"unrecognizable format" error importing images into Photos

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Level 1

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"unrecognizable format" error importing images into Photos

I'm in the process of moving my photos from an old iMac iPhotos library to a MacBook Pro with the Photos app. I have been exporting the photos from iPhotos to a flash drive, then importing into Photos. The problem I'm encountering is that I get an error message when attempting to import some(not all) photos into Photos which says "this item cannot be added to your Photo library because of it may be an unrecognizable file format or the file may contain invalid data."

The photos which supposedly have an issue can be previewed just fine when clicking on them as they appear on the flash drive.

Some photos import with no issue at all.

Any ideas how to resolve this issue to avoid losing photos forever?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Apr 28, 2024 5:27 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

muguy

Level 10

91,814 points

Apr 28, 2024 5:33 PM in response to cbailey1213

Why not just copy over the photo library?

Move the library file from your Photos folder on the iMac.

Then, hold down the option (or alt) key and launch Photos. Select 'Choose Library' and point to your iPhoto Library.

Or, enable iCloud photos (even if temporarily) to sync your library.

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Answer 2

cbailey1213 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2024 5:46 PM in response to muguy

I debated doing this but I have many newer photos already loaded in my Photos app. Is it possible to load the older iPhotos library and integrate with the newer photos already in Photos? I was concerned about losing the newer photos if I did this.

My iMac is so old the OS isn't compatible with iCloud, otherwise this would be the easier way to accomplish it.

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"unrecognizable format" error importing images into Photos

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