feature omission, please submit comments to Apple via the iPhoto feedback site:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphoto.html

Merge two iPhoto libraries into an Aperture library for my Macbook Air

Hey,
I've searched around a bit for this but can't seem to figure out how to to it.
I'm trying to manage my ~140GB photo library on my Macbook Air which has 128GB of HDD. On top of that, you can imagine that most of that 128GB is filled with system stuff.
My objective is to keep most of my library offline from the Macbook Air, but still keep it all together.
I kinda went "all-in" with iPhoto a few years back to organize my photos so gave up on Aperture. I'd always wanted to move to Aperture or Lighroom but the migration appeared to be a complete disaster. Now with "transparent" compatibility it seems like a no brainer to get the best of both worlds.
I thought that Aperture allowed you store files on external hard drives but still have "thumbnail" access to them even when the drive wasn't connected. Or did I misread that? (Is that Lightroom?)
Anyway with the new update I thought that I could merge my available iPhoto libraries into one Aperture library that I could always have access to, while offloading the actual photos somehow to an external HDD.
This would be a real winner for me. It seems tho that an iPhoto library stays an iPhoto library. So while merging might be helpful for someone with a big hard drive, it's completely useless for me as if anything, I need to split. Or create more. Or some other form of adding complexity.
Any ideas here?

Figured this out on my own.
Make a backup of everything - Aperture seems to require rebuilds and stuff and stories abound of "things going a bit wrong."
Did you make a backup? If you don't want to or can't, I wouldn't do this. After all, it's your photos!
Setup your Aperture library on a USB drive.
Update iphoto to the newest version. Open all your libraries in iPhoto to update them. This may take awhile depending on library size.
Import whatever iphoto libraries you have to Aperture. This make take awhile (hours!) - if your stuff is more than say 25 gigs I'd recommend setting it up for overnight.
Once everything is in Aperture - check its all working right. Then go ahead and maybe make another backup
Then migrate your photos out of the library. This takes all the originals and stores them elsewhere, called "offline". Once they're there, you can't move them around, so pick a good spot!! This also takes forever.
Once this is done your Aperture library should be smaller and just copy it to your MacbookAir
I'm still working on this as it looks like something went funky and I have to rebuild my thumbnails, another overnight processing thing. Like I said, keep a backup But I have a slimmed down Library on my Macbook Air now which is what I wanted.
This whole thing is kinda a mess and while it's feasible Apple hasn't made it easy. There's also some crazy stuff Aperture does with thumbnails and "previews" so that they take a bunch of space up (in my case almost as much as my photos), so you might have to work with that.
The guy at Apertureexpert.com is a genius.
Check out this post for more on slimming your Aperture Library:
http://www.apertureexpert.com/tips/2010/1/20/reducing-library-sizedramatically.h tml
Edit:As a side-note I put some HTML in my message and it looks like it isn't used in the forum - why does Apple bother having the formatting tools if they don't work? Kinda like the close-door button on an elevator?
Edit2: Haha it shows up in the answer but not in the normal thread. Strange, eh?

I have successfully merged multiple iphoto libraries using iphoto-manager. Now I have multiple albums noted with the old iphoto names. CAN I DELETE THOSE?

Now that I have merged multiple iphoto libraries into one -- can I delete the albums that show up with the old library names?

You can do what ever you want - in iPhoto albums are simply pointers to photos so deleting an album has no effect except the album is gone - only when you delete from events or photos view is the photo deleted from the library and disk (after you empty the iPhoto trash and the system trash)
LN

How do i set up a slideshow with pictures from multiple iphoto libraries?

How do i set up a slideshow with pictures from multiple iphoto libraries? One library is in my Macbook Harddrive, the other 2 libraries are in an external harddrive. Thank you!!

You can't, simply. An iPhoto Slideshow can only draw from a single library, so you'll need to get all the images into one.
Alternatives to iPhoto's slideshow include:
iMovie is on every Mac sold.
Others, in order of price:
PhotoToMovie $49.95
PulpMotion $129
FotoMagico $99
Final Cut Pro X $299
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 Pro X is the most capable app of them all. You get what you pay for.

Error Message When Merging Multiple PDF Files into One PDF File

Good Morning,
I have a problem with Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro. I am trying to merge/combine multiple PDF files into one PDF file, but I keep receiving this error message:
Does anyone have a fix for this? Thank you!

To fix:
Provide a unique name for each form field. This includes the individual PDFs fields. As you intend to combine/merge no field name in each of the individual PDFs can be the same.
Be well...

Best way to merge multiple iPhoto libraries from several external hard drives into one, while deleting duplicates?

