What exactly IS the iphoto library structure?

I have found that within the library, I can create new folders and albums to keep the pics in and then rename them with titles using the information box.
I also have found that I can nest folders but not albums.
Am I doing it right finally?
I saw that someone mentioned shoebox. what is that?

<table><tr><td align=left bgcolor="#FFFFCC">I have found that within the library</td></tr></table>
I hope you mean within iPhoto when it's open as to do otherwise would be committing the cardinal sin of iPhoto, Don't tamper with files in the iPhoto Library folder from the Finder. But since you're up and running OK you're doing things correctly.
Shoebox is an image cataloging application that can browser your HD and create catalog files (containing thumbnail renditions) of your image files. It can be use with any folder system. iView Media and MediaPro are other similar applications.
OT

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HELP... WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?? Did I loose all my pictures?? The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it.

Everytime I click on my Iphoto icon this is what pops up
The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it.
I can't get into my library.
I thought I did a back up onto a TAB and I can't unlock it from there either... HELP!! I'm not computer savy enough to figure this out!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... HELP ME!!
I've gotten frustrated and I've cried and I'm hoping there is help out there!
Thanks!

re-post in the iPhoto forum where all the people that are very familiar with that software hang out. You are much more likely to get a quicker answer there. Good luck.

Two specific questions on how Aperture handles the iPhoto library

Hi,
I've not been able to find an answer to this online. I have a few thousand photos in iPhoto. I'm happy with how they're organised, appear on my iPhone/Apple TV etc. However, some of them need a little improvement above what iPhoto's tools can offer.
If I access the iPhoto library from within Aperture and edit a photo:
- Will the file appear as normal the next time I start iPhoto, but reflecting the edits I've done in Aperture ?
- Will it leave an original copy in the iPhoto library structure, and put a new 'modified' file in the iPhoto library?
If not, what is the easiest way to achieve my aims? In particular I'd like to preserve the original date, time and location the photos were taken.
Thanks in advance.
Matt

Matt
No and No.
In more details:
- Will the file appear as normal the next time I start iPhoto,
Yes... but
...reflecting the edits I've done in Aperture ?
No. Like iPhoto Aperture is a Database and can only "see" and "process" photos that have been imported to it. So there's no option to "open" a photo, just one to "import". Once imported and edited or processed you would need to export to the desktop and import to iPhoto as a new image.
Will it leave an original copy in the iPhoto library structure,
Yes, Importing is copying, not moving...
and put a new 'modified' file in the iPhoto library?
No. This is perhaps the biggest difference between the two apps. When iPhoto edits a pic is preserves the original by making a copy in the "Modified" folder. When Aperture performs the same task it records your decisions in the database and applies them live each time you view the pic. There is no "modified" file, only the original and a record in the database.
For the kind of operation you are describing you require an external editor for iPhoto. In order of price here are some suggestions:
Seashore (free)
_[The Gimp|http://www.gimp.org/macintosh>_ also free
Graphic Coverter ($45 approx)
Acorn ($50 approx)
[Pixelmator|http://www.pixelmator.com> ($60 approx.)
Photoshop Elements ($75 approx)
There are many, many other options. Search on MacUpdate.
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.
These will work in precisely the way you describe.
Regards
TD

What exactly does "Copy items to the iPhoto library" do?

Ok, so I recently switched to a Mac and will never go back.
Now, I want to understand how iPhoto works and can't figure out what "Copy items to the iPhoto library" does.
I imported one pic each way (checked and unchecked), and whether or not I have this checked, I see that the original file seems to be stored within the iPhoto library in the Pictures folder.
I have used iTunes, and I realize iPhoto is more complicated, but still, I can't figure this out.

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
It does exactly what it ays.
and whether or not I have this checked, I see that the original file seems to be stored within the iPhoto library in the Pictures folder.
I think if you look closely, with the option unchecked you'll notice that the Originals folder contains an alias to the file. (The file size is a hint )
Some comments on running iPhoto in referenced mode: On import iPhoto 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 10.5 users: You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Apple-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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. 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.
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
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.
Your choice, obviously, but best to be aware of all the ramifications. By all means post back if you require more info.
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.
Regards
TD

I wish I could remember what exactly happenned the last time I upgraded iphoto years ago, but something

I wish I could remember what exactly happenned the last time I upgraded iPhoto years ago. Did my address book go kaflooey? But whateverit was, it discouraged me from any updating eversince. Believe it or not, I have been limping along with Iphoto 6.0.6 and basically faring fine, given my needs. But I would now like to be able to order prints from my photo library -- and you can't do that any longer with 6. So my question is: what are the things that
can go wrong with the later systems? And is there any way around having that happen?

