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User profile for user: Theo Lotz
Theo Lotz Author
User level: Level 1
14 points

iphoto 5.0.4 - Library cleanup?

I noticed today when I was doing a HD backup of my Mini that the iPhoto library files seems to have quite a few ._ files for the pictures as well as Thumbnails. Not every single pic has a thumbnail or a ._ file, so I dont know why some do and some don't. (I really wish OSX would get past the legacy ._ files already! Hoping Leopard's smart enough to do that).

Anyway, is there a way to get rid of those ._ and Thumbnail files safely? I'm assuming they aren't vital to the Library because every file would have one in that case when they were imported.

Thanks in advance! (And yes, I'm using iPhoto 5.0.4. Waiting for Leopard to get a new Macbook and move to iLife 08 then)

Message was edited by: Theo Lotz --- I just found out I posted in the '08 forum and there is an actual '05 forum as well. Admins - please move my post when you see this ... my bad. 😟

Mac Mini (1.25Ghz), Mac OS X (10.4.10), iPhoto 5.0.4

Posted on Sep 18, 2007 9:22 PM

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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
User level: Level 10
207,751 points

Posted on Sep 19, 2007 1:58 PM

Theo:

I think those ._ files might image files that have the same file name as another file in a roll that they were moved to. iPhoto will add the _2 to it so they can exist in the same folder. This is so iPhoto can handle duplicate file names when digital cameras reset the file numbering back to 001 when cards are erased.

Do not move, rename or delete any file or folder inside the iPhoto library folder. That is the cardinal sin of iPhoto and will trash the library to the point that you may have to start over with a new library. And with iPhoto 5 that's a very big effort. Just access the files from the application and not go rummaging around the library folder.

User uploaded file 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. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
User level: Level 10
207,751 points

Sep 19, 2007 1:58 PM in response to Theo Lotz

Theo:

I think those ._ files might image files that have the same file name as another file in a roll that they were moved to. iPhoto will add the _2 to it so they can exist in the same folder. This is so iPhoto can handle duplicate file names when digital cameras reset the file numbering back to 001 when cards are erased.

Do not move, rename or delete any file or folder inside the iPhoto library folder. That is the cardinal sin of iPhoto and will trash the library to the point that you may have to start over with a new library. And with iPhoto 5 that's a very big effort. Just access the files from the application and not go rummaging around the library folder.

User uploaded file 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. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
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iphoto 5.0.4 - Library cleanup?

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