Does the library reference the originals

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Level 1

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Does the library reference the originals

I have about 11,000 photos in iphoto. Sometimes I just import them from my camera directly into iphoto. Other times I save them in files on my hard drive.

I am curious, if I want to make a backup, can I just copy the library folder and move it to my external drive. Once I do that - can I delete all the photo folders I have been saving or is that Library file referencing those files?

I guess I'm just not sure how it works. For example if I copy just the library file and save it on an external drive and my wife burns my house down when trying to upgrade her iphone can I just buy a new computer and use the library file to get all my pics back?

Multiple, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Oct 17, 2008 2:26 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

743,531 points

Oct 17, 2008 2:31 PM in response to sinjin313

Unless you've told iPhoto not to copy photos to the library in its preferences, backing the library up in the Finder is enough.

(36625)

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Answer 2

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

Oct 17, 2008 3:22 PM in response to sinjin313

Look at the iPhoto preferences - if the "copy items to iPhoto" is checked (the default and recommended setting then all photos are copies into the iPhoto library, this is called a managed library - if it s not checked then you have a referenced library and there are only aliases in the iPhoto library pointing to the original photos where every you have them

if I copy just the library file and save it on an external drive and my wife burns my house down when trying to upgrade her iphone can I just buy a new computer and use the library file to get all my pics back?

If you have a managed library, and you grab the EHD and run out of the house quickly, all you need is a new computer (and probably new iPhone)

LN

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

216,536 points

Oct 17, 2008 5:20 PM in response to sinjin313

As both Niel and Larry pointed out your Advanced preferences should look like this (the top check box is what's important):

If the top checkbox is checked then you have a managed library and backing up the iPhoto Library package will backup all of your original files along with the modified, etc.

TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) 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 or later), 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 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. 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.

Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

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