How to Transfer iPhoto Library?

Question

Level 2

347 points

How to Transfer iPhoto Library?

I just got a new 27" iMac. I want to transfer my iPhoto Library (with all albums intact) to the new 27" from a 24" iMac. Unfortunately, the two machines are 10 miles apart, so I can't do Target Disc Mode or anything like that.

If possible, what I can do is copy onto a portable external and take it to the new 27".

Question is - if that's feasible, then what do I copy? And how do I import it off of the portable external onto the new iMac and preserve all of my albums and so forth?

iMac 27" iMac24"; 2 iMac 20"'s; iMac 17"; MBP 17"; 2 MBP 15"; iMac and eMac G4; iBook G3, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 8G Ram; 4G Ram; 3G Ram; 2G Ram

Posted on Dec 8, 2009 4:41 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

726,923 points

Dec 8, 2009 4:46 PM in response to pcbjr

if that's feasible, then what do I copy?

The iPhoto Library inside the Pictures item of the Finder's sidebar. It needs to be transported on a Mac OS Extended format drive, partition, or disk image, or zipped in the Finder prior to transport. If zipped, the zip file needs to be on a Mac OS Extended volume when opened.

how do I import it off of the portable external onto the new iMac and preserve all of my albums and so forth?

Copy it to the iMac's hard drive as an unit.

(49110)

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Answer 2

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Dec 8, 2009 4:48 PM in response to pcbjr

all you need to do is to move the iPhoto library intact as a single entity - just drag it to the portable external on the old mac and take it to the new mac and drag it to the pictures folder then launch iPhoto - it will find it, open it and convert if necessary

And remember there is no importing involved - just dragging the entire iPhoto library all at once to the pictures folder

LN

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Answer 3

pcbjr Author

Level 2

347 points

Dec 8, 2009 4:49 PM in response to Niel

Niel wrote:

if that's feasible, then what do I copy?

The iPhoto Library inside the Pictures item of the Finder's sidebar. It needs to be transported on a Mac OS Extended format drive, partition, or disk image, or zipped in the Finder prior to transport. If zipped, the zip file needs to be on a Mac OS Extended volume when opened.

how do I import it off of the portable external onto the new iMac and preserve all of my albums and so forth?

Copy it to the iMac's hard drive as an unit.

(49110)

*+Copy it to the iMac's hard drive as an unit.+*

Do I just drag it to Photo and let it overwrite the empty iPhoto Library that is there?

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Answer 4

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

Dec 8, 2009 10:59 PM in response to pcbjr

Yes you can.

Regards

TD

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