Where does iPhoto store imported photos?

I'm always amused by the assertions that "Apple wants to control..." this and that because they are always based on a misunderstanding.

iPhoto offer your 15 or so ways to access your photos. iPhoto has more ways of accessing your Photos that any other app I know of, including Aperture. It has far more than Picasa, for instance - being that your Photos in iPhoto are available in every Open... dialogue in the entire Operating System.

Your "issue" is based on a simple misunderstanding: You're confusing your Photos with the Files that contain them. You want access to the files. You don't need access to the files. You need access to the Photos.

The illustration I use is as follows: In my iTunes Library I have a file called 'Let_it_Be_The_Beatles.mp3'. So what is that, exactly? It's not the song. The Beatles never wrote an mp3. They wrote a tune and lyrics. They recorded it and a copy of that recording is stored in the mp3 file. So the file is just a container for the recording. That container is designed in a specific way attuned to the characteristics and requirements of the data. Hence, mp3.

Similarly, that Jpeg is not your photo, it's a container designed to hold that kind of data. iPhoto is all about the data and not about the container. So, regardless of where you choose to store the file, iPhoto will manage the photo, edit the photo, add metadata to the Photo but never touch the file. If you choose to export - unless you specifically choose to export the original - iPhoto will export the Photo into a new container - a new file containing the photo.

So why do you need to access the specific files?

And if you really have a jones for file management, why not run a Referenced Library?

You don't need a "workaround". All you need is to do is

1. Understand iPhoto - which means understanding the difference between the data and the file that contans them. The data is far more available, and in far more ways, with iPhoto than with any other app you can find.

Or, if you really want to see the the jpeg files in the Finder:

2. run a Referenced library. There are good reasons not to, and it offers zero additional functionality and possible pitfalls further down the road, but you'll be able to visit with your files if you want to

Or

3. Use another app. It's really simple. If the app won't import from your Phone or iPad then use Image Capture (in your Applications Folder) to get the files from the device and then do what you will. (But if you're using Picasa read the licence carefully and be sure your happy with hundreds (and hundreds) of hidden files scattered all over your Hard Disk.

iPhoto is a Photo Manager and not a file manager. It's not about "control" or anything like it. It's about using a database to manage data not containers.

Regards

TD

Hi Terance,

Thank you for your reply. You make some interesting points, but you are incorrect on one key area: I DO need access to my "files".

Or at least I believe I do. When I try to use Snapfish or one of the other online photo sites, where I want to select specific photos for print purchases, or sharing an uploaded album, when I try to point the site to the upload directory, the only thing it sees through that dialogue box is "iPhoto Album". I cannot drill down and and point to a specific directory. This, to me, is asinine. And if these discussion forums, Macworld articles, etc are any indication, there are thousands more who feel the same as I do.

iPhoto may very well offer a way to do this, but if it does it is not transparent. And frankly, I don't want to have to become an expert in iPhoto, or go "all in" with their methodology, simply to be able to move some files around.

Apple does many things well, but this to me is not one of them.

Well, apart from not knowing iPhoto very well, you've not even read this thread. So, to save you going back a few messages I'll report this.

It's the first one you want...

There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto: You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Command-Click for selecting multiple pics.

(Note the above illustration is not a Finder Window. It's the dialogue you get when you go File -> Open)

You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:

There's a similar option in Outlook and many, many other apps. If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.

If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser.

If you want to access the files with iPhoto not running:

For users of 10.6 and later: You can download a free Services component from MacOSXAutomation which will give you access to the iPhoto Library from your Services Menu.

Using the Services Preference Pane you can even create a keyboard shortcut for it.

For Users of 10.4 and 10.5 Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser

Other options include:

Drag and Drop: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.

File -> Export: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.

Show File: a. On iPhoto 09 and earlier: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected. 3.b.

b: On iPhoto 11 and later: Select one of the affected photos in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.

Terrance, thank you do much for the detailed response, it is very helpful. It is clear that you have an excellent understanding of iPhoto and the Mac OS in general.

I'm afraid that you may have missed my fundamental point though, which is that is should not require such instructions, (or searching a user forum, etc) to learn how to perform such a basic function as locating photo files.

