Cziggy76

Q: How to transfer iPhoto libraries to an external hard drive.

I would like to transfer my iPhoto library from my iMac (2004) and my MacBook (2008) to an external hard drive (WD EX2, formatted for Mac). I will be purchasing a new MBP soon and handing down the older Mac's. I would like to be able to keep all of the photo/video information intact and maybe one day amalgamate them.

 

First things first though, any suggestions on the best way to transfer the files from each computer to the EHD?

 

Thanks in advance

MacBook, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Apr 6, 2014 11:00 AM

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Q: How to transfer iPhoto libraries to an external hard drive.

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  • by Cziggy76,

    Cziggy76 Cziggy76 Apr 11, 2014 2:32 PM in response to léonie
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 11, 2014 2:32 PM in response to léonie

    Just before I do that, do you think there is any point in trying to rebuild/repair the data base first? (Comand + Options + launch iPhoto)

  • by Lhasa63,

    Lhasa63 Lhasa63 Aug 16, 2015 12:42 PM in response to LarryHN
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 16, 2015 12:42 PM in response to LarryHN

    I have a similar question to the one you answered last year to Cziggy76.  I am also about to buy a new MacBook and want to be able to transfer my photo library to a hard disc drive extension and access these from my (old - 2007) iMac and my new MacBook.  My library is big - over 140 GB.  I (think) I have transferred it successfully to my extension drive.  I can open and access my photos from there, but when I press the Option key to open it, I don't get any 'Select Library' option.  (I am on Snow Leapoard still - Version 10.6.8) and on Photo 08 (Version 7.1.5).  How can I tell it has moved successfully and I can launch it from the extension drive before I delete it from my hard disc?

    And once I buy my new MacBook how do I ensure I can have one unified library which I can access from both machines?  You suggest I'd need to buy some software or use Aperture.  Is this still the case?  I'm not familiar with either, so do you have any pros and cons or recommendations for either?

     

    Any thanks appreciated?

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Aug 16, 2015 5:17 PM in response to Lhasa63
    Level 10 (84,585 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 16, 2015 5:17 PM in response to Lhasa63

    You have to hold down the option key while launching iPhoto - that will give you a select library window - you probably are not holding it down long enough

     

    and no you can not use a newer library with an old version of iphoto  - unless you can upgrade your old system to OS X 10.10.5 and iPhoto 9.6.1 (or Aperture 3.6) or Photos 1.0.1 you can not have a single library that works for both systems

     

    And note that ThreadJacking old threads is a really bad idea - not only is it Rude and confusing  but there have been major changes in the last 18 months since this question was answered including the introduction of a totally new Photos program - you really need to start your own thread with exact details on your system and you desires

     

     

    LN

  • by Lhasa63,

    Lhasa63 Lhasa63 Aug 17, 2015 10:31 AM in response to LarryHN
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 17, 2015 10:31 AM in response to LarryHN

    Thanks Larry - and I get the slap on the wrist about threadjacking although as you can see that post yesterday was my first time posting and I am learning the 'rules' of the system.  This post seemed most like my own issue which was why I used this one as opposed to more recent ones.

     

    So if you are happy to respond one more time, please help - If I hear nothing, I'll assume not and start a new post. I do appreciate your time and knowledge.

     

    re my issue about select library, I am still not getting the option to select library.  When I hold down the option key (on iPhoto on my dock), I get two options: first says Options and gives me three choices - remove from dock; open at login; and show in finder; the second says Open - and justs opens iPhoto up (from the applications folder on my hard drive).  If I press the option key for iphoto in Finder/Places, it just opens it without any options and the same if I go into Applications.

     

    I can open iphoto from my hard drive extension (by highlighting the drive via Devices in the finder window and then highlighting iphoto library) it is all there but again, if I hold down the option key while doublclicking nothing happens, it just opens automatically.

     

    Any other suggestions??

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Aug 17, 2015 10:59 AM in response to Lhasa63
    Level 10 (84,585 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 17, 2015 10:59 AM in response to Lhasa63

    It is not a slap on the wrist - it is a suggestion if you want a good, valid solution to a different problem that the one in the Thread that you ThreadJacked - not only are you likely to get incorrect information but the intermixing of different problems is confusing to you, the OP and the volunteers who help here

     

    What you are describing is the results of a right click - keep the option key depressed and click on open to get get the select library window - or change the right click setting for your mouse or trackpad (I use two finger click for right click on my trackpad)

     

    LN

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