Which files can I safely delete in my Pictures Folder/ iPhoto Library

Question

Hello
Thanks in advance for any advice on the following. I am trying to free up some space on my Macbook Pro hard drive. In the Pictures/ iPhoto Library folder, I seem to have a lot of duplicates. At this folder level, I have series of sub folders with years 2002-2006 listed, and there is also a folder titled data, which also has subfolders 2002-2006. Can I safely delete one set of folders without losing my pictures?
Thank you
Jonathan

Answer 1

Johnathan:
In a word, NONE. Those are all necessary item for the operation of the library. Those files in the Originals folder are obviously the originals. Those in the Data folder are the thumbnails iPhoto uses to display in the main library window. The Modified files are those that you've editied, rotated, etc. To do any moving, renaming or editing of files directly from the folder is tantamount to committing the cardinal sin of iPhoto: Don't tamper with files in the iPhoto Library folder from the Finder.
What with the low cost of external FW HDs, they are a very cost effective way to protect and preserve important files. As you may know it's recommended to have a minimum of 10G free space for optimum performance of the system and applications. More if possible. You can use Monolingual to remove any language module you don't need (be sure not to select English or American English and DO NOT run any of the Architecture items). I saved nearly 900MB the first time I ran it.
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto 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 written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), 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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.