It seems to work, it opens and photos are added to it, but when I try to use the "Open in app" feature, it give this message:
Photos must quit because the photo library is being moved, is unavailable, or its data is corrupt.
I rebuilt it on one of the 3 computers (all different hardware, same Mac OS 11.1), but I get the same message when I try to use the same feature.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Hi
Where is your library stored? This message can be caused by storing the library on an external drive with a format (ususally exFAT because that is the default format for most drives when purchased) that is not compatible with photos.
(alternatively how have you copied the library between computers?)
It must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled) (preferred for spinning drives)
It Must not be (or have been) used for time machine.
It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked.
It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar.
It must also not be a network drive (a direct connection is required - eg USB or Thunderbolt).
File sharing services such as iCloud Drive, Drop box, Onedrive etc are not compatible with Photos libraries.
See
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517
To check the format, click the drive and open the info pane (CMD-i)
Hi
Where is your library stored? This message can be caused by storing the library on an external drive with a format (ususally exFAT because that is the default format for most drives when purchased) that is not compatible with photos.
(alternatively how have you copied the library between computers?)
It must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled) (preferred for spinning drives)
It Must not be (or have been) used for time machine.
It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked.
It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar.
It must also not be a network drive (a direct connection is required - eg USB or Thunderbolt).
File sharing services such as iCloud Drive, Drop box, Onedrive etc are not compatible with Photos libraries.
See
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517
To check the format, click the drive and open the info pane (CMD-i)
You aren't trying to share a single library among the three computers are you? This can't work with Photos.
BTW sharing to Mail.app works, also does export.
On all 3 computers the library is stored on their own hard drives.
Is it a duplicated library? How have you copied it between the computers.
Also see comments from Leonie, about duplicate removal software.
I checked, each computer has a single copy of photoslibrary. I have not copied it between computers. I have no way of checking when the library mounts when the computer starts up - before or after the login. The fact that the only time this error message shows up when I try to use the "Edit With..." feature, but for instance not when I try to export or import an image, or share it via email, and synchronizing via iCloud works normally, that it has to do with whatever process "Edit with..." uses to link photos.app to an external app - which can be anything: Pixelmator, Graphic Converter or Apple's own Preview.app. The computers are of various ages but I clean-installed OS 11 on all of them. So I think it is an OS issue.
In addition to the list of requirements posted by Tony - the drive with your Photos Library needs to be mounted before you are logging into your user account. The system Photos Library needs to be always available when you are signed in.
Your library may really have become damaged, beyond repair. This can happen, if the drive is failing, or if you have been using some third party software to remove duplicate photos.
Have you already run Disk Utility to check, if your external drive has a problem?
The "Open in" will only work, if your Photos Library has been designated as the System Photos Library in Photos > Preferences > General.
Photos library corrupted on 3 computers at the same time.
