Does changing the iPhoto library destination move the original files?

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Level 1

8 points

Does changing the iPhoto library destination move the original files?

I have merged two iphoto libraries and moved it to an external HD.

One of the libraries had my photo's that are located in my pictures subfolder in my Home folder on my macbook. The library is now in a EHD that is connected to my time capsule.

Can I now delete the files in my pictures folder on my internal HD? I have linked aperture to the new iphoto library on EHD but when I right click on a picture and ask to show in finder, it takes me to the files in my pictures folder.

I want to free up the space on my macbook but do not want to lose the files without making sure they are on EHD.

Thanks,

Phil

Aperture 3, iOS 6.1

Posted on Feb 6, 2013 6:14 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

Feb 6, 2013 6:24 AM in response to philberg

Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?

A Managed Library, is the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing. The files are then stored in the Library package

A Referenced Library is when iPhoto is NOT copying the files into the iPhoto Library when importing because you made a change at iPhoto -> Preferences -> Advanced. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.

If you have a Managed Library, then yes, the originals were moved. Otherwise, No.

Regards

TD

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Answer 2

philberg Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2013 10:49 AM in response to Yer_Man

Thank you very much Terence, your reply was great- helpfully unambiguous just as I needed it to be.

I used aperture to manage the iphoto libraries and have looked at it's advanced preferences. I can't find the option of a managed or referenced library option there.

Do you happen to know how I can find which of these I created?

Thanks again,

Phil.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Feb 6, 2013 10:58 AM in response to philberg

Are you still able to open the library with iPhoto? If so check it's Advanced preference pane:

OT

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Answer 4

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

Feb 6, 2013 1:17 PM in response to philberg

In Aperture you will have chosen a location when you imported. WHat did you choose? What was your workflow for importing? If you're managing the Libraries with Aperture, wouldn't you be best to ask on that forum?

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