Rename a Photos library

Question

Rename a Photos library

How do you rename a Photos library? I'm migrating to Photos from Mylio. But I have a small library on my MBA with 900 photos from a trip that I want to rename and keep to the side. If I rename it in the Finder, Photos shows the old name when I open Photos and if I double click on the renamed library.

I get this window with the old library name.

And when I click "Choose Library":

Clicking OK crashes or closes Photos.

If I select "Other Library" in the first dialog box, I'm shown the old name (the new name is showing in the Finder). And if I select the old name, I get the second (non)dialog box.

The City Directories library is brand new with nothing added to it. I realized it wasn't going to be what I wanted so I deleted it in the Finder, but it still shows in the Finder and in Photos, but opening it results in the Relinquishing….

So two questions. How to rename a Library? And how to delete a Library? I'm beginning to think I'm getting into a world of hurt here. My wife and I share iCloud and she has been using Photos all along, although not storing in iCloud (I think).

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Jun 17, 2023 9:07 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 17, 2023 10:56 AM in response to Old Toad

OldToad: That's what I expected but apparently because when in the Finder I deleted City Directories something went awry. I knew I probably needed to reboot to sort out the problem and when I did I saw that the delete was still underway hours later. After stopping that process and rebooting I could rename the library. Shouldn't be this way, but at least things finally worked as expected. Relinquishing… message was too cryptic. Your reply finally got me to go ahead and try rebooting.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,448 points

Jun 17, 2023 11:08 AM in response to SoCalMtnBiker

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and see if you can finish the deletion and any renaming you need to do. Then reboot normally.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

215,448 points

Jun 17, 2023 10:19 AM in response to SoCalMtnBiker

You rename it like you would any other file. Click on the file name and when it changes to the edit mode you type in the new name like ind this animated screenshot of renaming a hard drive:

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Rename a Photos library

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