can't import images: unrecognizable file format

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can't import images: unrecognizable file format

Images originally imported into Photos, png format exported & loaded to Flickr, and then downloaded from Flickr because the drive my album was on has gone south. I made a new album, imported 2 images just fine, and after that, all I get is the infamous "unrecognizable file format" error. The images are good; I can open in Preview and export as either png or jpg. These do not import, either. And I've run the library repair tool.

The library is in the Pictures folder. The images are on an ssd drive, but also fail when copied to Pictures.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 15, 2021 7:47 PM

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Answer 1

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subboy Author

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21 points

Jun 16, 2021 11:50 AM in response to subboy

I figured it out, and it's a bug.

If a smart album is selected in Photos & an image is dragged in, the error occurs. Go to Library (or Imports; just not a Smart Album) and it's fine.

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Answer 2

Jun 16, 2021 1:12 PM in response to subboy

Well that is bacause you cannot import into a smart album, since a smart album is not a location, just a filtered view of the library.

In any case, far better, and more controllable to use file>import, rather than drag/drop.

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Answer 3

subboy Author

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21 points

Jun 16, 2021 2:04 PM in response to TonyCollinet

another instance of Apple not being aware of how people use their apps in real life: the error should be "you can't import into a smart album". but this is a level of not caring that i see too often. (don't get me started on Music playlists....)

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Answer 4

léonie

Level 10

200,525 points

Jun 17, 2021 12:59 AM in response to subboy

You should definitely file this as a bug report. Misleading error messages should be fixed, as they are causing us a lot of unnecessary work. You could use this form: Feedback - Photos - Apple

I can reproduce the error:

If you want to create a new album from the imported photos, you can drag the photos to be imported to the top of the album list in the sidebar. This will create a new album with the imported photos.

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Answer 5

Jun 16, 2021 4:41 AM in response to subboy

> The images are on an ssd drive

What format is the external new drive?? APFS or maybe Mac OS Extended (GUID) or something else that might explain the error?

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Answer 6

subboy Author

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21 points

Jun 16, 2021 11:44 AM in response to Matti Haveri

As I said, it also fails when the images are in Pictures. And i just redownloaded them to Downloads; also fails from there.

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Answer 7

Jun 16, 2021 2:55 PM in response to subboy

Good point.

I'd still recommend file>import though.

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Answer 8

subboy Author

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21 points

Jun 17, 2021 10:02 AM in response to léonie

i just reported this. it's a silly error. i've long been convinced Apple does very little real world testing, and this is further confirmation.

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Answer 9

Old Toad

Level 10

215,268 points

Jun 17, 2021 10:41 AM in response to subboy

That's not how Smart Albums work. If you'd like to request a change tell Apple what missing features you'd like restored or new features added in Photos via Feedback - Photos - Apple

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can't import images: unrecognizable file format

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