Where is the iPhoto library stored and how can I browse to it in Finder? The "Photos" option is not showing up on the left hand side.

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Level 1

15 points

Where is the iPhoto library stored and how can I browse to it in Finder? The "Photos" option is not showing up on the left hand side.

I created an app using Automator to batch resize my photos. When I take photos with my iPhone 4s the resolution is so big I can't upload them to a web site, so I can select all the photos in an event and resize them down. It's too time consuming to open each one in Preview and resize it manually. This little app works perfectly!

Here's the only thing I'd like to change - when the app starts up it asks which photos I want to resize. I'd love it to default to the iPhoto library so I can choose the most recent event. But I can't for the life of me find it! Normally there's a choice on the left hand side that says Photos and in the automator finder window, it's not showing up. I've looked through all the folders I can think of and can't find it.

Help!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Dec 7, 2011 10:07 AM

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Answer 1

Network 23

Level 6

12,333 points

Dec 7, 2011 10:12 AM in response to karincarr

To find the iPhoto library, select any photo in iPhoto and choose File/Reveal in Finder.

This might depend on which version of iPhoto you have. You might have to right-click the image. It might also depend on which OS you're in. In 10.6.8, it's in Pictures/iPhoto Library.

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Answer 2

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Dec 7, 2011 10:23 AM in response to karincarr

You are not using iPhoto properly and are in danger of losing your photos

iPhoto is a SQP database application and there are NO user servicable parts in the database (by default the iPhoto library) It is extremely important that you NEVER make any changes of any sort to the content (or structure) of the iPhoto library

The only safe (and suppoprted) way to resize photo is to select them and export using the various esize options in teh export dialogue and use those resized photos - this is a bathc process and does not involve Preview nor does it involve seperate processing for each photo

LN

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Answer 3

karincarr Author

Level 1

15 points

Dec 7, 2011 11:00 AM in response to LarryHN

I am not moving or changing the originals. I am simply doing what I would do in Preview (open, tools, change size) but instead of doing it one at a time I'm doing 50 at a time. I'm also making copies so I'm not changing the originals. Apple makes this Automator program and file resizing options are in there, so I'm afraid I disagree that this is not safe or unsupported. But I appreciate your concern. 😀

Exporting is a great option if I only had one photo to do but I'm a Realtor and I took 104 photos at a house yesterday. I can't do them one at a time.

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Answer 4

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,402 points

Dec 7, 2011 11:27 AM in response to karincarr

You can batch resize on export from iphoto and make that whole Automator exercise redundant.

Select the pics in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export

In the resulting dialogue you can set the Jpeg Quality (which afffects the file size) and the Size - which sets the dimensions (length by breadth). Export. Job done.

Regards

TD

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Answer 5

karincarr Author

Level 1

15 points

Dec 7, 2011 11:52 AM in response to Yer_Man

Thanks TD! That's even easier. But I'd still like to know where the iPhoto library is just to satisfy my own curiosity.

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Answer 6

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,402 points

Dec 7, 2011 1:40 PM in response to karincarr

By default it's in the Pictures Folder.

But if yours has been moved Network 23 has the tip for that above: Select a photo in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Reveal in Finder -> Original. A Finder Window will open with the file selected. In column view you can track back to the Library location.

Regards

TD

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