Photo Library - can't find original file when I try to download or edit

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Level 1

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Photo Library - can't find original file when I try to download or edit

I have my photos on an external drive. I can see the photos in my upload history. They open fine. I have double check to maker sure I can edit and download. However once I close photos and and remove the external drive, the next time i one the files it says "can't find originals" This have happened the last 3 times I have imported photos from my camera. What could be causing this issue and how to do fix it and find my originals?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 14, 2020 3:26 PM

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Answer 1

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Old Toad

Level 10

210,831 points

Dec 14, 2020 4:16 PM in response to shayne295

Are you running a "managed" or "referenced" library?

If it's a referenced library you should convert it to a managed one. Read this user tip on "referenced" libraries: Disadvantages of a Referenced Library in Photos - Updated for macOS 10.15 Catalina

Also how is the EHD formatted?

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Answer 2

Dec 14, 2020 3:58 PM in response to shayne295

Hi - you need to have the external drive connected before you log onto your mac. You also need to make sure you eject your external drive, before disconnecting it. There are a number of background processes that might be working with your library even when photos is closed.

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Photo Library - can't find original file when I try to download or edit

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