smitty195

Q: Where is the iPhoto library folder?

Hello,

 

I know this sounds kinda dumb, but I can no longer find the iPhoto folder that has my pictures in it. What I mean is, if I go to a Finder window and I click on "Pictures", it accurately lists all of my pictures that are on my MacBook Pro. However, there is no longer a folder there that I can open for my iPhoto pictures---instead, it's an icon of ALL of my iPhoto pictures. Does this make sense what I'm asking?

 

In other words, let's say I wanted to choose a single photo as my avatar for a certain webpage. Okay, so when the directory window opens up to allow me to navigate to the specific photo I want to use, in the past I have always clicked on "Pictures", and then I could see a FOLDER that I could click on to open it up. Once inside that folder, I saw the long list of picture categories (such as Events, Photos, Last Import, Faces, all of my custom folders, etc, etc, etc). But now, the only choice I have is to click on "iPhoto Library"---all 75 GB's of it! I don't want thousands of photos---I just want ONE. What happened to the folder that used to be there?

 

I am using iPhoto 11 (the latest updates are in it), Mountain Lion 10.8.1, and a MacBook Pro.

 

Thank you!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion

Posted on Sep 11, 2012 4:56 AM

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Q: Where is the iPhoto library folder?

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  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Dec 9, 2013 11:54 AM in response to fsucujo
    Level 10 (140,908 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Dec 9, 2013 11:54 AM in response to fsucujo

    You didn't mention that the other computer was from the dark side.   You'll have to make duplicate copies of all photos and put them on the EHD in folders.

     

    What version of iPhoto are you using? The version will determine how you can export the photos to folders on the EHD.

  • by fsucujo,

    fsucujo fsucujo Dec 9, 2013 11:56 AM in response to Old Toad
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 9, 2013 11:56 AM in response to Old Toad

    I am using Iphoto 11 version 9.5. Thanks.

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Dec 9, 2013 11:59 AM in response to elyseinwonderlandd
    Level 10 (84,185 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Dec 9, 2013 11:59 AM in response to elyseinwonderlandd

    elyseinwonderlandd wrote:

     

    if you click on iphoto and click show package contents there will be a folder labeled originals all your photos should be there

    This is very dangerous and is strongly not recommended - a simple mistake can cause you to lose yoru photos

     

    LN

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Dec 9, 2013 12:07 PM in response to fsucujo
    Level 10 (140,908 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Dec 9, 2013 12:07 PM in response to fsucujo

    You can export all of your Events to folders with the same title as the event via the File ➙ Export ➙ File Export and the following settings:

     

    iP11exportbyevent.png

     

    When you create a new event it can be exported to the EHD with the same settings.  However, the EHD will have to be formatted as FAT 32 so the PC can read it. You won't be able to store an iPhoto library on it or use it to run an iPhoto LIbrary from.  It'll only be for files to be accessed by the PC.

  • by Torodi,

    Torodi Torodi Feb 5, 2014 5:40 AM in response to MLadd
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 5, 2014 5:40 AM in response to MLadd

    This is the response many people were looking for--how do I get to my photos without going into iPhoto. It's a hassle and sometimes you just want to get a copy of a photo. Thanks MLadd. Agreed, don't modify the your library from here, but this is a great tip for accessing a copy of a photo.

  • by Terence Devlin,

    Terence Devlin Terence Devlin Feb 5, 2014 6:14 AM in response to Torodi
    Level 10 (139,475 points)
    iLife
    Feb 5, 2014 6:14 AM in response to Torodi

    The problem is, of course, that unless you a: only looking for the original it's of no use, b: it's a whole lot slower - as you're rooting through many, many obscurely named folders and c: it's dangerous to your data. But what the heck.

     

    The supported are here

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4491

     

    and most of them don't need iPhoto running either, and they're faster and safer too.

  • by StormReaper,

    StormReaper StormReaper Jul 25, 2014 10:37 PM in response to Terence Devlin
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 25, 2014 10:37 PM in response to Terence Devlin

    I have had some wonky stuff go on with my MacBook Pro and I was completely locked out of my iPhoto. I had pictures on there from my grandson who had passed away and I was desperate to find a folder or a way to get those pictures... Naturally I came across this thread.. I'm posting to let everyone know there is a way around all of this nonsense..

     

    I simply unplugged everything from my computer except the power source (no iphone, ext hard drive... Nothing plugged in).. In the left hand column, I clicked all images and I had about 5,000+ images pop up. I clicked one (to choose it) and it shows where the photo is located whether it be folder or iPhoto... I highlighted all of the pics I wanted and moved them to an empty folder on my desktop.. I then moved that folder to my external hard drive. I have since fixed the problem with my iPhoto and restored those pics to iPhoto..

     

    now I'm not tech savvy or anything but I am one determined grandmother.. I was going to get those pics, one way or another..

     

    fyi- all of the contradicting advice was getting me mad because I just wanted a simple answer.. Seems I found a way.. And there was NO DAMAGE to my computer or subsequent programs.. It's just highlighting and copying to a folder I can mange when iPhoto was being a butt.. Have a nice day!!!

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Jul 25, 2014 11:33 PM in response to StormReaper
    Level 10 (84,185 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 25, 2014 11:33 PM in response to StormReaper

    COpying from "all images" is safe but not supported nor is it a good idea. Deleting photos from "all images" or moving them to a new location will corrupt your iPhoto library and create major problems am data loss. It is best to properly access your photos

     

    Ln

  • by Terence Devlin,

    Terence Devlin Terence Devlin Jul 26, 2014 12:01 AM in response to StormReaper
    Level 10 (139,475 points)
    iLife
    Jul 26, 2014 12:01 AM in response to StormReaper

    Sorry to hear of the loss of your grandson.