I never claimed that iPhoto does not allow this or that, but only that Apple makes a deliberate attempt to "encourage" all users to manage their photos through iPhoto. Which obviously requires one to learn iPhoto.

Again I love Apple and the Mac OS in general. But my experience with this one issue related to iPhoto has been very frustrating, and again my point is simply that it shouldn't require such lengths to learn how to perform such a basic function.

This said, I do sincerely appreciate your expertise and insight on this subject, it was very helpful.

Hi everyone,

Here is my two cents...I ended up on this thread because I am trying to retrieve my iPhoto photos from a time machine backup without doing a complete reinstall of my machine through time machine. This is because there is a possibly corrupt file in my old computer which was backed up with time machine, so I did a fresh reinstall and I am manually transferring over what is important from my old time machine backup. This is a totally valid reason for trying to access my photos from iPhoto by file only. In fact, if I try to open my old iPhoto library from my time machine back up in iPhoto on my computer, I get yelled at by Lion and it won't open. So I opted to right click on my old library and "show package contents" and am currently backing up my "originals" from that folder and am not worried if it will corrupt the whole library because I will soon write over it all with a new time machine backup from my new clean machine. I just want my pictures!!

Do I think Mac should make this more transparent...yes! Do I think Mac is infinitely superior to Windows...YES in a hundred million ways!!!! It physically and psychologically hurts me to use Windows. I believe in Apple and their superiority and brilliance, but that doesn't mean they are infallible and can't take a bit of constructive criticism.

Lion is great...but I feel it is a bit of a dumb down of the OSX operating system in this regard, and I have seen it in a few other places as well (adding new fonts to the font library!!??). Definitely more so than it did with its predecesors. In this case, I feel I should be able to access individual files (especially something as basic as an image file!) without having to go through an application. Keep it simple. That's all.

because I am trying to retrieve my iPhoto photos from a time machine backup without doing a complete reinstall of my machine through time machine. This is because there is a possibly corrupt file in my old computer which was backed up with time machine, so I did a fresh reinstall and I am manually transferring over what is important from my old time machine backup. This is a totally valid reason for trying to access my photos from iPhoto by file only.

Sorry but I don't think so. Again misunderstanding and a lack of knowledge play their part:

No, because, with respect, you're not trying to access the individual files from iPhoto, you're trying to recover them from Time Machine - an entirely different application.

I would also counsel you to be very careful in what you are recovering. TM stores things in increments and there can be files all over the place within a back up. Your chosen method of "recovery" is not supported because it's likely to miss significant amounts data.

Secondly, you realise that you can just recover the Library only, and not do "a complete reinstall od the whole machine", right? You might like check out the Help on Time Machine for more.

Lastly, as I said above, if you really want to manage the files yourself - and there are solid reasons not to - then just run a referenced Library. I mean, you do realise that it is actually possible to store the files whereever you want? Right? That what you want to do is perfectly possible. It's a simple setting. Uncheck one box.

And, of course, if you were running a Referenced Library, it would not help with your Time Machine issue because TM stores things in increments.

Regards

TD

I hear your pain. I'm on Snow Leopard and finally found a way: YouTube tutorial, worked EASILY AND PERFECTLY:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Io7FaeKJ3Q

Select an image, go to File: Reveal in Finder:Original File

and there it is. I hope this helps.

Why use the least useful option? Twice on this thread - twice - the re full instructions for more - and better - ways to access your Photos.

Interesting read to say the least....

iPhoto is great if you are a home user and what to share, tag, rate, or do basic editing of your photos...

However if you really need to work with your photos in a professional level its a poor choice, because you should not have to hunt for where your files are stored. Believe it or not you do need to have access to the files at some point.

I find it funny with comments like "Learn to use your Mac", really now. I would be curious to know how many professionals use iPhoto to manage all of their photos in a realistic level. The program is designed for a home user and nothing more. It follows Apples mind set on how Apple thinks you should use a computer and manage your photos. Yes some consider this a form of control if you really think about it. Granted if you have all the Apple hardware (iPhone, iPad, etc.) it follows the mind set superbly. However everyone has a workflow that works best for them and in a lot of cases Apples is not the ideal solution. Now from a home users perspective its works as designed, my wife sure does enjoys it..

