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 ;)

Similar Messages

Restoring a single iPhoto library from multiple Time Machine backups

My daughter traveled for six months in SE Asia with her MacBook Air with the Lion OS. She routinely deleted all iPhoto 11 content after backing up with Time Machine on a 1 TB external drive as the drive on her Mac reached capacity. My question: how can she create a single, complete iPhoto library on an external drive from these multiple backups?

Your daughter will have to restore the iPhoto Libraries by going back in time on Time Machine and extracting the different libraries at the points in time before they got erased.
iPhoto does not have a feature to merge these libraries. So she could either export the images from each library and then reimport those into one selected library or use the iPhoto Library Manager application to extract photos from one library and to import them into another. Using iPhoto Library Manager she could preserve keywords and captions, but this software is not free.
Next time your daughter should simply create her iPhoto Library on her external volume, so that she has enough space to collect all pictures in one library.
Regards
Léonie

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

How do I remove an imported iPhoto library at multiple users

There seem to be different ways of sharing an iPhoto library among multiple users on a single Mac and I guess I didn't select the best one ...
My wife and I both have an account on our Mac (I am administrator).
Originally, only on my account we viewed our photos, but my wife wanted to have the same iPhoto access via her account.Makes sense!
Via 'system preferences > share' I marked the picture folder in which the iPhoto library is stored as a 'shared folder'.
Then in my wifes account, I started iPhoto and I imported the iPhoto library file in this shared folder (and 'yes', I unchecked the option in the preferences menu to avoid copying photos on import ;-)
Well, for the next hours or so, the system started to import the photos ... although my photo library contains more then 10.000 pictures (!!) the status bar during import indicated a shear amount of ±260.000 pictures to be imported (as it turns out it includes the 'faces' as pictures).
To make a long story short - how do I restore iPhoto on my wifes account by e.g. removing/undoing the imported library. I am a bit hesitant in removing the library since it is the library stored in our shared folder and I don't want to delete that library file. I 'just' want it to turn back to the original 'empty' iPhoto on my Wife's account and share our library in a different way.
By the way, although the iPhoto library/events are a mess on my wifes account, it still looks good on my account.
Thanks.
D.

Trash the Library in your wife's account.
Never import one Library to another. Every version and thumbnail is imported like a distinct photo, you lose all your Albums, Keywords etc., the link between Original and Previews is destroyed, the non-destructive editing feature is ruined and so on. In summary: it's mess.
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.

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

Viewing iPhoto Library from Multiple Accounts

First off I've asked this question before, a long time ago, but still don't have it resolved. I have (2) accounts on iMac with iPhoto 08 and I would like to share a single Iphoto Library. I would like Account 1 to have full rights and Account 2 only Viewing rights. Account 1 is set as Administrator and Account 2 is normal user.
When I first posed this question, I was told to move the Library to Shared Folders and then give Permission to Account 2 to "Read". I did that and it immediately locked up the Account 2s iPhoto with the error message "Drive is Locked or you don't have permission to make changes" when I log into the second account.
It's been that way for a very long time, my other users have been using Account 1 to view photos so I've ignored the problem.
Now I want to fix it:
Account 2 can't open iPhoto because of the error message and I don't know how to dissassociate the Shared Library from Account so I can open the program. How to safely do this?
Is there a preferred way, or even 3rd party software, that will allow me to share the iPhoto library among multiple accounts on a single iMac? Does latest iPhoto iteration allow this? I am willing to consider most anything at this point...

To use iPhoto Sharing it must be running in both Accounts.
This method seems a little clunky at first, but works very well. Most importantly, it uses the System to do the job for you.
Create a new Account on your Mac, call it Media. Create an iPhoto Library there. (BTW: This will work for iTunes too.)
Enable Sharing on the Library:(Preferences -> Sharing), leave iPhoto running and use Fast User Switching to open the other accounts. In those accounts, enable 'Look For Shared Libraries'. The Library will appear in the other source pane.
This means that both users will be able to see the pics. If you want to use a pic then simply drag it from the shared Library to your own in the iPhoto Window. This means that each user can have their own edits.
If you want to add photos to the Library: Log into the Media account for that purpose.
To make it all seamless: Set your Mac to log into the Media Account automatically. Set iPhoto to launch on log-in. Then switch to your own account using Fast User Switching.
Net result: a Library that's permanently available to all users but also protected. Each user can have their own versions of the pics if they want.
The permissions issue you're having is directly related to they to share the iPhoto Library. To change what Library account 2 is looking at: Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library'
To share an iPhoto Library with 08 without using iPhoto Sharing then move the Library to a disk (formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and set to ignore file permissions. But remember, everyone will have the same access as you, if you do.

HT1198 If I share an iPhoto library between multiple users, will the Faces, Events, and Places be automatically usable by all users, or will each user have to tag all the photos (e.g. if a user tags a face, will a different user have to do it in their own

If I share an iPhoto library between multiple users, will the Faces, Events, and Places be automatically usable by all users, or will each user have to tag all the photos (e.g. if a user tags a face, will a different user have to do it in their own iPhoto application??

