iPhoto library

[carrollf]

With iTunes, when I add a new song to my library, iTunes automatically places a copy in my iTunes music folder in Finder. Does iPhoto do the same with photos that I add to my library?

 

[swiftaw]

Check the iphoto preferences, one of them is "copy file to iphoto library folder" or something like that.

 

[r.j.s]

By default, yes.

You can change that setting in the Preferences.

 

[carrollf]

I have photos stored in multiple folders and in different locations on my Mac and external drives. If I import all of these to a new iPhoto library, will iPhoto consolidate all of these 'copies' to one single location on my Mac HD allowing me to delete the multi-sourced originals? And if so what location?
THis may be an easy way for me to get all my photos back in order. I have done this with my music in iTunes and it worked very well.

 

[r.j.s]

Yes, that will do what you want.

They will be stored in ~/Pictures/iPhoto Library

 

[carrollf]

ok so they'll be stored in the library but will the photos also be "kept organized" in a Finder folder just like iTunes does? iTunes not only adds my music to the iTunes library but also copies the files to organized folders in Finder. This is what I want for my photos too.

 

[r.j.s]

The iPhoto Library is a special kind of folder. The files are all kept inside, but it doesn't appear as a normal folder because messing with the actual files can corrupt the library.

 

[carrollf]

Thanks for that - it makes sense. However, if I import all my original photos (from organised folders in Finder) into my library and then delete the original folders (to save space), can I later export my photos out of the library back into organised photos?

 

[skybolt]

Yes. But why would you want to? iPhoto keeps your photos organized brilliantly. You can do anything you want/need to do to/with your photos from within the app itself, so it is redundant to have another file/folder with duplicate copies.

 

[carrollf]

I agree that iPhoto does appear to keep the photos very well organized WITHIN iPhoto. However, after I import everything and delete originals I may want to export them all back out to organized folders for use on a work PC etc.
Can I do this?

 

[mitch77]

I'm gonna bump this post because its similar to the problem that I have. I have all my photos stored in iphoto 08 by event. Is there any way that i can export these events as folders of the same name? My wife lost all photos on her pc and I wanted to replace them with my copies from iphoto. When i tried to export them it copied all the photos to one folder. I really do not want to reorganise 2000+ photos if i don't have to.

Cheers

 

[skybolt]

I'm gonna bump this post because its similar to the problem that I have. I have all my photos stored in iphoto 08 by event. Is there any way that i can export these events as folders of the same name? My wife lost all photos on her pc and I wanted to replace them with my copies from iphoto. When i tried to export them it copied all the photos to one folder. I really do not want to reorganise 2000+ photos if i don't have to.

Cheers

Why not just turn on file sharing and copy the entire library from your machine to hers? The whole iPhoto Library, not just parts of it.