How long will iPhoto Libraries be readable?

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How long will iPhoto Libraries be readable?

The recent changes to photo management software motivated me to create a new iPhoto Library for the first time. The old iPhoto Library has 60,000 photos, it's the only cataloging software I have ever used.

For now, the old Library can simply rest on an external HD. But, in the long run, it may became unreadable by Photos 6.x, or by Facebook after Facebook buys Apple, or whatever.

What's the best way to preserve this data in a multi-application readable form?

Mac mini, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)

Posted on May 3, 2015 8:38 AM

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Answer 1

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,278 points

May 3, 2015 9:33 AM in response to gokart-mozart

The best way is to keep it updated and not leave it static. Technology changes and while you can be sure there'll be an upgrade path from one generation to the next, once you skip generations that guarantee goes.

Other than that, these images and this data are in a proprietary format. The only way to preserve it in amulet-application readable form is to export it from the Library and write the metadata to it on export. Of course, you'll lose your non-destrucive editing feature when you do. There's no way around that with iPhoto or any other app.

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