Have you read this Apple document regarding sharing a library with multiple users: iPhoto: Sharing libraries among multiple users?
OT

Any improvements in sharing an iPhoto Library between multiple users?

It is possible and Apple Approved to share an iPhoto Library between multiple users, but the Library must be stored on a drive or disk image that ignores permissions:
http://tech.kateva.org/2008/10/apple-supports-multi-user-iphoto.html
This doesn't work for me. Has Apple changed anything with iLife '09 to make it easier to share a Library? For example, have they changed from the prior Package format?
Message was edited by: jfaughnan

Alternatives to a trip to the Terminal:
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. The problem here is that OS X works very hard to keep your data safe and secure from the other users. You're trying to beat what's built in to the system. So, to beat the system
Quit iPhoto in both accounts
Move the iPhoto Library Folder to an external HD set to ignore permissions. You could also use a Disk Image or even partition your Hard Disk.
In each account in turn: Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting dialogue, select 'Choose Library' and navigate to the new library location. 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.
Lastly: This method seems a little clunky at first, but works very well. Most importantly, it uses the System to do the job for you.
Create a new Account on your Mac, call it Media. Create an iPhoto Library there. (BTW: This will work for iTunes too.)
Enable Sharing on the Library:(Preferences -> Sharing), leave iPhoto running and use Fast User Switching to open the other accounts. In those accounts, enable 'Look For Shared Libraries'. The Library will appear in the other source pane.
This means that both users will be able to see the pics. If you want to use a pic then simply drag it from the shared Library to your own in the iPhoto Window. This means that each user can have their own edits.
If you want to add photos to the Library: Log into the Media account for that purpose.
To make it all seamless: Set your Mac to log into the Media Account automatically. Set iPhoto to launch on log-in. Then switch to your own account using Fast User Switching.
Net result: a Library that's permanently available to all users but also protected. Each user can have their own versions of the pics if they want.
No partitioning, no permissions issues. Uses no extra disk space. What's not to like?
Regards
TD

"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

How to use a single iPhoto Library from multiple macs

I'm trying to help my brother out with his iPhoto Library and his Mac network. He has a Library on a MacBook Pro that is about 65GB. I am moving it to his Mac Mini to make it the primary Library. What he wants to do is be able to load new photographs from any Mac in his house and have them appear in the primary Library. If I make the Mac mini shareable and point iPhoto on each of his Mac's to the Library on the Mac Mini, will that work?
Are there any down sides to doing it this way? Can you create multiple Libraries for iPhoto, the other thing we are thinking about is to organize his Library by years.
Thanks
Elliot

What do you mean by "make the Mac mini shareable"?
Iphoto is not really designed for this kind of use, but there are some possibilities - with limitations.
I'm assuming you want to use the same library for each machine, so there is only one.
Put the Library on a disk formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and set to ignore ownership and permissions.
Then point each machine at it in turn.
Remember only one machine can access the Library at a time, and attempting to do so with multiple machines can cause damage.
How are you connecting to the Library? A strong warning: 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.
Regards
TD

HT1198 Sharing an iPhoto library between multiple users on a single Mac?

Can anyone help me solve this problem? I want to share an iPhoto library that holds all the family pictures across three other users who have separate accounts on the same iMac.

What do 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 an external HD set to ignore permissions (or 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.

Upgraded: New Mac, Setting up iPhoto Library From Multiple Old Backups

Over the years (Jaguar to Snow Leopard), I've had multiple Macs in different locations (work, home) to which I've loaded photos from cameras into multiple iPhoto libraries. As these Macs have died (G4s, G5s), or I've been forced to upgrade, I've made a backup on CDs and DVDs of the iPhoto libraries (different versions of iPhoto over the years).
Now I've got a brand new Macbook Pro and I want to put all these photos into one library on one disk. I don't care much about preserving photos edited in iPhoto (I use Photoshop for serious editing), nor do I have particular album or roll data from these old libraries that matters. I just want to get all the original photos into one library so I can search and access them all in one place.
I have always found the way iPhoto organizes the photos on disk a bit confusing, especailly when it comes to backing up and accessing the files at the Finder level. And now it seems things have gotten even more dumbed away from the user in "package" w/ the latest iPhoto.
I would like to just have my photos in a folder, not a "package," but I would like to be able to search and organize photos and load them to my iPod Touch. (Maybe isn't the best application for me?) I'd also like my iPhoto folder to be on an external HD.
This is one of those grueling tasks I've been putting off for years. So many disks, so many libraries, how to get them all into one. I want to get it right once and for all, so I'll have all my photos on in one place and hopefully in a Finder-level folder that will be easy to back up and easy to port to my next Mac down the road in the future.
Can anyone offer any advice on the best way to proceed? Anyone else been through something like this?
Thanks in advance,
Babz