Problem: My wife and I both have MacBook Pros (MBPs). We take a lot of pictures and import them into iPhoto. When the storage capacity of our MBPs gets full, I have been moving our iPhoto libraries into external hard drives, which are now multiple (3 or 4). The problem I now realize we have been making, is that once the iPhoto libraries were copied onto the external hard drives, we were only deleting about half of the photos in each iPhoto library remaining in our MBPs (because we wanted to keep some of the important ones in our hard drives). Once the storage capacities of our MBPs got full again, I would repeat the whole process again and again. In essence I now have several large iPhoto libraries (each about 80 GB), each with multiple duplicate photos, divided among several external hard drives. And I am running out of space on my hard drive again. So what is the best way to:
a) merge all of these iPhoto libraries into just one, while simultaneously being able to delete all the duplicates? (or would you not recommend this?)
b) prevent this from happening again?
Thanks. BTW I am using OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.5 and iPhoto 8.1.2 (2009)

If you have Aperture 3.3 or later and iPhoto 9.3 or later you can merge libraries with Aperture.
Otherwise the only way to merge Libraries is with the paid ($30) version of iPhoto Library Manager
The Library Manager app can be set avoid duplicates.

How do I consolidate multiple iPhoto libraries on multiple machines into a single Aperture libraries?

Hullo all,
I run a smallish studio at a University, and I have inherited multiple Macs (2 Powerbooks, 2 Mac Pros) running multiple OS (2 on Mavericks, 2 on 10.7) and multiple versions of iPhoto. These have been used for photo and video work over the years, and each has its own stash of content, project files, etc. In an effort to organize, I wish to consolidate all the various iPhoto and Aperture libraries into a single library. I have a 16TB Pegasis RAID available via Thunderbolt to hold the material. Can anyone tell me the best way to go about this? My background is 20 years production work in film and video and I am rather new to still photo work and as such, do not know much about maintaining archives etc.
If I read correctly from other questions, I need to update all versions of iPhoto to be the same, establish the library on the Pegasus, then export all the files to that library? Is this correct? I am not sure I can update all computers to the current version (one is a late 2009 MacPro) Is there any easier way to do it? I am happy to purchase software if that makes the process easier.
Cheers! Thanks for any info!

iPhoto does not support to merge libraries into one.
The utility iPhoto Library Manager can merge libraries -
download here: iPhoto Library Manager
If you have access to Aperture, you can also use it to merge your libraries (see: Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries), but if you need to buy a tool, iPhoto Library Manager would be the more economic solution, and it is a must-have with iPhoto anyway.

HT201340 How do I merge multiple iphoto libraries

I have multiple iphoto libraries on an external HD. Not much memory left on my mac HD. So I'm trying to clear up some memory. I would like to merge/organize the iPhoto libraries on the external HD. But I can't figure out how to separate the photos. I just want to organize them into seperate years, i.e., photos 2009, 2010, 2011, etc.
And since I now have aperture, how can I get these photos organized into simple annual libraries onto the external HD?
Sorry if this has been posted a million times, but I can't figure it out and don't want to lose any photos.

Sorry if this has been posted a million times, but I can't figure it out and don't want to lose any photos.
Reorganizing your photolibraries can be error-prone, so before you start, I'd recommend to check your backups of the libraries, if they are current and working.
I just want to organize them into seperate years, i.e., photos 2009, 2010, 2011, etc.
And since I now have aperture, how can I get these photos organized into simple annual libraries onto the external HD?
iPhoto does not support to export partial libraries or to import and merge photo libraries, but Aperture does.
Your question does link to the document "Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries" that describes how you can merge libraries.
Do you have compatible Aperture and iPhoto versions? Aperture 3.4.5 and iPhoto 9.4.3? If yes, then you can unify your photo libraries by creating a new Aperture library on your external drive and using the command "File > Import > Library" to import your iPhoto libraies one by one into the the Aperture library.
Aperture works well with large libraries. You could keep all images in that one library and be done.
But if you really want separate, small libraries for each year, define smart albums in Aperture:
New > Smart album
and in the "Smart Settings" HUD for the album press "Add Rule" and add a "Date" rule. Set this rule to "Capture Year is ....".
This way you will have all images grouped by date in the library Inspector.
You could then proceed to export partial Aperture libraries for each year: Select the smart album and use the command "File > Export > Album as library". This will create a new Aperture library, just for that year. You can open this library in iPhoto, if you want.
I myself prefer to have all my photos in just one library; that makes it much easier to search all my photos at once and to combine them freely.
Regards
Léonie

Should I merge my multiple iPhoto libraries into one?

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