iPhoto libraries syncing

Question

Level 1

1 points

iPhoto libraries syncing

I have two iPhoto libraries. One on my iMac and one on my Mac Book Air.

They are substantially the same but because I have my MBA with me when we travel I have some photos on the MBA that are not on the iMac.

I would like to sync the two libraries and delete any duplicates.

I am trying to free up some space on the MBA so would like to keep my main library on the Mac and then copy it for traveling to my iPad.

I am using version 09 of iPhoto.

Could someone give me a procedure for this please.

Thanks in advance

joshe.

iMac 27", Mac OS X (10.6.6), Macbook Air 13" Time capsule. 1Tb. ipod classic 160GB

Posted on May 27, 2013 8:45 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

May 27, 2013 8:53 AM in response to joshe123

What do you mean by "Sync".

The general term means when two Libraries (A and B) are compared and files in Library A are copied to Library B, while files in Library B are also copied to Library A so that both Libraries are identical.

This is bi-directional copying and you cannot do this automatically with iPhoto. No Syncing software is capable of parsing the iPhoto Library in this manner. One or both of your Libraries will be damaged if you try this.

You can have uni-directional copying - files in Library A are copied to Library B - this is essentially backing up. Obviously you can also copy from Library B to Library A.

The nearest you can get to syncing is to use iPhoto Library Manager to move files/Albums/Events plus associated metadata between Libraries. This process cannot be automated.

Reply

Answer 2

joshe123 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 27, 2013 9:07 AM in response to Yer_Man

Hi Terence.

Thanks for your response.

It seems as usual I want to do something impossible.

If I copy the library from the MBA to the Mac is there then some way I can have the iPhoto software delete all the duplicates.

If this is possible, what would be the easiest way to copy the library.

joshe

Reply

Answer 3

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

May 27, 2013 9:11 AM in response to joshe123

If I copy the library from the MBA to the Mac is there then some way I can have the iPhoto software delete all the duplicates.

No

You need IPLM to come close to what you want

The nearest you can get to syncing is to use iPhoto Library Manager to move files/Albums/Events plus associated metadata between Libraries. This process cannot be automated.

LN

Reply

Answer 4

joshe123 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 27, 2013 9:30 AM in response to LarryHN

Thank you Both.

If I copy the files from the MBA to a memory stick and transfer them to my Mac will this bring across all data or do I need to buy iPhoto Library Manager and install on the two computers before copying the files.

Could I copy them over using my network with wifi.

joshe

Reply

Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

207,451 points

May 27, 2013 9:40 AM in response to Yer_Man

This application is supposed to sync two libraries:Sync iPhoto libraries | SyncPhotos (formerly iPhotoSync) | Haystack Software

OT

Reply

Answer 6

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

May 27, 2013 9:40 AM in response to joshe123

If I copy the files from the MBA to a memory stick and transfer them to my Mac will this bring across all data or do I need to buy iPhoto Library Manager and install on the two computers before copying the files.

Could I copy them over using my network with wifi.

You are confusing photos with files

You can export photos to a desktoip folder, drag that folder to a memory stick and move it to another machine and import the photos there - no this does not move all data - it moves only the version of the photo that you exported, moves only the metadate that you exported and gives you a totally new photo on teh destination system

If you use IPLM it moves everything - all versions of the photo with editing and maintains the metadata - it can move over the WiFi network although a wired connection is better

LN

Reply

Answer 7

joshe123 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 1, 2013 10:57 PM in response to Old Toad

Old Toad.

Thank you this solved my problem. Also used his program to get rid of duplicates.

Thanks again library all now neat and tidy.

joshe.

Reply

Answer 8

joshe123 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 1, 2013 10:56 PM in response to LarryHN

Larry HN

Thanks this was a great help.

I did of course mean photos not files. So used to calling individual items files.

joshe.

Reply

Answer 9

Aug 17, 2013 9:22 AM in response to joshe123

Can you tell me how large your two libraries are/were? We have a main library that has about 20,000 photos and I have a laptop library with 3000. I would like to make sure all 3000 are in the main library, then delete most of the 3000 from my laptop.

thanks

Mike

Reply

Answer 10

Old Toad

Level 10

207,451 points

Aug 17, 2013 9:31 AM in response to knotMoving

What you should use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager for that. It will copy selected Events or albums from your smaller library to your main library along with keywords, titles, places, etc.

OT

Reply