Markcw98a
Level 1 (9 points)
iPhone

Q: Photos library files

I just recently upgraded my Macbook Pro to Yosemite.   I also got the update for iPhoto, so it works in the new OS.   I have noticed a second file that is being created when I import my older iPhoto library into Photos.   What is that file and how do I deal with it when doing backups?   Do I need the original iPhoto library file AND the newly created 2nd file if I plan to only use iPhoto?   Can the 2nd file stand alone and be used by photos- or do I need both?   Thanks. 

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1), Also iPad2, MBP (10.10.4), iPhone 4

Posted on Jul 22, 2015 8:44 AM

by LarryHN,Solvedanswer
LarryHN LarryHN
Level 10 (85,673 points)
Photos for Mac
A:

Your question is not clear

 

each library is stand alone and complete and does not require the others - However deleting the iPhoto library saves little space as there is only one set of original photos and preview photos both hard linked to each library - Photos saves disk space by sharing images with your iPhoto or Aperture libraries - Apple Support

 

For a few months until you are positive that you do not need or want iPhoto I would keep both the iPhoto and the Photos libraries

 

LN

Posted on Jul 22, 2015 5:24 PM

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Markcw98a

Q: Photos library files

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jul 22, 2015 9:35 AM in response to Markcw98a
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Jul 22, 2015 9:35 AM in response to Markcw98a

    If you mean the post-migration iPhoto library, you don't need it unless you still want to use iPhoto.

  • by Eric Root,Helpful

    Eric Root Eric Root Jul 22, 2015 10:43 AM in response to Markcw98a
    Level 9 (74,069 points)
    iTunes
    Jul 22, 2015 10:43 AM in response to Markcw98a

    If you plan to only use iPhoto, the Photos Library can be deleted if you want.

  • by Markcw98a,

    Markcw98a Markcw98a Jul 22, 2015 1:55 PM in response to Eric Root
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 22, 2015 1:55 PM in response to Eric Root

    Thank you both for responding.   I am attaching a photo of my photo  library folder as a reference.   I think you both kind-of answered the question.   If I understand it right, the first time I opened Photos and dragged the iPhoto library into it, it took a while to convert the library.  I am assuming the 2nd file is the result of that conversion.   If I still want to use iPhoto- I need to keep the iPhoto lib.   If I plan to use Photos, I need to keep the Photo library, but can delete the iPhoto library.   Is that correct?   It seems Photos is more efficient- it's library file is smaller.  But, I suspect that if I got rid of the iPhoto file then I would not be able to open the library in iPhoto- right?   And, I am guessing any pictures I put into Photos, will not be retrievable in iPhoto- since the Photo lib is not readable.   Right?  

     

    Below, I have 2 libraries.   Both have been loaded into Photos also, so there is a corresponding photos file.   If there is a link that explains the library file rules, that would be great.   Thanks.  

    Mark

     

    Library pix1.jpg

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Jul 22, 2015 2:17 PM in response to Markcw98a
    Level 9 (74,069 points)
    iTunes
    Jul 22, 2015 2:17 PM in response to Markcw98a

    You are welcome.

     

    Is that correct?

     

    Yes.

     

     

    open the library in iPhoto- right?

     

    Correct.

     

    For now, if you don't need the hard drive space, keep both Libraries. You may find things iPhoto can do, but Photos can't.

  • by LarryHN,Solvedanswer

    LarryHN LarryHN Jul 22, 2015 5:24 PM in response to Markcw98a
    Level 10 (85,673 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 22, 2015 5:24 PM in response to Markcw98a

    Your question is not clear

     

    each library is stand alone and complete and does not require the others - However deleting the iPhoto library saves little space as there is only one set of original photos and preview photos both hard linked to each library - Photos saves disk space by sharing images with your iPhoto or Aperture libraries - Apple Support

     

    For a few months until you are positive that you do not need or want iPhoto I would keep both the iPhoto and the Photos libraries

     

    LN

  • by Markcw98a,

    Markcw98a Markcw98a Jul 23, 2015 4:27 AM in response to LarryHN
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 23, 2015 4:27 AM in response to LarryHN

    Thank you Larry, I believe I have it:)   I am keeping both for now and will test out Photos.   Since I have never used Aperture, I look forward to trying out some of the features Photos is supposed to offer.   Your explanation summarized what I was looking for.    Thanks again.