I have Photo Library and PhotoLibrary2 listed in Finder. I am hesitant to open the Photo Library 2 but really only want the one library. Would opening it make it become the System Photo Library which I would not want? If I do open it can I just export any photos in it to the other library? I have Sequoia 15.2 installed
I would appreciate any help available.
Gill
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Mac mini, macOS 15.2
Though on a Mac you can have several Photos Libraries, you can have only one System Library. That's the one that other apps may go to, and the "System Library" is the only one that can connect to iCloud. Double clicking on any Library opens it in Photos, but it doesn't change its "System" status. I have a bunch of Libraries, and I switch between them all the time. No problem.
In your main Library, you can choose File>Import and then select another Library. It will show the pictures in that Library and ask which ones you want to import. Import will usually give you the opportunity to reject duplicates. Keep in mind that Album structure will not be preserved--you just get the pictures!
If this second Library is large, and you would like to preserve the album and folder structure, you may want to use the trusted 3rd party app PowerPhotos ($30) -- it makes handling multiple Libraries way easer.
Though on a Mac you can have several Photos Libraries, you can have only one System Library. That's the one that other apps may go to, and the "System Library" is the only one that can connect to iCloud. Double clicking on any Library opens it in Photos, but it doesn't change its "System" status. I have a bunch of Libraries, and I switch between them all the time. No problem.
In your main Library, you can choose File>Import and then select another Library. It will show the pictures in that Library and ask which ones you want to import. Import will usually give you the opportunity to reject duplicates. Keep in mind that Album structure will not be preserved--you just get the pictures!
If this second Library is large, and you would like to preserve the album and folder structure, you may want to use the trusted 3rd party app PowerPhotos ($30) -- it makes handling multiple Libraries way easer.
There's nothing wrong with repairing the Library. Option-command-double click the Photos icon-- you'll be asked if you want to repair, so say yes.
Likely some connections between the database and the picture have gotten tangled-- repairing should help, and it can't hurt.
Thank you for your very prompt reply. I tried what you suggested but it wouldn't allow me to do that. It said the Library I wanted to import had to be repaired. I tried to search for that but both libraries were greyed out. I'm inclined to leave well alone except for the fact that the photos in Library 2 do not seem to appear in my iCloud account. There are over 3,000 in that Library and 16,000+ in the main Library (which are synced to iCloud).
Many thanks again. I got as far as the double click then got cold feet! It's near my bedtime here so will try again tomorrow when I can concentrate.
Once again thanks for your help. I don't know what I would do without the Community support. You are all marvellous.
Repairing the Library seemed to work. However I still cannot transfer photos in Library 2 as it still says it needs a repair. It looks like they are all in the main library though so can I delete it?
A search for duplicate photos in the Library shows there are none but there are in my iPad and iPhone. I don't understand that but should I merge them all?
Repairing the Library seemed to work. However I still cannot transfer photos in Library 2 as it still says it needs a repair. It looks like they are all in the main library though so can I delete it?
A search for duplicate photos in the Library shows there are none but there are in my iPad and iPhone. I don't understand that but should I merge them all?
Merging Photos Libraries in macOS Sequoia 15.2