This is actually more simple than it seems as you
just want to get all the original photos into one library so I can search and access them all in one place.
So, create a Library: Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library' and import the contents of the originals from the other Libraries: (File -> Import, Drag to the iPhoto Window, Drag to the iPhoto icon on the Dock)
That's all your originals in a single Library.
I have always found the way iPhoto organizes the photos on disk a bit confusing, especailly when it comes to backing up and accessing the files at the Finder level.
It's actually quite straightforward, but the key is +you don't access the files at a Finder level+.
And now it seems things have gotten even more dumbed away from the user in "package" w/ the latest iPhoto.
Remember: iPhoto is a Database. Like any database, you need to manipulate the data via the db and not a back door.
Since iPhoto 7 (iLife 08) the old iPhoto Library Folder is now a Package File. This is simply a folder that looks like a file in the Finder. The change was made to the format of the iPhoto library because many users were inadvertently corrupting their library by browsing through it with other software or making changes in it themselves. That's why +you don't access the files at a Finder level+.
Want to see inside: Go to your Pictures Folder and find the iPhoto Library there. Right (or Control-) Click on the icon and select 'Show Package Contents'. A finder window will open with the Library exposed.
Standard Warning: Don't change anything in the iPhoto Library Folder via the Finder or any other application. iPhoto depends on the structure as well as the contents of this folder. Moving things, renaming things or otherwise making changes will prevent iPhoto from working and could even cause you to damage or lose your photos.
How the library is organised: There are various files, which are the Library itself and some ancillary files. Then you have three core folders
Originals are the photos as they were downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
But none of that matters, as you never access the files via the Finder.
*To back up an iPhoto Library* make a copy of the Library on another disk. You can automate this process with Time Machine or many other back up apps like Chronosync or DejaVu. There are many, many other options. Search on MacUpdate.
I would like to just have my photos in a folder, not a "package,"
*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:*
1. Importing and deleting pics are more complex procedures. You have to to put the files where they will be stored before importing them. When you delete them you'll need to remove the files from the HD yourself.
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.
4. Because iPhoto has no tools for managing Referenced Files, if, for some reason, the path to the photos changes then you could find yourself resolving aliases for +each photo in the Library+ one by one.
My own opinion:
I've yet to see a good reason to run iPhoto in referenced mode unless you're using two photo organiser
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 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.
*To use iPhoto with Photoshop*
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.
Note that iPhoto sends a copy+ of the file to Photoshop, so when you save be sure to use the Save command, not Save As... If you use Save As then you're creating a new file and iPhoto has no way of knowing about this new file. iPhoto is preserving your original anyway.
There's a lot of material there. By all means come back for clarification if you need it. But I strongly urge you to think very carefully before running a Referenced Library.
Regards
TD

Multiple managed libraries: facebook issues (photos disappear)

I reorganized my aperture libraries by moving projects to their appropriate library from my "working" library. Unfortunately, I published facebook albums from the working library. After I moved the projects to the appropriate library and trashed the corresponding project in the working library, many of my facebook albums have become empty.
What's going on here?
Would it be a good idea for Aperture to have facebook albums be part of a project (and travel with the project)? Why are they their own separate high-level thing?

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 ;)

Can I setup common iPhoto library for multiple computers...

Hi -
Is it possible to have one library that is accessible from multiple computers in different locations? For example, my office Mac, my home Powerbook and our vacation home iMAC can all share the same photo library? I am downloading pictures from many different sources and in different locations and would like a centralized library.. I guess this would be the equivalent of cloud computing for iPhoto...
Thanks,
M.

Possibly. I've not used the feature but if you have a MMe account you could setup "Back to my Mac" so that two of your Macs could access the Mac designated to house the library you might be able to do what you want. It would be best to have an external FW hard drive connected to that library to house the library.
I've used an iPhoto library on my iMac from my laptop on our home WAN. But that was with Screen Sharing. Don't know if the Back to My Mac method would work.
I've used VNC to connect to my iMac from the laptop but don't know if that will let me add photos to the library there as that method has me virtually on the iMac. You could try it with a test library and one of the VNC applications. I use Chicken of VNC. You must setup Remote Management under Sharing on the host computer and install CVNC on the remote Macs. Create a test library and give it a try. Both with VNC and Back to My Mac if you have it.
If any of the two satellite Macs would be wirelessly connected that will be a problem due to occasional dropouts. If a wireless Mac was using the library and had a dropout that could damage the library's database and require some rebuilding effort which may or may not be 100% effective. That connection would also be slow.
If they are hard wired to the internet it would be much more probable that it would work as you'd like and be more reliable.
An alternative method for "syncing" the libraries (if you have a MMe account) would be to create iPhoto MMe galleries of new photos from each Mac with the option for downloading the full sized image file. Once each Mac has downloaded and imported the new photos the gallery could be deleted.

Single Referenced iPhoto Library or Multiple Managed Libraries

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