Make a back up.
Make a second.
Upgrade. Get on with your life.
Regards
TD

How can I "see" the folder structure behind the iPhoto-library?

Within iPhoto (iLife 8) I can right click on a picture and, through Show File, find it in its respective subfolder. BUT, when I go to finder and highlight the iPhoto library in Pictures, I only get information about the total library (size, location etc,) but not its underlying folder and subfolder structure(as was customary in iPhoto6). What changes in settings do I need to make to show the folder-structure?
Thanks in advance
Veit

Viet
What changes in settings do I need to make to show the folder-structure?
None, you can't do it.
With iPhoto 7 (iLife 08) the old iPhoto Library Folder is now a Unix Style Package File. 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. You can look inside there simply by right-clicking on the iPhoto Library and going 'Show Package Contents'.
However, It is strongly advised that you do not move, change or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library Folder as this can cause the application to fail and even lead to data loss. There are no user serviceable parts in the iPhoto Library.
There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
For 10.5 users: You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Apple-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
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. 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
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.
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.
Regards
TD

I am trying to transfer my photos from old mac to new mac. I copied the iPhoto library to an external hard drive, then imported it to the new iPhoto. It turned my 2000 photos into 12,000!! What happened?

And how do I turn off FACES?

I copied the iPhoto library to an external hard drive, then imported it to the new iPhoto. It turned my 2000 photos into 12,000!!
According to you youo did not do what I instructed - you said you imported the old library into th enew library which can easily take a 2000 photo library and turn it into 12,000 including two ro three versions of each photo pus all the face thumbnails
The correct procedure has NO importing involved
drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac
That is it
LN

Iphoto locked up, I forced quit and now when I try to open iphoto it gives me a Caution note...The iphoto library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it. What do I do now?

I had to force quit from iphoto...
then I tried to reopen iphoto and it gave me a Caution message.
The iphoto library is locked, on a locked disc, or you do not have
permission to make changes to it....
What do I do to be able to get to my photographs?

Try Rebuilding the iPhoto library and post back with results. BTW if you don't get an answer on this forum there is an iPhoto forum too.

I don't know what has happened but I can't open iPhoto. When I try to open it I receive a caution "The iPhoto Library is locked, on a locked disk, or you do not have permission to make changes to it." How do I solve this??!!

I don't know what has happened but I now can't open iphoto. I get a caution when I try which says the iphoto library is locked! It was working perfectly fine this afternoon until I tried to upload some photos from my camera and my computer started to run very slow and wasn't recognising my camera. I tried to quit iphoto and then when I came back in to it, this was the message I received. As far as I am aware I didn't alter any settings or put on any locks. Please help!!

What version of iPhoto? Assuming 09 or later...
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one. .
Regards
TD

Everytime I open iphoto, my computer tells me A photo has been found in the iPhoto Library that was not imported. Would you like to import it. no matter what I do, iphoto puts the pic in recovered files. How do I fix this?

Everytime I open iphoto, my computer tells me, A photo has been found in the iPhoto Library that was not imported. Would you like to import it. If I import it, a message comes up Unreadable file, the following file could not be imported. them it tells me where the file is and it cannot be opened. If I do not import, then it says,The photo has been placed in the folder /Users/patrick*******/Pictures/iPhoto Library Recovered Photos_4. It will just keep adding to recvovered photos. This drives me crazy!!!!!!! How do I fix this?

I had this problem some months ago and the following solution from Terrence Delvin put things right:
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.
Look there for a Folder called 'Import' or 'Importing'.
Drag it to the Desktop. *Make no other changes*.
Start iPhoto. Does that help?
If it does then look inside that folder on your desktop. Does it contain anything you want? If not you can trash the folder.
However, since connecting a memory stick to my computer, I now have the same problem again. This time there is no folder called 'Import' or 'Importing' so what should I do?

My iPhoto library won't open because "it first needs to be prepared," but running the iPhoto Library Upgrader does not change anything. What gives?

