Transfer iPhoto library from old to new computer

Hi Old Toad.

WHY SHOULD'NT I, repeat WHY SHOULDN'T I import one library into another?.

I'd have thought iPhoto was smart enough to do that and was about to try it?.

What would happen?.

Why shouldn't you? Becuase it will make a mess of things, that's why.

Never import one Library to another. Every version and thumbnail is imported like a distinct photo, you lose all your Albums, Keywords etc., the link between Original and Previews is destroyed, the non-destructive editing feature is ruined and so on. In summary: it's mess.

But you know, if you like cleaning up messes, off you go.

Terence

This appears to be the way to go.

1.

But it fails for me, telling me I don't have permission. The original library is on my wife's computer and the new location is mine. I have granted each computer permission over the other. But it hangs up and won't work. Any suggestions?

2.

When I finally get this to work, will all my smart folders and other ways of organizing iphoto be retained?

Thanks.

1. You'll need to explain this further. What does "I've granted each computer over the other" mean? How did you do this? What tells you that you don' have permission? Copying? Opening the Library after the copy?

2. Yes.

Terence

Thanks for the feedback. I have since done a rebuild of iphoto (limited to the permissions) and it seems to transfer ok --- though the initial estimate is up to 24 hours. (Basically, I meant in my garbled explanation that the two macs were talking with each other but that the file would not transfer.)

it is reassuring to know the entire file and things like smart folders will transfer.