how does iPhoto store files?

[btownguy]

I'm a bit nervous about switching from PC to Mac. One major thing I'm worried about is my photo library. I have thousands of pictures. If I switch to Mac and import these into iPhoto, where will these files "live"?

I've read that they will exist in one huge iPhoto database file. Is this correct? If I make a change to a photo through iPhoto (red-eye, etc), is this just a change to the database or is it a change to the file? Does the file even exist anymore?

 

[thegoldenmackid]

I'm a bit nervous about switching from PC to Mac. One major thing I'm worried about is my photo library. I have thousands of pictures. If I switch to Mac and import these into iPhoto, where will these files "live"?

I've read that they will exist in one huge iPhoto database file. Is this correct? If I make a change to a photo through iPhoto (red-eye, etc), is this just a change to the database or is it a change to the file? Does the file even exist anymore?

It stores them in a file called "iPhoto Library." However, you can open this up (without having to go through iPhoto) and pull out specific files. You could also just go to Aperture. (although it really does the same thing to, but it's much more Pro-like then iPhoto)

 

[r.j.s]

If you let iPhoto manage the files, they exist in its database - which is really just a special folder. The files get organized in there ...

If you make a change to a photo, a copy is made, preserving the original - if you ever decide to go back.