Quote:

"Similarly, that Jpeg is not your photo, it's a container designed to hold that kind of data. iPhoto is all about the data and not about the container. So, regardless of where you choose to store the file, iPhoto will manage the photo, edit the photo, add metadata to the Photo but never touch the file. If you choose to export - unless you specifically choose to export the original - iPhoto will export the Photo into a new container - a new file containing the photo."

Regardless on how you describe what a jpeg is, it is the container that is your picture is stored in. Thus makes it important to protect the file. So regardless if you are using Time Machine or manually storing your files to other media formats. You will at some point need access to your files. BTW the files are stored in a hidden folder /Users/YourProfile/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Masters/

Ironically this folder is located in your Pictures Folder yet not readily accessible without doing some digging.

Now being a web designer I know if I had to use iPhoto to manage all my work I would go crazy because it just doesn’t do things as streamlined for me. However you get what you pay for and it is included with the OS so go figure. I sure don’t use Microsoft Paint to edit my artwork, yet it does have its usefulness at times.

Then there is the debate of Windows vs Apples; I enjoyed the comment about just installing Windows on the machine. Being a user of both worlds I can say there is some things Apple does better, yet I can say the same for Windows as well. To keep such a narrow mind set that Apple is superior in every way is so wrong. I for one find file management so much easier and robust in a windows world, yet I find Mac lacking. On the flip side I find Mac gestures a better way to navigate a operating system than how Windows works.

So in a nutshell no one but myself has really said in what capacity they are using the Mac and your perspective of the least useful option may not apply to the workflow that person uses. The key is to explain where the files are stored and let the user decided what they consider to be the best way.

Have you actually read the thread before commenting?

In summary:

1. It's designed for the home user. That's not a bad thing. That's what it's designed for. Why would a professional even consider using it? Why would serious pro use a Phone camera to shoot a wedding?

2. There are more ways and faster ways to access your files using iPhoto than simply using files-in-folders. There are more ways to organise, categorise and search for photos in iPhoto than files in folders. They are available in every Open... or Attach dialogue in the OS. Every one in every app.

3. It's not about control. You don't have to use iPhoto. You can use any app you want - made by Apple or made by third parties.

4. Yes, it's important to protect the original file. iPhoto does that. Backing up the iPhoto Library does that. You can also export the master and store it as a back up. You can upload the master offsite as well.

5. There is never a need to access the Master in the Finder. Never. If you think you do then you don't know how to use iPhoto.

6. I would think, being a web designer, that if you learned how to use the app you'd find it quite useful.

7. This has nothing to do with Macs v Windows. It has nothing to do with control. It has to do with learning the difference between a file browser and a database.

3. It's perfectly possible to run iPhoto in Referenced mode. That way you can store the files wherever you want. I don't recommend it, but you can do it. It adds not a whit of capability but it is possible.

Yes I did read the thread twice and all I could see was several users wanting to know where the files were being stored, yet it seems everyone wished to dance around the answer.

Take for example all of your answers in return were the typical Apple responses. Not to get to far off topic I will provide a real world example of Apple response. My $2000.00 dollar Wacom display would not work with the Apple DVI display port adapter I purchsed after a PreSales call. Now after contacting Apple tech support on what I consider a simple matter ended up leading to the rep stating there was nothing wrong with the MacBook. She claimed my Wacom display was faulty. Now this same display is working perfectly on my PC. Yet she was still convinced Apple stuff was working correctly. Seeing the call was going nowhere I thanked her and pursued to figure out for my self on why.

So now take your comments and look at them, It’s like your reading way to deep into the questions or comments. The end user was very gracious in complementing your knowledge of iPhoto, however you never did answer the question, you showed many fine examples on how to use iPhoto which was great.

Now this leads to what some feel is Apple control. So I ask you to look at the following questions based on your responses to the original question:

• Did you not want the originating user to know where the files were stored, because you felt iPhoto was the preferred way to go or some other underlying factor?
• Did you not know the answer, but offered your knowledge of iPhoto to better help the end user.
  
  

I am sure I could come up with other scenarios but your response was a-typical Apple. No offense to you because I understand where your coming from. When you are on the outside looking in you see the “Control” take shape from die-hard Apple users. Maybe control is the wrong word because I see it as a defense mechanism to defend something, and it just comes across as control.