     

    The problem with your fix is that there can be multiple versions of photos and they can be of very different sizes ranging from full size to tiny thumbnails. Are you sure you got the full size ones?

  • by StormReaper,

    StormReaper StormReaper Jul 26, 2014 12:52 AM in response to Terence Devlin
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 26, 2014 12:52 AM in response to Terence Devlin

    WI when going through the photos, I used "command" to only highlight the full size photos.. I was also able to get the videos of him from all documents.. I did see several copies of the photos where multiple people were included and in the extra photos it was a close up of their face but that's from the faces aspect of iPhoto so I was very careful in which photos I selected from all images and all documents.. I only had an issue with iPhoto before I did any of this.. I've never had any problem with any programs, computer functions or internet... Maybe I was lucky or maybe this way works.. I don't know.. But it's something that works for me.. Since this worked for me (not saying it will work for everyone or all the time then again I'm not a tech) I went to my old Mac and did this and recovered a TON of stuff I thought was lost forever..

     

    I am very particular about the programs I have on my computer due to my job (it's mostly preferred in the film business to use Macs) so I am careful and watchful how my computers work.. It's not just me tied to the final product... But in this case and situation, it works fine for me... I have yet to see anything that says it's forbidden.. ****, going online can screw up a computer nowadays with malware and all kinds of nasty bugs.. Doesn't mean you shouldnt go online.. Just be careful and use common sense.. If second thoughts, call a tech or pay the money and have a geek squad member do the work for you...

     

    and thank you for your condolences..

  • by StormReaper,

    StormReaper StormReaper Jul 26, 2014 1:05 AM in response to LarryHN
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 26, 2014 1:05 AM in response to LarryHN

    hi Larry.. This was a last ditch effort.. I resorted to this because I COULDN'T get iPhoto to open.. It was the only program that I have ever had issues with... So when you say "it's best to properly access your photos" yet the "proper" way wasn't working and none of the options mentioned for a "supported" way didn't work, what would you suggest I do?? I clearly stated I tried using iPhoto and it didn't work.. in your post you said it's "safe" but "not supported".. So if I've tried everything the proper way, what would you suggest I'd have done??

  • by Terence Devlin,

    Terence Devlin Terence Devlin Jul 26, 2014 1:11 AM in response to StormReaper
    Level 10 (139,475 points)
    iLife
    Jul 26, 2014 1:11 AM in response to StormReaper
    WI when going through the photos, I used "command" to only highlight the full size photos..

     

    That's the kind of key information that you need to add when posting your solution. You are aware of the different versions of the photos but most inexperienced users would not be. We frequently see posts on here from folks complaining that iPhoto has made all their photos tiny, and it's always after they have done something similar.  It's all a bit like working on your car. My neighbour can dismantle and rebuild his engine, me I put gas in and anything more complex goes to my neighbour . If I attempted what he does I could very easily reduce it to just bits of metal on the ground. So, it's not that there aren't other ways of getting to the material just that they are fraught with potential issues for the unwary.

  • by StormReaper,

    StormReaper StormReaper Jul 26, 2014 1:19 AM in response to Terence Devlin
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 26, 2014 1:19 AM in response to Terence Devlin

    I can understand that.. I figured if the command key for certain selections works in iTunes, why not images and documents?? Next time I will put my step by step as to not confuse anyone.. I was getting confused because if something is safe how is it not advised?? Then again, when I quit Microsoft platforms, I immersed myself into everything apple.. Short cut keys, swipe, function keys, folder options.. Everything!!! I just assumed it was common knowledge about the command key... My mistake..

     

    I tried to edit my previous response and tell you thank you.. Your condolence was very kind...

  • by Terence Devlin,

    Terence Devlin Terence Devlin Jul 26, 2014 2:24 AM in response to StormReaper
    Level 10 (139,475 points)
    iLife
    Jul 26, 2014 2:24 AM in response to StormReaper

    Well the command key for multiple non-contiguous selections is probably quite well known, but it does come up here from time to time. What's much less known is that iPhoto can contain up to three versions of the pics which on cursory glance can seem identical - that one comes up very commonly here. So we get people confusing thumbnails and masters, for instance, and then don't understand why their photos are tiny.

     

    What is safe and what is advised are not necessarily the same thing. Again, think of driving. What is advised is what works for pretty much everybody in all circumstances. So, always wear a seat belt. But driving without a seatbelt is perfectly safe - right to the point of impact. But you can drive for years and never hit something. But still the advice is to belt up.

     

    Put another way, your system requires prior knowledge of the different versions of the shot on your machine. Without that prior knowledge you get to the point of impact pretty soon...

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Jul 26, 2014 3:22 AM in response to StormReaper
    Level 10 (105,680 points)
    iLife
    Jul 26, 2014 3:22 AM in response to StormReaper
    I was getting confused because if something is safe how is it not advised??

    Just remember, that more than 10000000 members are browsing these forums, and many more casual visitors, not only the original poster.  You cannot rely on all of readers being experts, and not all of them will read the whole thread, when they see an advice. So it is necessary to add a caution to any potentially risky post, even if the original poster is an expert mac user.

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