how do i tell which iphoto i'm in

Question

Level 1

6 points

how do i tell which iphoto i'm in

with all my upgrades/transfers/backups/kid's backups, etc, i have several iphoto libraries.

i know how to option-click and choose a specific library. i'm thinking that plain clicking iphoto opens the library that was just previously option-clicked-chosed.

what i'm interested in is whether, while iphoto is open, there is a way to find out which iphoto library is currently loaded. it seems like a simple thing and i'm probably looking right at it and not seeing it.

any one know this?

thanks,
-db

powermac g5, macbook pro intel core2duo, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Feb 18, 2008 8:26 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

726,923 points

Feb 18, 2008 8:32 AM in response to dvb

Control-click on the photo and choose Show File from the menu which appears, and then press the Command key while clicking on the folder's name in the window's title bar. Don't make any changes to the iPhoto library's structure from the Finder.

(29530)

Reply

Answer 2

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Feb 18, 2008 8:32 AM in response to dvb

I am not aware of an "Library Name" display for iPhoto - most people who use multiple libraries use iPhoto Library Manager to control them - take a look - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ - give it a try on the free trial version - you probably will find it well worth $20.00

LN

Reply

Answer 3

dvb Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 18, 2008 9:17 AM in response to LarryHN

ctrl-click->show info sounds like a good option (remembering to close the finder window immediately to avoid any temptation to mess with the package contents!)

i'm going to download the iphoto library manager--that sounds like a useful program that might very well be worth the $20, now that my library size is getting large enough and complicated enough.

thanks for the suggestions!!

-db

Reply

Answer 4

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Feb 18, 2008 9:50 AM in response to dvb

I agree with Larry about iPhoto Library Manager. You'll find it so very useful in managing multiple libraries. I use it with 14 libraries, some are just test libraries and others are just for creating a book. I always launch iPLM first and then launch the library I want to work in. And if you need some photos copied from one library to another iPLM will do the job while maintaining keywords, titles and comments.

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 created 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 and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Reply