So back on tasks here let takes your responses in order.

1. I assume you are agreeing with my statement that Apple is for a home user, however you are way out there in left field to carry on about using a iPhone to shoot a wedding. That was just a way to dig at something.
2. You are correct in your statement, however depending on the user this may not be the ideal method.
3. I didn’t state I was being controlled because I know I have the option of using whatever software I like. I was stating Apples culture; they build their products around the Apple way of doing things. The sad thing is in introduces a lot of threads like this were users have to defend the product regardless if it is flawed or not. (Note I am not referring to iPhoto, this is a general statement of all Apple products regardless if its hardware or software issues).
4. Again its all about workflow on what the user likes to do.
5. Again I feel that’s a narrow statement, because you will need to access your files at some point. For example if I use Adobe Bridge with iPhoto, I will need to access the Master folder at some point. Granted this is not a everyone scenario but you could accidently offload your camera with iPhoto and need to move everything to a different folder. It’s all about what the user needs or wants to do.
6. I have used it for some time, and it works great for personal photos and social networks, again home use.
7. You are correct that everyone should know the difference between the two, however most programs like iPhoto are using a database to manage them. Some users understand this and others don’t, remember no one stated what type of user they were so its best to answer the question. Instead you go on defending the product by stating, “Learn to use your Mac” because you feel the end user in miss using the software. So in a way it does revolve around how Apple does it vs PC. They may be long time PC users and feel that was a better workflow.
8. I regards to your final statement I would be interested in knowing where this setting is, because I have gone through the program menus several times and have yet to find where to change the path on where the photos are stored. Maybe its right in front of my face and I am just missing it, yet I was one in the past trying to figure out where my files were stored too.

Doug

Yes I did read the thread twice and all I could see was several users wanting to know where the files were being stored, yet it seems everyone wished to dance around the answer.

Then I guess that you read without understanding

The answer is not danced around - it is stated very simply and clearly - by default (and highly recommended as the way to operate) all imported photos are stored in the iPhoto database and can easily be accessed using the proper, supported access methods. You do not access them directly using a file browser (the finder)

How is that dancing? How difficult is it to understand?

I didn’t state I was being controlled because I know I have the option of using whatever software I like. I was stating Apples culture; they build their products around the Apple way of doing things. The sad thing is in introduces a lot of threads like this were users have to defend the product regardless if it is flawed or not. (Note I am not referring to iPhoto, this is a general statement of all Apple products regardless if its hardware or software issues).

Again this demonstrates your total lack of comprehension

This forum is not to debate flaws or design or sutibility of any product - it is very simply an Apple users forum where experianced (usually) Apple users help inexperianced Apple users learn how to use the Apple software exactly as it is - no one here designes any Apple software or has any ability to change any Apple software or has any ability or interest in modifying any Apple software - they are all users kjust like yourself and all try to help people use the software as it exists - that is no defending it - it is simp;y telling you how it works - if you do not ike the way it works then you either need to find software that works like you wnat or get in touch with Apple and see if you can get them to change it -- this is not the place to do that

Once again this is pretty simple

Again I feel that’s a narrow statement, because you will need to access your files at some point. For example if I use Adobe Bridge with iPhoto, I will need to access the Master folder at some point. Granted this is not a everyone scenario but you could accidently offload your camera with iPhoto and need to move everything to a different folder. It’s all about what the user needs or wants to do.

And again you demonstrate your total like of comprehension

You NEVER (this should be a simle concept) directly access the contents of any SQL database including the iPhoto database - you only use the supported access methods

And uyou do NOT use Adobe Bridge with the iPhoto database - it is incompatible

And you couyld never "accicentially" offload your camera into iPhoto

If you have photos in iPhoto that you want to use with bridge then you use (notice this is a recurrent theme here) the supports sccess methods - in this case you would select the photos in iPhoto and export them to the file system (the finder) and then use bridge on the files outside of the iPhoto database

I regards to your final statement I would be interested in knowing where this setting is, because I have gone through the program menus several times and have yet to find where to change the path on where the photos are stored. Maybe its right in front of my face and I am just missing it, yet I was one in the past trying to figure out where my files were stored too.

