How can I see the individual picture files within Iphoto Library?

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Iceclown Author

Level 1

5 points

How can I see the individual picture files within Iphoto Library?

iPhoto '08, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 28, 2013 6:15 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Apr 28, 2013 6:54 PM in response to Iceclown

iPhoto is a SQLite database and direct access to the photo files is not supported, is not necessarey and is dangerous -- if you choose to do so AT YOUR OWN RISK right click on the iPhoto library package and show package contents - be aware that any change no matter how small can corrupt your library and cause data loss

The supported (and safe) way to access your photos is using iPhoto and the supplied tools described in this user tip

LN

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Answer 2

Iceclown Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 30, 2013 1:41 PM in response to LarryHN

THANKS VERY much for this. I have another question if I may. I'm finding that I have several IPhoto libraries.

I have some 2500 photos in each. In one of the libraries, when I click on PHOTOS, it shows me most, but not all, of the pix along the top of the screen, but when I double click on them, some come up larger in the screen below and some do not.

Then, in one of the other libraries, all of the squares on the top of the screen which should show the thumbnails of the pix are black. I see a frame made up of a white broken line. When I put the cursor on it, that white broken line is framed by a gold colored straight line and below, in the larger part of the screen, the large image comes up. This happened suddenly one day; I don't remember what I did to achieve that, but it makes Iphoto difficult to work with.

One other question: is it possible to see the exact title and modified dates of the various libraries I'm using while I'm using them?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Iceclown

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

207,409 points

Apr 30, 2013 2:10 PM in response to Iceclown

but when I double click on them, some come up larger in the screen below and some do not.

What do you see when they don't appear after double clicking of the thumbnail? A blank, black window? An exclamation mark in a triangle? If it's either of those apply the two fixes below in order as needed:

Fix #1

Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.

Since only one option can be run at a time start with Option #3, followed by #4 and then #1 as needed.

Fix #2

Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library

1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.

2 - click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.

3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option.

4 - In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.

5 - Click on the Create button.

Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.

OT

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Answer 4

Iceclown Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 30, 2013 2:23 PM in response to Old Toad

Thank you for your help. When you mention the Options, I assume you are referring to the four in the Photo Lib. First Aid below: Is that correct? Also, what would be the easiest way of copying the Library I want to fix?

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

207,409 points

Apr 30, 2013 2:54 PM in response to Iceclown

Yes, that's correct. Where do you want to copy the liblrary to? If its on another volume or hard drive just drag and drop. If it's to another location on the same volume Option-drag it to the new location. There will be a green circle with a white plus sign appear indicating that you're copying and not moving.

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