Why doesn't my Aperture library size decrease as I move original image files out?

Question

Why doesn't my Aperture library size decrease as I move original image files out?

I am in the process of moving originlal image files out of my iPhoto library. I am moving them to a vacant external drive. The process is going fairly well but is a little slow. However, as I move groups of files out, I expect to see the overall size of my iPhoto library decrease. This is the primary reason for going through this process. What I do see is the size of my iPhoto library increase in size. I've moved about 1 GB of photos out and have watched the library size grow from 39.9 GB to 40.6 GB. What is going on?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Dec 16, 2012 6:06 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 16, 2012 6:23 PM in response to DanKinney2367

Which are you working with Aperture or iPhoto?

You posted in the Aperture forum and stated Aperture in the title of your tread.

Then as you state your problem all talk about is iPhoto.

Allan

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Answer 2

Dec 16, 2012 6:22 PM in response to Allan Eckert

Hi Allan,

I'm in Aperture. My Aperture library is my legacy iPhoto library.

Dan

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Answer 3

Dec 16, 2012 7:12 PM in response to DanKinney2367

Just to make sure: how are you relocating your Originals?

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Answer 4

Dec 16, 2012 7:36 PM in response to Kirby Krieger

Hi Kirby,

The way I move my images is:

Open Aperture.

Select a project.

Select all the images within the project.

Select "File" followed by "Relocate Original".

Locate the destination drive (external hard drive) and folder. I give them a new name in the process.

The images are then badged as referenced files within Aperture. I can then use Finder and see my original files located on the hard drive.

Thanks,

Dan

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Answer 5

Dec 16, 2012 7:52 PM in response to DanKinney2367

Hi Dan. The Library can take a little while to do it's internal housekeeping. Are you seeing no change in the size of the Library after closing it and re-opening it?

As a separate issue: you know that you can use "Project Name" among many other sub-folder formats when relocating your Originals. This might save you a few steps once you've settled on your naming and locating conventions.

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Answer 6

Dec 16, 2012 8:22 PM in response to Kirby Krieger

You are correct - I am seeing no change in the size of the library after closing it and re-opening it. I've closed it and have shut the computer down several times.

On the separate issue - I am using the "Project Name" and other options for renaming the originals. Not having any problems there.

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Answer 7

Dec 17, 2012 11:46 AM in response to DanKinney2367

Run Repair Database, as explained on this Apple Trouble-Shooting page.

Back up first, though I have _never_ had a Library damaged by the Repair operation. Do not interupt the repair, even if it seems it is doing nothing. Best to do it overnight on a machine that is set up to not sleep.

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Answer 8

Dec 19, 2012 1:16 PM in response to Kirby Krieger

Hi Kirby,

I made certain I was fully backed-up on Time Machine and did the "Repair Database". I also did a "Repair Permissions" and "Delete User Preferences" as well. My library size did not decrease. I then continued migrating a few more projects over to my hard drive, hoping this would generate some activity that would update the library sizing (a little of that internal housekeeping you spoke of). But it didn't. I plan on moving more image files this evening and fully expect to see my library puff up even more.

Just a little bit of info to add to the overal picture, I am moving my image files into folders directly onto my external drive. I am not moving them into an Aperture library. Could this be the cause of my problem?

Dan

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