You are not clear but I assume you are speaking of TD's comment about a referenced library - that is in the iPhoto preferences under the advanced tab - you uncheck the preference to "copy imported items to the iPhoto library" and now your original photos will not be copied but just referenced -- HOWEVER this is VERY STONGLY not recommended as it makes improting more difficult, deleting more difficult and upgrading or replacing defective hardware much more difficult - if you make this change you will be sorry and will have siginifiant problems in the future

My recommndation for you is also simple - do not use iPhoto since it does not operate the way you want to work but instead find a program that does work the way you want and use it - or better yet just create the perfect photo program with your superior knoledge and sell it to all the people who use iPhoto and get wildy rich - but continuing to rant about a program that you do not understand will accomplish nothing - either learn it, change programs or write your own

LN

I wonder why some Apple users always sound so defensive?

I couldn't agree more with the theme of Larry's posts. Apple does some things very well, and though TD likely disagrees, Windows does some things very well, too.

I have both running on my iMac. As an accounting professional I use Excel heavily. Apple's gestures are a nightmare when using Excel, to the point I no longer use the Mac mouse.

Conversely, OS X blows away Windows 7, IMHO, in stability, organization, and overall in several usability areas. But as I've stated before, it is asinine in my opinion to have to come to a user forum to ask how to find photo files. This is how Apple has chosen to do things, and that's fine, but it is much less intuitive than the Windows way.

In general, Apple tries to "idiot-proof" everything by have users follow a prescribed method for managing their files and computer. Windows is perhaps less intuitive at first, but allows more flexibility for a more experienced user.

Of course the fact that Apple even allows a dual boot of OS X & Windows is the ultimate in "flexibility", and is one of the many reasons I'm such a big fan of Apple.

@ cmhall8 You hit it right on the nose they try to idot proof it, not all end users are idots..

@LarryNH

Too funny, a prime example of what I am talking about why so defensive...

Before I go any further I am not instulting anyones help at all, becuase there is alot of good posts in the fourms. It's how alot of people go about the answers thats is just so wrong.

I completely understood the thread and yes everyone danced around the direct question on where the files were stored. Granted all the information was useful to anyone reading the article however the key was “where are the files.”

Instead everyone wanted to go into the OMG mode why would want to do that, here do it this way or do it that way.

That’s fine and dandy but at least answer the question with the other suggestions included.

Regarding my comment of accidently offloading your camera could be a matter of the end user just learning the mac and not understanding the Apple method and then finding out you don’t want your pictures stored in that manner. So yes some would consider it an accident, because that was my first experience with iPhoto. Thus I took the time to find out where my pictures were really located, and I shared that information here.

Then I noticed instead users are bombarded by what I would consider demeaning when they are just trying to understand.

Comments like “Learn to use your Mac”, “Why use the least useful option? Twice on this thread - twice - the re full instructions for more - and better - ways to access your Photos.”, “I'm always amused by the assertions that "Apple wants to control..." this and that because they are always based on a misunderstanding.”, “And again you demonstrate your total like of comprehension”..

Seriously how do comments like that help a user, with a simple question? It does nothing but put a foul taste in the end-users mouth.

So I can respect your answer regarding TD’s reference to the “Reference Library”. You told me where the settings are and then offered some useful information on why you should not do it that way. I don’t necessarily agree when some of your reasoning regarding hardware failure restoration. Your suggestions do provided future users some pointers for future users. So I thank you for the information, it will be something iI will know in the future if needed.

Die hard Apple users dont need to get so defensive because they think the end-user doesn’t understand, this seems to be the misconception of die-hard Apple users. There is some truth in the statement, but they could very well understand completely. It may be matters of them not caring for the Apple way of doing things that’s all. Thats why there is different software packages and different brands of computers out there to choose from.

I for one prefer to use Bridge over iPhoto becasue I can use it between my Mac and PC, whereas iPhoto doesnt provide that fit. Its all about the workflow that works for the enduser, and if anything I would feel a Die hard Mac user would understand the importance of personal workflow.

First off: You need to understand that no one posting here is speaking for Apple. No one is employed by Apple. We're all just users like you. So there are no "typical Apple responses" here. I'm just someone who's quite familiar with the application, the forum and the questions that come up here.