I'll try to be as detailed as I can:
I have a mid-2010 iMac. I backed-up and then wiped my Mountain Lion hard drive so that I could have a clean install of Mavericks. I am now in the process of importing my backed-up files, like iTunes and documents, from my external back-up to my new Mavericks machine. Everything in this process has worked so far. I moved the iPhoto library over from the external back-up to the proper location (Users->Pictures->iPhoto Library). Two hours later when the transfer was complete, rather than having a normol iPhoto Library icon (stack of pictures with a photo of a flower), the library appeared as a folder with a half done progress bar and an "x" close button in the corner.
This library would not open so I deleted it and started the whole thing over. Two hours later, same thing. I then restarted my machine and got a regularl looking iPhoto Library icon, but now when I try to open it I get a prompt that says "To open your library with this version of iPhoto, it first nees to be prepared: to prepare the library, use the iPhoto Library Upgrader avaliable from Apple." I downloaded the iPhoto Library Upgrader from Apple, ran it, and it says that the library has been updated and can now be used. But when I try to open iPhoto, I hit the same problem, iPhoto doesn't open and I instead get a prompt saying that the library needs to be prepared.
One more thing, when I run the iPhoto Library Upgrader, there is a un-progressing progress bar (a sideways barber shop poll) that says the program is building thumbnails, but then Upgrader gives me a prompt that the library has been upgraded (even though the progress bar is still cranking along). PLEASE HELP.

What version of iPhoto were you running prior to Mavericks? First boot into Revovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down) and repair the disk and disk permissions. Then reboot back into Mavericks.
Two hours later when the transfer was complete, rather than having a normol iPhoto Library icon (stack of pictures with a photo of a flower), the library appeared as a folder with a half done progress bar and an "x" close button in the corner.
There was a problem with copying the older iPhoto library from the backup. Delete the library and drag it once again from the backup drive to the Pictures folder. Run the upgrader again. Is this what you see when your first launch the upgrader?
OT

I am using iphoto 6.06 for my intel imac. I have been trying to print pictures from iphoto and i keep getting a message that states " the picture you are trying to print is in the iphoto library" what can i do to be able to print a photo from iphoto

I am using iphoto 6.06 for my intel imac. I have been trying to print pictures from iphoto and i keep getting a message that states " unreadable file: the following file could not be imported. the file is in the iphoto library folder" also when i try to print a picture from iphoto i get a message that says "no page was selected"
not sure what happened but i can pnly print when i drop the photo onto my desktop as an 8.5 x 11 size picture and i am trying to print 4x6's

Since the new library gives you the same message log into another user account on your Mac and see if you can run iPhoto without getting that message. If you get that message there also a reinstall of iPhoto seems indicated. To do so you'll have to delete the current application and all files with "iPhoto" in the file name with either a .PKG or .BOM extension that reside in the HD/Library/Receipts folder and from the /var/db/receipts/ folder,
Click to view full size
Then install iPhoto from the disk it came on originally and apply all available updates to it.

I'm trying to transfer my pictures from my iPhoto library to my external hard drive. I dragged the iPhoto Library folder into the drive and after waiting a while it says Error Code -36. I need to free up space asap, what should i do?

I'm trying to transfer my pictures from my iPhoto library to my external hard drive. I dragged the iPhoto Library folder into the drive and after waiting a while it says "Error Code -36 The finder cannot complete the operation because some data in 'iPhoto Library' could not be read or written". I need to free up space asap, what should i do??

Yes, the Old Master file has a folder for each year where I find all photos from that specific year. I am attaching a screen shot of the file.
In the meantime i have managed to download all photos (it did not download any video files though in mpg, avi, 3gp, m4v,mp4 and mov format) to a new iphoto library. Unfortunately the photos are quite mixed and often doubled up. I ma considering to purchase iphoto library which checks all duplicates in iphoto. this will save me a lot of time. What do you think?

What is saved in the iPhoto library file when photos are backed up?

I have been using an external hard drive to back up my Mac files. My Mac stopped working, so now I have a PC netbook. I am trying to get some photo files off my external hard drive, but I can't find the ones I want. Instead, I found the iPhoto library files. What is in those? How can I open them? If I open them on my friend's Mac, will it hurt her files?

Assuming you had a managed Library the iPhoto Library will contain your photos, and many databse files.
You photos are in the Originals folder.
No, they won;t hurt your friend's Mac.
Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' to choose which Library to open.
Regards
TD

"the iPhoto library needs to be upgraded to work with this version of iPhoto." WHAT?

Ran software update a few weeks back and now I cannot seem to open iPhoto or access files within.
The error message as soon as I open up iPhoto reads: "the iPhoto library needs to be upgraded to work with this version of iPhoto."
What do I do to overcome this? What happens to the files in "UPGRADE?"
Should I be worried about the safety of the files during upgrade?

Yes - you should always be worried about yoru files if they are important to you - never upgrade without backingup just in case (the normal case is no problem but you must be prepared)
LN

What exactly IS the iphoto library structure?

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