This question of where the files are stored comes up frequently enough. And in some cases it's asked by people migrating from other OSes. The point I'm making is that it's the wrong question in almost all cases. So, I can tell you that, yes, the files are stored inside the iPhoto Library package. There now, that's that answered. Thread closed. Right?

But it's not. Because the real question is "how do I access my photos to print/edit/upload/ whatever"? And if that's the real question the fact that the files are stored within the Library package not very useful, is it?

So, I try and explain how to access the photos, and, why it's built that way.

Once you get to the "control" word you can see where the issue lies. iPhoto controls your photos in exactly the same way as AddressBook controls your addresses. But you never see people asking 'Where does AddressBook store the addresses"? Because it doesn't matter. AddressBook allows you to do everything you need to do with this material throughout the OS. You can edit it, add to it, export it to standard formats and access it from Applications and dialogues throughout the OS.

Now try that Paragraph again:

iPhoto allows you to do everything you need to do with this material throughout the OS. You can edit it, add to it, export it to standard formats and access it from Applications and dialogues throughout the OS.

And that's the point of a Photo Manager. The files don't matter, the photographs do.

And why are the files hidden (behind what is a very, very thin wall)? Because for years inexperienced Users damaged their libraries by manipulating the data via the Finder. They merrily renamed files and folders, deleted material and trashed their libraries in many ways. Since the package was introduced with iPhoto 08 such postings have reduced enormously.

I assume you are agreeing with my statement that Apple is for a home user, however you are way out there in left field to carry on about using a iPhone to shoot a wedding. That was just a way to dig at something.

Yes I was agreeing with you. i was merely saying that using iPhoto in a pro setting was as appropriate as shooting a wedding with a phone.

You are correct in your statement, however depending on the user this may not be the ideal method.

And in that circumstance... you use an app that works the way you prefer. Word is an enormously powerful application. But it doesn't work the way I like. I don't trash Word because of this. I just use one that works the way I prefer.

I was stating Apples culture; they build their products around the Apple way of doing things. The sad thing is in introduces a lot of threads like this were users have to defend the product regardless if it is flawed or not. (Note I am not referring to iPhoto, this is a general statement of all Apple products regardless if its hardware or software issues).

Try that paragraph using MicroSoft or Adobe instead of Apple. Still works, doesn't it?

Again its all about workflow on what the user likes to do.

So, you find the app that works for you. You don't expect that every app will work the way you want.

because you will need to access your files at some point. For example if I use Adobe Bridge with iPhoto, I will need to access the Master folder at some point.

But you wouldn't want to access your iPhoto files with Adobe Bridge. Why? Remember what I said about users damaging their libraries? A lot of that was done by people using Bridge. Plus, Bridge fulfills something of the same role in the Workflow as iPhoto, and using two managers makes little sense - Like using iPhoto and Lightroom, Or Aperture and Bridge or Lightroom and Bridge, Picasa and Lightroom etc. Using more than one manager is akin to writing your novel in two word processors at the same time. Confusion abounds.

And if you're worrying about Bridge as a front end for Photoshop all of these apps can function instead of Bridge in this role.

but you could accidently offload your camera with iPhoto and need to move everything to a different folder.

Why would you need to access the Masters folder to do that? That's what FIle -> Export is for, no? Moving the files with Bridge and/or the Finder would trash the Library.

- My point here is to simply show that the scenarios you are suggesting have been built-in to the application. Yes, there is a learning curve. There's a learning curve with Bridge, Lightroom, The Finder, Windows Explorer and everything else.

As for your comment about databases: the basic paradigm of computing is changing. We've been working on a crude analogy since the arrival of the GUI. Data is a document, documents are stored in folders, folders go inside other folders and they get put in a filing cabinet. That's all a about documents. Now that machines are much more powerful all the OS designers are moving away from that. Now the model is about managing Data not documents. Soon everything will be a database. Photo apps and NLE video editors have got there first, but now Word Porcessors and Spreadsheets are happening too. And that's happeniong on Windows as well as Macs.

For information on how to run a Referenced Library - and the pitfalls attached - see

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3062728?tstart=0